The moment I see the words DIY pop up on my computer screen, I get a little giddy. Actually, I get a LOT giddy, because, well… there’s nothing I love more than a sweet, homegrown affair. And this fabulous Oak Park wedding? It’s everything I adore about a labor of love soiree, with smiley faces bursting from every moment and some downright crafty details to boot. (Check out those fab place cards!) Thank goodness the oh-so-talented Alix Klingenberg Photography was on hand to snap up all of the pretty, because the gallery is literally overflowing with HAPPY. Join me there for more.
From Alix Klingenberg Photography… I met up with Malena and Andy in their amazingly cool apartment in Wicker Park where they got ready in tandem, avoiding seeing each other only after they were in full attire. The casual and loving atmosphere was a lovely contrast to the usual getting ready process. After running around Wicker Park for a few photos, we headed to Oak Park’s Pleasant Home. Pleasant Home is “a landmark Prairie Style house museum” and is one of the most beautiful venues I’ve had the pleasure of working in. My favorite moment was the traditional tea ceremony they incorporated into the ceremony to honor their parents.
From the Bride… Andy and I left Ohio and Seattle and met each other during our first semester of architecture school in Chicago. We are very close with our families and friends back home, and it has not been easy being away from them for so many years. We saw the wedding as an opportunity to throw a big party for the people we love and for them to finally get a glimpse of our lives in Chicago. We tried to make the wedding as personal as possible, finding many opportunities to employ our talent as designers and crafters. The day went by too fast, but my favorite moment is when we were finally married. I was so happy and relieved! The second moment is right when we entered the dining room and saw all of our family and friends. Having all of them together in the same room with us is something I’ve wanted for a long time. People still tell us our wedding is one of the best weddings they’ve been to. It makes me happy to know we met our goals and that all the work put into making the wedding our own paid off.
Wedding Photography: Alix Klingenberg Photography / Wedding Venue: Pleasant Home in Oak Park, Illinois / Bouquets: Asrai Gardens / Reception Flowers: Purchased via Kennicott Brothers + Arranged by a Friend / Food + Bacon Truffles: Lou, A Friend of the Couple / Cakes + Tartlets: Vanille Patisserie / Italian Ice: Miko’s Italian Ice / Drinks: Beer Brewed by the Groom, The Couple’s Favorite Regional Wines & Beers + Fig Soda Made Lou, by a Friend of the Couple / Wedding Invitations: Spark Letterpress via Paper Doll / Response Card Design: DIY by the Bride & Groom / Ceremony Violins + Cocktail Hour Piano: Steckman Studio of Music / DJ: DJ Harsh / Place Cards: DIY by Friends of the Bride / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Quilt: From the Groom’s Grandmother / Wood Box: From the Groom’s Father / Wedding Dress: San Patrick via Dimitra’s Bridal Couture / Dress Alteration: Fit ‘n Stitches (312-772-2230) / Bride’s Shoes: Enzo Angiolini “Merryann ” / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Designed by the Bridesmaids + Sewed by the Bride’s Mother, Using Fabric Selected by the Bride / Groom’s Suit: Brooks Brothers / Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan “Air Adams” / Groomsmen’s Suits: Monitor Formal Wear / Men’s Ties: The Tie Bar / Bride’s Rings: Custom by Anne Sportun via Virtu / Groom’s Ring: DIY