The very first image of this beautiful bride with the stunning Chicago skyline behind her has stolen my heart, locked it up for good, and thrown away the key. In fact, the whole beautiful soiree is the heartbreaker kind… though with the bountiful love and joy radiating from every one of Jaclyn Simpson’s images, no hearts will be broken… just stolen.
From the stunning bride… Michael and I knew from the start that we wanted a Chicago wedding. We both love this city and have had many great memories here. Finding a venue in the windy city was no easy task – there are so many gorgeous locations, but the Chicago History Museum was really perfect for us. It offered a picturesque outdoor pavilion for the ceremony, and an elegant reception space indoors with a grand chandelier and a classic checkered dance floor. Michael and I immediately knew this was where we wanted to get married.
Our wedding day was absolutely perfect and we are so thankful!! It was a mild September afternoon with a slight breeze and clear skies. The outdoor ceremony proceeded as planned with a hand release of doves as a symbol of our unity, and a flock of doves released from baskets during our first kiss! Doves choose one partner for life and have been used throughout history as a symbol of love, peace, faithfulness, and prosperity. We wanted this to represent the love and commitment we gave to each other on our wedding day.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Chicago’s famous Berghoff and perused the exhibits inside the museum. During that time, a private Chinese tea ceremony took place in the bridal room with a few close family members. I’m glad we were able to incorporate some traditional Chinese elements such as the “囍“ symbol which means double happiness and promises an auspicious occasion.
The reception space was absolutely breathtaking, as Kelly from Fleur, Inc. brought my visions to life. She created two sets of centerpieces – a classic trio of vases with submerged green orchids surrounded by succulents of complimentary colors, and an airy tall arrangement of baby’s breath with flickering tea lights. Guests enjoyed delicious entrees and danced to music sung by Louise from the Louise Kelly Jazz Trio of Backthird Entertainment. Her piano / vocal rendition of our first dance song was amazing! It made our first dance just that much more special!
At the end of the night, guests gathered outside to send Michael and I off on our horse carriage ride to the hotel. Being in a carriage with a white horse in my wedding dress made me feel like an absolute princess – and having my handsome prince by my side was just the perfect way to end a flawless day.
We couldn’t have wished for a better wedding day and thank Misha from Liven It Up Events for coordinating every detail. We couldn’t have done it without her! Last but not least, we are so lucky to have found Jaclyn, our photographer, who captured beautiful images that we will treasure forever.
Photography: Jaclyn Simpson | Event Planning: Liven It Up Events | Floral Design: Fleur Inc | Wedding Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design | Invitations: Papyrus | Ceremony Venue: Chicago History Museum | Reception Venue: Chicago History Museum | Catering: Berghoff Catering | Hair & Makeup: Sonia Roselli | Bridesmaids\' Dresses: Weddington Way | Ceremony Doves: White Dove Release | Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier | Getting Ready: Public Hotel | Groom\'s Attire: Balani | Music: Backthird Entertainment | Shoe Designer: Guiseppe Zanotti