Madonna della Strada and Hotel Allegro Wedding–Jazzie and Noel

I met Jazzie a few years ago at another Five Grain Events wedding when she was one of our clients’ photographers. Shortly after she herself got engaged, she gave us a call to see if we could help with her big day! She, her then-fiance, Noel, and I are all Loyola University Chicago alum, and I quickly came to learn how fun these two were together, and how passionate they were about having a unique and exciting wedding day. The couple shared a creative, entrepreneurial spirit – and because of the demands of their very busy jobs, they knew they wanted a trusted advisor to help keep them on track along the way. We hit the ground running, and soon selected the soon-to-be renovated Hotel Allegro as the couple’s reception site.

After carefully planning for months, the big day was finally here! The couple gathered with their nearest and dearest at the beautiful Hotel Allegro. While Noel quietly collected himself for a day he knew he’d never forget, Jazzie surrounded herself with her best friends and took full advantage of the hotel’s Starlet Suite – perfect for a big group of ladies to have their hair and makeup done! Artists from Blend Beauty helped the Jazzie and her bridesmaids get dolled up, while they enjoyed snacks from Hannah’s Bretzel: a Chicago favorite.

Jazzie and Noel knew they did not want to see each other before the walk down the aisle, so we worked hard to keep the two hidden from one another before their ceremony. The couple chose Madonna della Strada at Loyola University for their ceremony, and thoughtfully incorporated their family members for the many Filipino Traditions included.

Soon after the ceremony, Windy City Limo took the guests back to the hotel to prepare for the reception while the wedding party traveled around the city (including making a stop at White Castle for a fast-food fix in their finery!) for photos. They were incredible hands with Mark Federighi, who captured every moment with his artistic eye.

As guests arrived for cocktail hour, they made their way to the Savoy, Hotel Allegro’s stunning event space that tied in seamlessly with the couple’s use of art deco detail. Floral arrangements by Vale of Enna incorporated gold-painted fiddlehead fern and dark burgundy smokebush to bring in the black and gold accents. The gorgeous art deco print pieces – from the wedding invitation to place cards and table numbers – were all designed by the bride’s sister.

Toward the end of cocktail hour, guests were invited to head into the lobby for a special performance. The groom, Noel, had been in an a cappella group in college, and they decided to treat the guests to a performance to help get the evening started on the right foot!

Guests then made their way into the Ballroom, and after the wedding party was introduced it was time for the first dance. Jazzie and Noel are no strangers to theatrics, and their first dance was no exception. They had choreographed a beautiful and funny dance that perfectly captured their personalities and love for each other!

The performances didn’t stop there. Jazzie put an incredible video slide show together for guests to enjoy during the start of dinner service, and after toasts from their nearest and dearest, the bride and groom were ready to dance with their parents.

After a truly heartfelt dance between Jazzie and her father, Noel–ever the showman–and his mother (who happens to be a professional ballroom dancer) captured everyone’s attention with an extremely well-choreographed dance.

Before officially opening the dance floor to guests, the groom had one more performance up his sleeve. His a cappella mates joined him for another medley of songs, including a solo by Noel!

All the moving pieces, musical numbers, and special dances were expertly handled by Tyler of Cage & Aquarium – he took on each challenge with excitement, and had the dance floor going strong all night long. No one wanted the party to end!

Jazzie and Noel were thrilled to have The Traveling Photo Booth during cocktail hour and the reception for their friends and family to don silly props and strike a pose. The photo strips they produced were used for the couple’s guest book, helping them always remember all the friendly faces that joined them on their special day.

Thank goodness they had the talented videographers of Robotoaster to capture all the incredible performances and memorable moments throughout the day! This short trailer provides the perfect recap to Jazzie and Noel’s wedding celebration.

Jazzie and Noel, it was such a treat helping you plan your wedding! I know you will have a long and happy marriage filled with laughter, adventures, and lots of dancing. Congratulations!