Ovation Chicago Wedding–Anna and Kolin

 

Anna and Kolin were planning their wedding from Seattle, so they wanted to have a local Chicago wedding team to help pull all the details together for their celebration. We were thrilled when they chose Five Grain Events to help them finalize the logistics of their big day! The ladies started the day at a suite in the Waldorf Astoria, which was absolutely beautiful for their hair and makeup appointments. Not only did the room have wonderful light, there was a balcony with a stunning view of the city to enjoy throughout the morning. Anna and her bridesmaids were beautified by Michelle Tucker of Hair Party Chicago and a friend of Anna’s, Taulbee McGraw.

The personal flowers were lovingly constructed by Flora Chicago, and filled with dreamy pink peonies that brought such a bright pop of color against the ladies pale blush dresses.

While the ladies spent the morning getting all dolled up, Kolin and his groomsmen met at Ovation Chicago, the site of the ceremony and reception, to get ready and have lunch before the big day began.

Anna and Kolin decided to have their first look at Ovation, where the wedding party met up before heading off to take some photos around the city, thanks to the expert transportation provided by Windy City Limo. It was a gorgeously sunny summer day in Chicago, and such a treat for all the out-of-towners to get to see such a spectacular piece of the city! Thomas Slack of Slack Photography did an amazing job of capturing Anna and Kolin’s love for each other, while also highlighting all the special details they had incorporated.

A good friend of the couple’s officiated the ceremony, which was full of laughter and tears. The sand ceremony was especially touching, as they used sand from places special to Anna, Kolin, and their families to represent their union as a new family. Anna and Kolin rented barrels from Rent Vintage Chicago to create a unique ceremony space.

After Anna and Kolin were officially husband and wife, guests made their way over to the cocktail area to enjoy delicious appetizers from Antique Taco and cocktails mixed by the delightful team of bartenders from Carol’s Event Staffing.

Meanwhile, Anna and Kolin snuck outside with Thomas to capture a few more portraits before sunset. We love the industrial area around Ovation that set the perfect backdrop.

Antique Taco did not disappoint with an incredible spread for the taco buffet. The flavors were on-point, and guests were happy to make trips for seconds, if not thirds!

Anna’s aunt generously offered to construct and set-up all the floral for the ceremony and reception. It was quite a feat, and several of Anna’s family members chipped in to help! The beautiful pink peonies in mason jars were gorgeous, and just what Anna had envisioned.

After everyone had a chance to eat, Anna and Kolin’s nearest and dearest shared a few words highlighting the unique relationship that the couple shares.

We always love when our couples want to mix things up a bit to make their reception feel more personalized. Anna’s dad wanted to surprise her by changing up their father-daughter dance song, which they to danced immediately after his welcome toast. Smiles and tears of happiness were on so many faces in the room!

Kolin and his mom had their dance next, and soon we invited all the guests to join us on the dance floor to watch Anna and Kolin start things off with their first dance as husband and wife!

Style Matters DJs never disappoint with getting guests up on the dance floor, and Noah was no exception!

Can we please talk about this sweet table?! A dear friend of Anna’s family traveled from out of state with a carload full of incredible baked goods, candies, and gorgeous displays to boot. We had a blast helping her set it all up and keep things refilled throughout the night! She also handmade the favors for the guests – a special recipe from Anna’s mother. The table was rounded out with some lip and mustache cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes in Chicago.

It was an absolutely wonderful event, and Anna and Kolin had a blast. They are so deeply in love with each other, and it was an honor to be included in their marriage celebration. We wish you two the best!