This wedding just looks FUN. Like the kind of fun that has you still talking years down the road. You know the ones… totally gorgeous, filled with sweet, personalized details, amazing food and dancing ’til dawn. But, when you are as hip as these two lovelies (seriously – look at them) and celebrate your Big Day in a stunningly colorful way in downtown Chicago at theWit Hotel, it’s pretty much a no-brainer that you’re going to love every last minute. Oh, and the “Morning After” gift bags for the guests? Brilliant. See it all through the lens of Joshua Albanese Photography right here.
And a beautiful film from Leap Weddings for even more pretty. Enjoy.
From Joshua Albanese Photography… We first met with Alison and Paul in the fall of 2011 and we felt an immediate connection with them. Their playful and sarcastic sense of humor and the way they teased each other could in no way hide the affection and attraction they had for each other and we loved that, despite their strong personalities, their sweet sides would peek through in the most unexpected ways. We were especially charmed with the way Paul proposed to Alison, sending her on an Easter Egg hunt through their home that led to a special purple egg nestled on a shelf among their photos that contained a gorgeous diamond engagement ring. There isn’t a girl in the world that could resist that sweetness, and Alison responded with an excited “Yes!”
The Wit quickly became one of our favorite wedding venues, with a great downtown location and a perfect blend of eclectic and modern décor. We found a shoji door near the restaurant that was perfect for Alison and Paul’s “first look.” They chose to do a unique variation that relied on their senses of sound and touch, saving the actual reveal for the ceremony. As Paul and Alison joined hands around the door and called out to each other, shaky and nervous voices became steady while they talked about the morning’s events.
With hand squeezes and words of encouragement, Alison and Paul were ready to exchange their vows. As the musicians began their sweet melodies, Alison’s mother adjusted her daughter’s veil and gave her one more quick hug before escorting her down the aisle. The couple was married in a touching, personalized ceremony that included a fantastic Robert Fulghum reading and – much to our amusement – anecdotes about their relationship and alter egos.
After the final blessing, Alison and Paul were pronounced husband and wife and quickly stole away to the Phoenix Lounge to enjoy a private moment together while guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the ultra-swanky rooftop lounge. They toasted to their marriage and Alison showed off the finer details of her attire, including her something blue – a small heart patch with their names and wedding date that was sewn into the lining of her dress.
We gathered up the bridal party and snagged some of the photo booth props to take on our photo walk. Paul and his groomsmen rocked some funky socks and Alison sported some sparkly Kate Spade heels that would make Dorothy tired of her own red pumps.
While guests were upstairs enjoying views of Chicago and Lake Michigan in the Rooftop Lounge, Jill Hankee from IC3 Events was downstairs supervising the reception decoration, setting out the Lucite name cards and helping Stemline arrange the lush pomanders and centerpieces. Take the Cake provided a stunning 4-tier confection that fit seamlessly with Alison and Paul’s “elegant with a twist of modern” vision.
Because Alison and Paul chose to have a more intimate celebration with just close family and friends, they were able to give every detail their personalized touch and treated their guests to a delicious meal, sweet favors, and our favorite – Morning After Bags that included Bloody Mary mix, mini bottles of vodka, tabasco sauce, Advil, and water. Best idea ever! Glasses were raised and clinked to the heartwarming and funny toasts, and Alison and Paul shared their first dance as husband and wife before opening the dance floor for everyone to party and enjoy the views of the evening city lights.
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Wedding Photography: Joshua Albanese Photography | Wedding Venue: theWit Hotel in Chicago, Illinois | Wedding Cinematography: Leap Weddings | Event Planning: IC3 Events | Floral Design: Stemline Creative | Wedding Cake: Take The Cake |Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss