Cristina G Photography has been the reason for a lot of happy moments here at SMP. A lot of stop-you-in-your-tracks, take your breath away happy moments overflowing with smiling faces and bundles upon bundles of pretty. We adore her. So spending our day adding to her ever-growing list of amazing? Awesome. Especially when it’s a beautiful Chicago affair with a hot pink twist on tradition that boasts gorgeous blooms from Avant Gardenia and a stunning cake from La Petite Sweet. See it all right here in the full gallery.
From the Bride… Shane and I ‘met’ on a pen-pal website called interpals, exactly five years ago to the day. Neither of us were looking to start a relationship at the time, least of all with someone who lived four thousand miles away… and yet somehow that is exactly what ended up happening. Shane had just finished college at the time, and, never having gone more than a couple hundred miles from his hometown in Ireland, was looking to do some traveling before starting work. He expressed some interest in visiting the states, and asked me if I had any recommendations on where to go. I of course told him he had to see Chicago, and jokingly mentioned that I would put him up in my college dorm room if he ever decided to visit, never in a million years thinking that anything would ever come of it. Little did I know.
Four years into our relationship Shane proposed during an all too short trip to Chicago for the Christmas holidays. Five days later he returned to Ireland, and I would not see him again for the following six months. During this time I threw myself into wedding planning and (more importantly) visa paperwork. We didn’t set out planning our wedding with a particular theme in mind. We knew we wanted something ‘classic and elegant,’ but as far as colors and styles went, we were pretty much open to anything. What was most important to Shane and I, was that our wedding be an unforgettable party, with good food, drinks, music and dancing all taking top priority. Everything else it seems, just sort of ‘fell into place.’
Having so many of our family and friends together for our wedding was an absolutely amazing experience, and one we’ll never forget. It was so special and humbling to be surrounded by so much love and support. We could not have asked for a more perfect day and will be forever grateful for all of the memories made!
From Cristina G Photography… Maddie and Shane were married on a gorgeous April day at one of the most elegant (member only) venues in downtown Chicago – Woman’s Athletic Center. Maddie envisioned the grand ballroom decorated with lush, spring flowers in beautiful sherbet tones that complimented the colors in the room to perfection. She worked with the incredibly talented Jenna Sprengel of Avant Gardenia to bring her vision to life. Stunning shades of pink were used in the floral arrangements to accent the bridesmaids’ fuchsia dresses as well as other soft spring colors such as peach, light green, and yellow. A variety of lush spring floral were mixed together to create the bouquets and centerpieces, which were made in elegant silver pedestal bowls to accent the rich and classic venue. The floral scheme included peonies, ranunculus, hellebores, garden roses, lisianthus, sweet pea, astilbe, hyacinth, tulips, and dusty miller. Maddie’s mermaid style lace dress was a unique Maggie Sottero design. Working with them was a photographer’s dream – such a sweet couple – so in love you could feel it!
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Photography: Cristina G Photography | Floral Design: Avant Gardenia (avantgardeniachicago@yahoo.com) | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Woman’s Athletic Club Chicago | Cake: La Petite Sweet | DJ: Music by Design | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero via Martellen’s Dress & Bridal Boutique