Big city weddings tend to be some of the most style-driven affairs that grace our pages. But with brides who’ve got art, culture and endless inspiration all around them, it’s really no wonder. The perfect example? This Chicago “I do” captured by Tim Tab Studios. It’s stylish to the absolute max, and there’s lots more waiting for you here!
From the Bride… Greg and I met in college at the University of Wisconsin. When I was deciding where to attend law school, Greg still had one more year of college to finish. I told him I chose Chicago over the West Coast because of the city and the school – but secretly I also knew it was only a two and a half hour drive from Madison. When Greg graduated, he turned down all of his full time employment opportunities for a three-month internship that allowed him to move to Chicago too. Two and half years later, he surprised me by taking me on a very special tour of the city. We stopped at all the places that were special to us, took polaroids, drank champagne, and eventually ended up on the rooftop of our apartment building where he proposed.
Chicago was the perfect choice for our wedding. We wanted a traditional wedding that was also romantic, urban, and really, really fun. Our top priorities were finding a unique reception venue that would reflect our style and finding a band that would keep all of our guests on the dance floor. We loved the Chicago Illuminating Company as soon as we stepped inside. The lofty ceilings, oversized standing mirrors and paintings, black and white details, giant built-in bars, outdoor courtyard… there’s so much to love! When we found out it was available on a Saturday only six months away, we quickly set the date and got to work. Who says you need a year to plan a wedding? We couldn’t wait to be married. The next step, choosing our band, was easy. Greg’s three-month internship had since become a full time job directing a music festival. He had taken me to see JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound several times, and even had them slated to play the festival that summer. We were incredibly excited when they said they would play at our wedding, and they didn’t disappoint- eventually leaving our reception with all of our guests chanting for one more song.
We focused on incorporating summery colors and lots of different textures into the flowers, food, and decor. Entertaining Company immediately caught on to the feel of our wedding and created a fun and delicious menu, including bite-sized shepards pies sitting on top of mini-mugs of Guinness and fresh muddled lemonade cocktails. Some of our favorite touches included the outdoor furniture vignettes put together by the Ivan Carlson team and handmade, personalized decorations created by my mom, my sister, and a family friend. Tim and Bethany captured it all, and we were practically giddy when we saw the photos. We feel incredibly blessed and thankful to have had such a beautiful wedding day surrounded by friends and family.
Photography: Tim Tab Studios | Wedding Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design | Ceremony Location: Holy Family Church | Reception Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company | Catering: Entertaining Company | Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago | Band: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound | Bridal Shoes: Kate Spade | Bride's Gown: Vera Wang | Bridesmaid's Gowns: twobirds Bridesmaid | Floral/Lighting/Production: Ivan Carlson and Associates | Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Hair Stylists: Hale Koa phineas Estate