When we at SMP come across a wedding like this one, we just have to stop. Stop all of the business of our days and steal a minute to take it all in. To soak up all of the warmth and shine and glimmer and love that comes through our screens as we get lost in the gallery. And oh, that gallery. Every image from George Street Photo and Video glows. Literally, they glow. Down the exquisite aisle of St. Ignatius Church and through the magnificent rafters of The Rookery, every speck of this wedding exudes radiance in its fullest form. And you can see it all right here.
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From the Bride… Tony and I met at bar in our San Francisco neighborhood, locked eyes and talked for five straight hours. We have been together ever since. We packed one weekend visit to Chicago with 20 venue visits. Not kidding! From museums to lofts to hotel ballrooms, we saw everything. When we walked into The Rookery, we were done. We were both in awe. We wanted a fall wedding, but the first available date wasn’t until spring. April 14th ended up being the same week as that fateful night at the Pacific Heights bar four years ago…
The Rookery was our inspiration, and its beauty stands out on its own, so we kept it neutral then added my fave sterling rose, paired with ivory, black, gold, lavender and gray wedding colors.Garment packaging is my trade so I wanted to subtly bring that into the wedding décor. I also have so many samples lying around my office; it would be a shame to buy something new versus just using what I had. The name cards were written on old Banana Republic denim packaging (i.e. the tag on the jeans you buy!). The note on the cinnamon rolls were old Club Monaco denim packaging, and the string was from an old Gap hangtag. The San Fran neighborhood table names were in the shape of hangtags with a gold string, another subtle nod to packaging.
I had two favorite moments on my wedding day. First was my first moment of eye contact with Tony as I walked down the aisle. Second was my family tradition when my dad sings “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” while all guests hold hands and encircle the bride and groom, slowly enclosing and tightening circle until there is no space. I can’t explain the love that’s felt when you’re bear-hugged by all your closest ones at same time wishing you well. Regardless of what I wore or how our centerpieces looked, it is our love that made our day unique. And always remember to focus on that.
Wedding Photography: George Street Photo and Video / Ceremony: St. Ignatius Church in Chicago, Illinois / Reception: The Rookery in Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Coordination: Tiffany Munster of Soirée Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Cattleya Bridal & Floral Design / Catering: Blue Plate / Wedding Cake + Gelato Cart: Black Dog Gelato / Wedding Invitations, Signage + Stationery: DIY by Bride / Band: Indigo / Draping + Décor: Art of Imagination / Cinnamon Roll Favors: Ann Sather / Transportation: Chicago Limo Anywhere / Wedding Dress: Le Sposa / Bride’s Earrings: From Her Aunt / Bride’s Shoes: From Hong Kong / Bride’s Headpiece: DIY by a Bridesmaid / Hair + Makeup: Morgan Blaul / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Their Choice / Flower Girls’ Dresses: Chasing Fireflies / Flower Girls’ Sashes: DIY by the Bride’s Sister / Flower Girls’ Shoes: Target + DIY Gold Glitter / Groomsmen’s Cufflinks: Brooks Brothers