Embracing the Rain with a Chic and Romantic Chicago Affair

Returning to the city where their love story began, this Bride and Groom threw an insanely romantic Chicago wedding….rain included. Captured by Kate Weinstein, the gloomy day set the scene for a chic celebration planned by Estera Events, including blush colored blooms by Stems, watercolor stationery by EVR Paper and the prettiest portraits under the umbrella.

From the Photographer… Susan & Peter met while in college in Chicago and their first date was to a dog park. After a few years of dating, they moved to NYC so Susan could pursue her dream to work in fashion, and Peter in tech. Since they are both from Chicago and it is where their love story began, they decided to get married in Chicago and chose Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park for its natural but still urban setting. Chicago weather in March can be quite unpredictable and it ended up being a foggy day with intermittent rain, but the bride was not the least bit concerned with the weather. Susan said she loved that it was raining because it made the usually busy city feel “so still, and peaceful.”

Estera Events planned the day to perfection, and Stems created the florals. Peter and Susan got ready at the Public Hotel and had their first look on the Ava Terrace at the hotel. Susan chose an embroidered dress by Lee Petra Grebenau, and accented it with a white fur stole for extra warmth. Joanna B Artistry designed Susan’s makeup, and Gia Tovar designed her hair. The Groom wore a suit by Double RL – Ralph Lauren. At Cafe Brauer, Tiger Lily Weddings provided the catering, Alliance Bakery created the cake, Toast and Jam DJ’d, String Theory provided the ceremony music, and Nimble Well provided rentals. The paper and invitations were designed by EVR Paper, who created a custom watercolor of Cafe Brauer to fit Susan’s vision and colors. For their first dance, Susan and Peter danced a piece choreographed to a musical medley from one of their favorite movies, La La Land!

Photography: Kate Weinstein Photo | Florals: Stems, inc. | Cake: Alliance Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Cafe Brauer | Reception Venue: Cafe Brauer | Shoes: Charlotte Olympia | Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Tigerlily Events | Makeup: Joanna B Artistry | Hair Stylist: Gia Tovar | DJ: Toast and Jam | Ties: The Tie Bar | Groom's Suit: Ralph Lauren | Groomsmen Suits: Jos A. Bank Rentals | Transportation: Echo Limousine | Ceremony Musicians: Style Matters DJs | Getting Ready Hotel: Public Hotel | Paper / Invitations: EVR Paper Co., Christine Bellagamba | Planning: Estera Events | Rentals: Nimble Well | Ring box: The Mrs Box | Sweets: Snow Dragon Shavery | Veil : Cassandra Silvestro | Wedding Dress Designer: Lee Grebenau | Wedding Dress Shop: SPINA