Thompson Hotel Wedding — Nikki and Ben

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.  

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!

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.

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.

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.     

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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