Clean Lines and Playful Texture Take Center Stage at This Midwestern Affair

Modern Romantic Garden Party. Clean lines, fun graphics & patterns, but the soft edges from the floral and linen choices. Lighting was such an important element as well to warm up such a modern space. They had not one but TWO statement chandelier moments. One over the head table & one over the incredible dancing area.

From the bride - Jared proposed on June 24, 2022 in Chicago. It was a perfect summer day and I was planning to go to dinner with a few of my girl friends at a new spot in Lincoln Park. On the way to dinner with my friends, they suggested we get a drink somewhere nearby first. We arrived at CSK, a place I’d never been but look super cute online. Once we got there, I entered the patio to see Jared with a beautifully romantic set up of candles, twinkly lights, and flowers and nobody else. He proposed here and when we entered CSK, all of our friends and family were there to celebrate. He had rented out the entire bar/restaurant so we could have an amazing engagement party there that same night. There were photos of us at our favorite moments and he catered our favorite local spot, the Athenian room. People had flown from around the country. It was so special and I felt so loved. It was so perfect and something I’ll never forget. I had never been so surprised in my life and it was so clear how much effort he put into this moment.

My ceremony gown was by Lihi Hodd and from Alice and Ivory. My reception dress was from Dmitras Bridal.

Bridesmaid dresses from Bhldn and groomsmen looks from the Black Tux.

Special Cocktails: Hers Spicy Margarita, His Old Fashion in honor of WI Traditions. Passed Apps: Tuna Tartare, Grilled Cheese, little Italy, artichoke croustillant, chicken satay, crispy polenta, panko shrimp Charcuterie Board Display Cake - Champagne cake with raspberry & vanilla filling + cream cheese frosting

The ceremony was our first impression WOW moment to guests. Greeted with champagne & live musicians and then escorted to their seats that overlooked stunning Lake Michigan with a floral adorned acrylic chuppah to add a modern edge to a beautiful tradition.

Greige Milwaukee - a stunning all-white cake that was the centerpiece of the reception room. The cake shots are some of our favorites

I walked down the aisle to Halo by Beyonce (she’s my favorite). The processional was to sky full of stars. Recessional wake me up by avicci. Officiated by Jared’s close friend Zach.

From the bride - I really wanted this wedding to feel timeless and elegant. But personal and warm at the same time and I think we perfectly nailed that! I wanted guests to have fun and feel the love just as much as Jared and I did that day. We’re huge foodies so having tons of food (and cheese) was important to us! Some special moments during our day was reading letters from each other earlier in the day prior to our first look. This really made me emotional and even more excited. It was nice to be able to check in via these letters. Our first look was extremely special to me as well. That private moment he even shed a few tears - something he never does. Getting ready with my bridesmaids was also such a blast. My co-maid of honor Nicole made an awesome playlist of all our favorite throwback songs. It was an amazing and calm start to the day being with my best friends. I also loved my first look with my dad. He’s normally not a very emotional guy, and during this he was overcome with emotion. For our wedding, I had gifted him a handkerchief with my grandmas handwriting on it as she had recently passed, and this had to come out at this moment. It was just a very sweet moment. This wedding really was everything I had dreamed of. Seeing all my friends and family in one place, celebrating with them in our hometown, and marrying my best friend was more than I could have ever asked for!

From the planner - Every element built upon each other. The linens inspired the graphics for the invitation & paper products which inspired the dance floor & bar graphics to the chandelier moment above the head table. Everything was custom created & designed special for C&J.