Not to skip over one of the top four seasons of the year, but when a winter wedding so beautiful hits my inbox, I can’t help but let loose a squeal and put it on the calendar right away. So today, we have a wedding flora’d + designed by Hello Darling, Floral & Event Styling in the most fabulous shades of frost, snow, and sparkles. Captured beautifully by Life On Prints, the entire soiree is wonderfully winter and it’s all in the gallery for your viewing pleasure!
Click here to see the full image gallery!
Andrew and I grew closest as a couple during the winter season: when it was too cold to do anything outside, and so we spent hours just talking, watching movies, or reading books by a fire while sharing hot cocoa, warm cider, and comfort foods. We wanted a winter wedding because it reminded us of those times that led us to discover our love for each other.
Our vision for the ceremony was to honor my traditional Catholic practices while being mindful to include Chinese color traditions from Andrew’s family. We chose a shorter ceremony but had the beautiful music of the Holy Name Cathedral; as a violinist and pianist myself, the ceremony music was particularly important to me as a way to celebrate spirituality.
Our vision for the reception was to create a “winter wonderland” in a way that would evoke those favorite times Andrew and I shared in our early relationship. We chose vendors who could create this atmosphere most effectively (Hello Darling was the only one, in my mind!), and since Andrew and I love food, we wanted a caterer who could create the wonderful winter comfort foods we enjoy so much, and Blue Plate Catering truly exceeded our expectations!
Music is very important to both of us, and Dustin with Toast and Jam created the best fusion of Indie Rock, Electronica, Classic 40s, and Contemporary Jams that set the perfect dancing party scene for everyone. It was the happiest day of our lives, and judging by how many of our friends still talk to us about how much they enjoyed the “best wedding ever,” I’d say it was a pretty memorable night for our guests, too!
Photographer: Life on Prints / Floral & Event Styling: Hello Darling / Wedding Coordination: An Urban Affair / Ceremony Venue: Holy Name Cathedral / Reception Venue: The Rookery / Rookery Draping: Art of Imagination / Lighting: Frost Chicago / Hotel: JW Marriott – Chicago / Catering: Blue Plate Catering / Hair Styling: Livia Caporale / Makeup Styling: Andie Cumber / DJ: Dustin from Toast & Jam / Cake: Sarah’s Candies & Pastry / Tuxedos: Formally Modern / Bridal gown: Badgley Mischka via Ultimate Bride / Veil: Erin Lindsay Custom Designs / Bridal jewelry: The Left Bank / Getaway car: Classic Chassis