Oh, Shane Welch Photography. We owe you a really, REALLY big thank you. Because not only did you add some serious sunshine to our Wednesday morning, it’s a sunshine that happens to include some pretty yellow hues, beautiful blooms by Scarlet Petal and a could.not.be.cuter bride and groom. And, well… that’s the best kind of sunshine there is. And the gallery literally overflowing with one heartwarming moment after another? SOOO good. See it all right here.
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Emily and Chris met growing up in Evanston, Illinois, but it wasn’t until a few years after high school that they reconnected and fell in love. From the get-go, they knew they wanted a relaxed and fun wedding celebration. Café Brauer, surrounded by the beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo and gardens, was the perfect location for their summertime nuptials. They worked with Joan of Five Grain Events to put together a celebration that captured the essence of all that natural beauty.
Emily and Chris got ready at Hotel Lincoln just across the park from Café Brauer. It is a very cool and funky hotel, and the location couldn’t have been more perfect. The ever-wonderful Livia Caporale and Tiffany Berry of Flawless by Tiffany were on hand to beautify the lovely ladies. Rain had been threatening all day, but luckily it held off. Emily and Chris shared their first look, captured by Shane Welch, just outside of Hotel Lincoln. Chris’s great-uncle was THE Alfred Caldwell of the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond in Lincoln Park. It was the perfect location for bridal party photos: both meaningful and fitting with the Emily’s natural aesthetic. Emily’s gorgeous bouquet was created by Scarlet Petal. Emily wanted her flowers to reflect the foliage surrounding her wedding venue. The bridesmaids carried clouds of baby’s breath for a more whimsical look.
Emily and Chris’s ceremony was very well thought-out: a true reflection of the two of them. Marian Hale officiated, and Choice Music Chicago provided the lovely music. Following the ceremony, guests made their way out onto the North Loggia for cocktails. Blue Plate passed delectable hors d’oeuvres while Emily and Chris’s friends and family mingled and chatted over their beverage of choice. The bride and groom chose Flour Cake & Pastry to create the masterpiece of a cake. Each of the sugar flowers had either a slight yellow or slight green tint to them to reflect the color scheme. As dinnertime approached, guests headed into the Great Hall for dinner. Blue Plate readied their food stations featuring steamed seasonal vegetables, Mediterranean-inspired fish and chicken dishes and a delicious pasta dish oozing with fresh mozzarella. Emily and Chris’s friends and family toasted the couple’s happiness. Despite the nearly 200 guests in attendance, it truly felt like an intimate affair. Following the delicious meal, Emily and Chris took to the dance floor, and their guests followed shortly thereafter. Rachel from Toast & Jam DJs kept the music flowing, and everyone had a great time! Before the end of the evening, Shane Welch stole the bride and groom for a quick nighttime photo session.
Wedding Photography: Shane Welch Photography / Wedding Venue: Cafe Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois / Planning: Joan Cinquegrani of Five Grain Events / Floral Design: Scarlet Petal / Officiant: Marian Hale of All Ceremonies Beautifully Done / Catering: Blue Plate / Wedding Cake: Flour Cake & Pastry / Ceremony Music: Choice Music Chicago / Entertainment: Rachel Hinsdale of Toast & Jam / Transportation: Windy City Limo / Accommodations: Hotel Lincoln / Wedding Dress: Demetrios via Macy’s / Hair: Livia Caporale / Makeup: Flawless by Tiffany / Men’s Suits: Jos. A. Bank