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Thompson Hotel Wedding — Nikki and Ben

January 18, 2018

Bride and Groom Window Shot at the Thompson overlooking Downtown Chicago

Kristin La Voie Photography

We were beyond thrilled when Nikki and Ben reached out to the Five Grain Team to help figure out logistics for their October wedding at the Thompson Chicago.  Nikki is a close personal friend of our lovely, Emily’s (and she was to be a guest at the wedding!), so we wanted to make sure each and every detail was planned and executed perfectly.  Detail shot of Christian Louboutin High Heeled Shoes with earrings and bracelet

Kristin La Voie Photography

Menu, Ceremony, and Napkin Paper Details

Kristin La Voie Photography

Detail Shot of Marble Invitations

Kristin La Voie Photography

Nikki and her girls got ready in the light-drenched Froines Room at the Thompson Chicago.  Dawn from Edit Faces and hairstylist Shaun Lewis started the day off bright and early with makeup and hair services for the bridal party.  Kristin La Voie Photography and her team joined us around lunch time to begin photographing.  We just love the sleek, modern window at the Thompson —  what a wonderful photo backdrop!

Downtown overlook at the Thompson

Kristin La Voie Photography

Love and a Dress in a Window

Kristin La Voie Photography

Beautiful bride getting ready with her bridesmaids

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bridesmaid tying a bow on a wedding dress

Kristin La Voie Photography

Fixing a veil on a beautiful bride at the Thompson Chicago

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride overlooking the Chicago cityscape at the Thompson

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bridal bouquet consisting of maroon dahlias, white anenomes, and greenery

Kristin La Voie Photography

Ben and his crew got ready at the Thompson in their penthouse suite.  Nikki surprised him by renting the arcade game Golden Tee from The Fun Ones to pass the time with his groomsmen while they got ready.  The dudes had a blast teeing off and enjoying a laid-back brunch before meeting up with Nikki and the ladies.  Nikki and Ben enjoyed a casual first look before deciding to nix their planned trip via Windy City Limo around the city for photos — it was too cold out!  The wedding party decided to stay indoors and enjoy a low-key afternoon in the comfortable (and warm!) Thompson Hotel instead.

Dudes playing Golden Tee in a Chicago hotel room

Kristin La Voie Photography

Groom and his best men on the roof in downtown Chicago

Kristin La Voie Photography

Groom anticipating the first look

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom's first look at the Thompson Chicago downtown

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and Groom share a kiss at the Thompson Chicago

Kristin La Voie Photography

Groom gives blushing bride a kiss on the forehead at the Thompson Chicago hotel

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom share a kiss with bridal bouquet in tow

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bridal party strikes a post outside the Thompson Chicago

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and Groom kiss outside during fall in Chicago

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bridal party in front of a staircase at the Thompson Chicago

Kristin La Voie Photography

Meanwhile, the Five Grain team were on the 3rd floor checking on the space where the ceremony was about to happen.  Nikki and Ben chose a marble motif that complemented the aesthetic of the Thompson Hotel to a T and the room looked incredible thanks to the geniuses at Revel Decor.  We are slightly obsessed with the marble ceremony backdrop which later transitioned into Shutterbooth’s photobooth backdrop for the later evening festivities.

Marble elements and decor at the Chicago Thompson Hotel

Kristin La Voie Photography

After spending some time taking family photos with loved ones, Nikki and Ben headed upstairs for the Main Event!  Guests were invited into the exquisite ballroom with beautiful instrumentals performed by String Theory, who provided the ceremony and cocktail hour music that evening.  The ceremony began after Nikki and Ben’s son, Nate, was escorted down the aisle in his favorite Radio Flyer trike — so cute!  The ceremony was officiated by Cal Denison of Chicago Wedding Officiant Services who conducted a beautiful, intimate ceremony among family and friends.     

Adorable ring bearer in bowtie, chuck taylors, and suspenders

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and Groom's son with love balloons on couch

Kristin La Voie Photography

Ring bearer and flower girl heading down the aisle

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and Groom share a kiss at wedding with chandeliers and marble backdrop

Kristin La Voie Photography

The new Mr. and Mrs.'s officially married in front of marble backdrop

Kristin La Voie Photography

After the ceremony, everyone headed downstairs to Nico Osteria for cocktail hour.  We loved setting up this beautiful and dramatic escort card table and placing photos of loved ones all across the intimate space.

Kristin La Voie Photography

Kristin La Voie Photography

During cocktail hour, the vendor team was busy flipping the ceremony space into a sit-down dinner for guests.    Nikki and Emily (who had helped with some of the early planning details before we kicked her off so she could enjoy wedding day), completely nailed the tablecloth choice from BBJ Linen and black wine glass/rose gold flatware combo from Hall’s Rentals.  Our favorite detail of the night was the made from scratch marble dance floor constructed by the decor masterminds on the Revel team.

Menu with Wedge Salad, Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Grilled Arctic Char

Kristin La Voie Photography

Menu with Wedge Salad, Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Grilled Arctic Char

Kristin La Voie Photography

Room shot of Thompson Hotel Reception Space

Kristin La Voie Photography

Reception with tall and short centerpieces with hydrangea and candles

Kristin La Voie Photography

Head table with Bride and Groom escort cards

Kristin La Voie Photography

Escort card with name Nikki and martini

Kristin La Voie Photography

Place setting at wedding for Lisa

Kristin La Voie Photography

Table Two with hydrangea centerpiece, candlelight, and black elements

Kristin La Voie Photography

Wedding cake surrounded by chandeliers and hydrangea centerpieces

Kristin La Voie Photography

Reception with tall and short centerpieces with hydrangea and candles

Kristin La Voie Photography

Hydrangea focused centerpiece in front of Chicago's downtown cityscape

Kristin La Voie Photography

Guests headed upstairs after cocktail hour and were completely blown away by the transformation of the space!  Everyone enjoyed a lively dinner that included toasts, many cheers, and even a “national anthem” of sorts from Nikki’s side of the family…how fun!  Dinner service was delicious thanks to the culinary team at Thompson.  After dinner, the dance floor was jumping all night long courtesy of Style Matters DJs. 

Introducing the bride and groom into reception space

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom sharing embarrassment during speech at wedding

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom laughing during a speech at a wedding reception

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom offering cheers during best man toast

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom share first dance on marble dance floor surrounded by circular chandeliers

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom kiss on marble dance floor during first dance

Kristin La Voie Photography

Bride and groom dip and kiss on marble dancefloor at Chicago wedding

Kristin La Voie Photography

Guests begin dancing at wedding reception on marble dancefloor

Kristin La Voie Photography

Thanks, Nikki and Ben!  We loved getting to know you (and adorable Nate!) and help plan your special day.  You were truly a delight to work with and hope the celebrations continue throughout the New Year and beyond!  Cheers!

Bride and Groom kissing during first dance at Thompson Chicago on marble dancefloor

Kristin La Voie Photography

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Filed Under: Blog, Wedding Profile

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