Every single vendor raved about working with Jean & Lance. Complete sweethearts and so caring, they made sure to treat each vendor, including us as the party event planners, with absolute class. Not only were they a gem to work with, but they each had impeccable taste as you will see.
I have a few favorite images from this wedding, but Jean’s wedding bouquet, put together by Life in Bloom, really took center stage.
Interestingly enough, Jean and I never met until I walked into her apartment one night for our planning meeting. We had exchanged emails, but we just never had a face to face meeting.
Although I’m not a dog person, her dog quickly befriended me and wanted to hang out while Jean and I chatted about wedding details. It was then that I learned Jean & Lance met while out walking their dogs. In fact, Jean says that they knew each other by the dog’s names before they knew each other’s first names.
Their friendship quickly grew… and that brings us to September 2017.
While Jean and her bridesmaids got ready at her apartment in Lincoln Park, the groomsmen all hung out at the J. Parker on top of Hotel Lincoln.
Jean added these beautiful flower crowns for her three sweet flower girls. Erin from Life in Bloom and I adjusted them to fit each flower girl.
And, just like that – so happy and relaxed, Jean was ready to get married!
One thing to know about St. Alphonsus is that with all of its age and beauty, it doesn’t have any air conditioning. This was not a cool day either — let me tell you. Luckily, the ladies’ pre-ceremony waiting area in a cool basement area.
The next two photos are some of my favorites! The images of Jean and her grandma remind me of their sweet relationship. Jean even had a little gift for her grandma she had me hold on to until after the ceremony.
As soon as it was time, my assistant and I escorted the ladies upstairs and fluffed Jean’s dress just in time for this beautiful portrait.
Even though it was so hot that day, the church’s beauty trumps any weather conditions.
The colors. The majesty. It’s stunning.
Jean’s uncle, a Father in the Catholic church, drove in for the wedding and to officiate.
St. Alphonsus worked together with Jean to allow her uncle to be the sole officiant. As a result, her ceremony contained the sweetest touches!
Afterwards, while my assistant and I drove over to the Chicago History Museum to begin set up for the reception, the wedding party hopped on the shuttle for photos. Oh – since the guys accidentally left the snacks behind, we also made a pit stop at the Lincoln Hotel for the bag of chips and granola bars!
With all coordinating details, the Chicago History Museum looked fabulous!
As guests entered the space, they first approached the gift table which also held the guestbook. Jean chose matching signage for all of her signs and table numbers. It looked polished! The memorial table sat next to the gift table. It featured coordinated – but not matchy matchy – frames from Etsy.
Setting the room up with these two tables out front, allowed guests a stopping point before they approached the escort cards and the couple – both areas that tend to have a line or a backup. Thus, we were able to manage “traffic” appropriately.
And, another favorite of mine — the escort card table!
Guests walked straight through, over the checkered dance floor, out onto the beautiful back patio for cocktail hour. By that time, especially with our proximity to the lake, the temperature cooled enough for it to be an enjoyable hour outside.
Upon re-entering, doors opened to reveal the beautiful florals, linens, and lighting in the reception room.
Jean wanted a gluten free cake from Swirls. Isn’t this one pretty?
Finally, a big thank you to this wonderful vendor team of party event planners, who truly felt blessed working with such an amazing couple:
church: St. Alphonsus Church
reception: Chicago History Museum
caterer: Food for Thought
photographer: Jason Kaczorowski Photography
videographer: Hendzel Productions, LLC
florist: Life in Bloom
lighting: Elegant Event Lighting
dj: Evan @ Toast & Jam
cakes: Bittersweet Bakery & Swirls
beauty: Salon Glow
transportation: ChiTown Limo
coordination: Jenny @ jpbdesigns
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site credits
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Peter Wynn Thompson
Maypole Studios
Andrew Barkules
Niki Marie Photography