I always get a little giddy when someone in the wedding industry ties the knot – because let’s be honest – you know their Big Day will be amazing. So when Catherine of The Charm Studio shared her beautiful photos by The McCartneys, I gushed over the details longer than a care to admit. Catherine worked her paper design magic to create hand-drawn stationery with custom lettering by Bien Fait Calligraphy and the result is one of the prettiest invitation suites to EVER grace our pages. Go see lots more waiting in The Vault!
From The McCartneys Photography… Catherine & Andrew were married in August at the church she grew up in and Andrew’s cousin, Father Steve, was their officiant. The ceremony was held at the absolutely beautiful church in Glenview, IL, with the reception just a few minutes down the road at the Glen View Club, which happens to be where Catherine’s parents had their wedding celebration as well!
Paper goods are always the first impression a guest will have of your wedding, and Catherine made sure to have an incredible impact. As the owner, designer and illustrator of The Charm Studio, Catherine’s guest knew her invitations would be especially beautiful…and boy, were they all right! Catherine created a hand drawn Fitzpatrick/Sullivan family crest which combined elements from each of their own family crests, and carried out this theme with hand drawn blooms throughout all of her paper goods: charger menus, escort board, ceremony programs, welcome bags, save the dates & of course the invitations, which included custom calligraphy by Bien Fait Calligraphy. Catherine also designed her own custom-made wedding dress, which was inspired by her mother’s, wore a veil and headpiece designed by her friend, and a bracelet which was made by her grandmother for her mom when she was married!
Elegance upon elegance with hydrangea blue everywhere. Fleur hung lush greens from the chandeliers and dressed each table with beautiful white blooms atop La Tavola Linens. After heartfelt toasts, all of Catherine & Andrew’s wedding guests crowded the dance floor with the High Society Band!
A little bit more about the couple…
Catherine & Andrew were introduced by a friend and they started dating in the summer of 2013. One year later they had dinner plans and Andrew forgot his wallet, so he ran back to get it before they continued on with dinner at a french restaurant. When they got home afterwards Andrew’s place was decorated with roses, petals and candles, serving as the most romantic setting to propose to Catherine with a stunning ring they hand selected together!
In planning for their wedding, Catherine & Andrew left not one detail overlooked! Catherine has a studio in downtown Chicago where she designs lovely wedding invitations & paper goods at The Charm Studio. We can only imagine how many times she was asked what her own wedding invitation might look like leading up to her & Andrew’s wedding day! Needless to say, we were absolutely blown away. By hand, Catherine drew a crest combining elements from each of their family crests, which was used throughout their wedding on the invitation (with gorgeous custom calligraphy by Bien Fiet Calligraphy) as well as their escort board, menu chargers, table numbers and more!
After a beautiful ceremony at the church Catherine grew up with, we arrived to Glen View Club where her parents are members and were absolutely in love with its exquisite architecture and landscaping. With a beautiful palette of white, light green and hydrangea blue, Catherine & Andrew’s wedding celebration was timeless and elegant! Their wedding day was blessed with endless sunshine and we couldn’t get enough of the Club’s giant oak trees, which made for a perfect portrait spot with this most classic bride & groom!
Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio before entering one of the most grand settings where greens hung from giant chandeliers, Catherine’s hand-drawn crest marked each table, and Fleur brightened up the light-filled room with white & green centerpieces. Catherine & Andrew were seated at a long table with their bridal party, all of whom dined on the most darling hydrangea blue plates. After sneaking Catherine & Andrew out for photos during a perfect sunset, they cut their cake and were welcomed to the dance floor by High Society Band. We couldn’t help but smile when guests immediately flooded the dance floor!
Photography: The McCartneys Photography | Coordination: Party Service Chicago | Floral Design: Fleur Inc | Invitations: The Charm Studio | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Reception Venue: Glen View Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup: Jonathan Breitung Salon | Calligraphy: Bien Fait Calligraphy | Band: High Society Orchestra | Bow Ties: J.Crew | Groom's Attire: Emanuel's Tuxedo Rental | Ceremony Harpist: Mary O'Brien | Film Processing: Fast Foto & Digital | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Plate Rentals : Vintage Place Settings