This couple prioritized their favorite things, and it just goes to show that if you’re true to yourself and what you love, a beautiful wedding will develop no matter what! Inspired by their favorite cities, family treasures, religious upbringings and more, the bride and groom created a super fun day with unforgettable favors, food and a knock-your-socks-off dance party. The roof deck at the Grand Piazza at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame offered breathtaking views of Chicago as well. Many thanks to Chernivsky Weddings for sharing the gorgeousness in the full gallery of photos right here!
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From the Bride…There was no doubt that Dan and I wanted to get married in Chicago, the city where we fell in love and have lived since graduating college. We dated for five years before getting engaged in Greece and spent another year planning the entire wedding ourselves — a challenge I will never forget, but I loved every minute of it. Because neither of us are from Chicago — Dan is from Cleveland, and I am from Washington DC — it was important to us that our guests had the ultimate Windy City experience, complete with an unforgettable view of our famous skyline and mini, late-night deep dish pizzas.
Choosing a memorable venue was our first priority, and the instant we saw the the stunning rooftop terrace and ballroom at the Grand Piazza, we knew it was perfect. The venue is housed within The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood, a perfect treat for our guests to walk around before the ceremony. Our inspiration for the wedding was the Chicago skyline, which we incorporated into our invitations, ceremony and cocktail hour backdrop, table numbers and favors. Our wedding was traditional with a twist, similar to our personalities and style. Because it was a summer affair, we had touches of black and white stripes, pops of yellow craspedia, pink garden roses and white hydrangea blooms. We also incorporated parasols, lace fans, a flip flop basket and a candy bar with salt water taffy as an homage to my Maryland roots. Our amazing photographer, Ben Chernivsky, took us to 31st Street Beach and Lake Michigan to capture the classic Chicago summertime vibe.
Because Dan is Catholic and I am Jewish, we knew the ceremony would incorporate traditions from both faiths. We had a Catholic reading, and Dan performed the breaking of the glass, a Jewish tradition that was very important for me to have in our union. Our close friend officiated the wedding and delivered a heartfelt and emotional ceremony that our friends and family are still talking about! To add some personal touches, we had our guests sign old vintage records that were passed down from our parents, a small sample of a huge collection we have adorning our apartment walls. Music and dancing are our absolute favorite things in the world, so we kicked off cocktail hour on the roof with some eclectic tunes that we knew our friends would appreciate. Once we hit the dance floor, we went for a Motown vibe that kept our dance floor packed all night.
I couldn’t have completed all the details without the help of my event expert sister and art teacher mother, who were there every step of the way crafting the small details and putting the finishing touches together. In addition, our friends and family made it easy for us to sit back, relax and soak in every moment. I will never forget walking down the aisle to meet Dan and the moments we shared together at the start of our journey as husband and wife.
Wedding Photography: Benjamin Chernivsky of Chernivsky Weddings / Wedding Venue: Grand Piazza at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago, Illinois / Floral Design: Town & Country Gardens / Catering: Levy Restuarants / Wedding Invitations: Greater Than Digital / DJ: Tom Ulrich of Spinnin’ Discs / Photo Booth: Photo Booth To The Stars / Linens: Chair Covers and Linens / Wedding Dress: Watters / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mishka / Bride’s Jewelry: The Left Bank + The Bride’s Mother / Hair: Claudia Olvera of Color Me Salon / Makeup: Javi Escobado / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid / Groom’s Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse