The National Chicago Wedding

Colleen and Andy met one cold Saturday night in February, 2013 at maybe the least romantic bar in Chicago, Mad River. Colleen was there to meet up with her childhood friend-for-life, Jessica. Jessica came to the bar with her boyfriend Rob, and Rob brought along his roommate, Andy. Despite learning that Andy was a Cardinals fan, as the night ended Colleen asked for his number anyways. Their first date was at Club Lucky in Bucktown--after a night of non-stop conversation in a cozy booth, they both knew they had something special.

April 9, 2017 was unusually warm for early spring in Chicago. Colleen and Andy woke up early and like many beautiful Sunday mornings, they decided to go for a run through the Lincoln Park Zoo. Since it was so early, all of the trainers were out with the animals. After watching the seals show off their skills, they made their way to the otter exhibit. Despite checking each and every visit, the otters were never, ever out. This morning was different. As Colleen watched a cute little otter amble towards the glass with a pinecone, Andy pulled the ring from a secret zipped pocket in his shirt. Shocked and overjoyed, she put the ring on her right hand, and they walked around the zoo the rest of the morning, floating on air.

For their wedding day, they envisioned a easy, sophisticated party that showed off our favorite city. The National delivered big time. The beautiful, lush courtyard in the middle of the loop made for a perfect ceremony spot and easily transitioned for dancing under the city lights. The lounge provided the cozy sophistication. They had passed apps and food stations from their favorite restaurants at Revival Food Hall, which is on the ground floor of the building. The whole night was perfect! 

Wedding Planner - Anticipation Events
Venue - The National
Hotel - The Palmer House Hilton
Hair and Makeup - Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair
Florals - Flowers For Dreams
Band - The Gold Coast Orchestra

Palmer House Hotel & Chicago Symphony Center Wedding of Dan & Rob

Dan and Rob got married on July 1 at the gorgeous Chicago Symphony Center. Before they got married they got ready at the gorgeous Palmer House Hotel. This is also where they took all of the photos with their families and wedding party. What a pretty hotel it is and we really were able to capture some amazing images for them there. We then headed to the Chicago Symphony Center where we got to go on stage for some more photos and it was STUNNING. I had never been on a stage like that before. After that they exchanged their vows in the unique rotunda surrounded by all of their families and loved ones with Rev. Marian Hale. I have had the pleasure of working with her before and she does such a wonderful job! I was most impressed by their AMAZING glittered dancing shoes, hands down the best shoes EVER. After they said their I Do's we headed upstairs to the reception where their room was decorated with gorgeous deep blues. There was a macaroon tower filled with rainbow macaroon and a gorgeous wedding cake. They then danced the night away and ended it by watching the fireworks from the outdoor balcony!

Hotel - Palmer House Hotel
Wedding Venue - Chicago Symphony Center
Catering - Blue Plate Catering
DJ - Harsh Singh
Florist - Flowers for Dreams
Cake - Toni Patisserie/ Marissa Wilger
Harpist - Anette Bjorling
Officiant - Rev. Marian Hale
Second Shooter - Courtney Scheimann