Chicago Wedding at the Columbus Park Refectory from Gerber + Scarpelli

Every wedding tells a personal story and this celebration by Gerber + Scarpelli tells a very unique, happy and stylish one. I’ve never been a fan of wedding cakes either, but I’ll tell you what I am a {huge} fan of . . . doughnuts. So when I saw that Beaver’s Coffee + Donuts rolled up to this reception, I couldn’t help but give an approving nod to this unconventionally chic couple. Be sure to head to the full gallery for more delightfulness.

 

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From the Bride… David and I had been engaged almost seven years before we decided it was time to get married. Part of the problem was we could never find a place that felt right until we came across the refectory. It is a beautiful building with three distinct spaces that are perfect for holding a small ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. We began planning a year ago with Kim Gapinski from Big City Bride, and from the beginning, she knew that our wedding was not going to be a conventional one. David and I decided upon having only groomsmen, as I have three brothers who I wanted to be an important part of the day, and he also has a brother and friends that he wanted to include in the wedding party. Additionally, instead of hiring an officiant, my brother Alex performed the ceremony. Because neither of us is a big fan of wedding cake for dessert, we had Beaver’s Doughnut truck show up to make mini doughnuts hot and fresh for all our guests. In between doughnuts and dancing, guests could visit the Smilebooth, where they could take fun pics to go home with. After the reception, we held an after party at the Diversey River Bowl and treated family to a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field the following day. 

I am very detail-oriented and had a vision not only of how I wanted the day to look but more importantly how I wanted it to feel. The photographer minimized the amount of time we spent taking posed photographs and worked intuitively to capture the essence of the day. This allowed David and me to spend as much time as possible with our family and friends. It was important to us that we have the chance to speak to every single guest and let him or her know how much we appreciate their support. 

Wedding Photography: Maggie Thalheimer of Gerber + Scarpelli / Extra Photography: Smilebooth / Wedding Venue: Columbus Park Refectory in Chicago Illinois / Wedding Planning: Kim Gapinski of Big City Bride / Floral Design: Lance Larsen of Blumgarten & Co. / Officiant: Alex Sabo, A Brother of the Bride / Catering: Blue Plate / Dessert: Beaver’s Coffee + Donuts / Print Materials: Love vs. Design / DJ: Joe Delfin of Monastero Entertainment / Embroidered Table Numbers: Daniel Spurge of The Merriweather Council / Handkerchief Programs + Soda Pop Escort Cards: DIY / Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander / Bride’s Shoes (Both Pairs): Christian Louboutin / Bride’s Cardigan: Boden / Bride’s Clutch: Natasha Couture / Bride’s Headband: BHLDN / Hair: A Cut Above (Woodstock, IL) / Makeup: Jennifer Linnekin / Men’s Suits: Jos. A. Bank / Men’s Ties: Burberry