Have I told you all before how much I love Chicago weddings? I have? Well, I’m going to profess my love for them again today, because after seeing this beauty from Riverbend Studio and Barbara Moss Events I simply can’t contain myself. It’s elegant, yet comfortable, city chic, yet warm at the same time. It’s everything I love about Chicago weddings wrapped up in one lovely post, and it’s all sitting pretty right here.
Our wedding was a reflection of everything we loved: our recessional to Bob Dylan’s “I Want You;” our first look on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the Chicago River we had walked along twelve years earlier on one of our first dates; a trolley ride through Chicago with our wedding party; and most of all, our friends and family gathered in one place.
David and I come from different religious backgrounds, and our wedding honored and reflected our traditions, faiths, and customs. Our ceremony was a vision of how we will incorporate our religious differences into our shared life in the future. It was jointly-officiated by a minister and a rabbi who blended our beliefs into a beautiful ceremony. In our wedding program we explained the significance of several meaningful elements: our interfaith ketubah, my parents’ wedding prayer, the chuppah, the koufeta- our Greek table favors, and the Seven Blessings.
We surrounded ourselves with memories of our families under the chuppah. My mom made me a handkerchief from the lace of her wedding gown, and we wrapped it around my bouquet. I placed pictures of both of my sets of grandparents on their wedding days into my grandma’s signature locket and carried that with my bouquet, as well. David wore his late dad’s cuff links and was married with his dad’s ring.
Our vendors were spectacular. They made our space beautiful, kept the party dancing all night, made sure every detail was perfect from start to finish, and captured all the excitement, emotion, and happiness in photos and on film. We remain grateful to all our vendors. It is also absolutely imperative to thank Style Me Pretty for the hours of enjoyment and inspiration their blog has provided (and still provides!). Thank you!
David was an incredible partner in wedding planning. Because we made all decisions together, the day was wonderful and truly ours. Exercising the best advice we received during the planning process, we spent our entire wedding side by side. To pass on good advice: In the excitement and craziness of the day, it’s easy to get pulled in opposite directions. Your wedding day will be amazing, make sure you spend it together.
[dotted]
Wedding Photography: Robin Sloan of Riverbend Studio | Wedding Venue: Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel | Wedding Planner: Barbara Moss of Barbara Moss Events | Floral + Event Design: Richard Remiard Design | Ceremony Music + Band: Dan Hayes Orchestra | Cinematography: Xpress Video Productions | Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (now closed) | Bride’s Sash + Hair Clip: Modern Trousseau | Bride’s Shoes: Nina | Bride’s Veil: Nina via Nordstrom | Bride’s Jewelry: Nadri via Nordstrom | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier via Bella Bridesmaid | Invitations: Programs + Menus + Escort Cards: Miss Print | Trolley: Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. | Hair + Make Up: Chicago Avenue Salon