Allison and Stephen–Revel Motor Row

One of my favorite things about working at Five Grain Events is the sense of community we work hard to foster with our team, other vendors in our industry, and especially–our clients. Allison and Stephen’s wedding was no exception. It was a true collaborative effort; Joan started the planning process helping these two find the perfect venue and firm up their wedding day vision. After hearing Joan gush about how wonderful this couple was, I was excited to be able to step in as a part of the team to carry their wedding through the coordination process to wedding day.

From the first time I met Allison and Stephen to get to know each other a little better, I felt like I was having a drink with old friends. Plus, their wedding style and party vibe were laid back and fun — so I knew this wedding was going to be a blast!

Revel Motor Row was a dream venue. Not only are clients thrilled to be in a space with such stunning architectural detail (and let’s not forget to talk about the bathrooms–hello, gorgeous!), getting to work with some of the best in the business through Limelight Catering and Revel Decor are absolutely added perks. One of my favorite amenities is the two-floor bridal suite available to clients if they choose to get ready on site. With everything from a fridge fully-stocked with beverages of all varieties to luxe robes, tall mirrors, and lounge seating galore, it’s a dream space for a relaxing wedding morning. Allison and her wedding party enjoyed a spread from Goddess & Grocer while Kate Johnson Artistry took care of beautifying the ladies’ hair and makeup. How cute are the monogrammed pajama sets that Allison gifted her best gals?

Meanwhile, across town at the couple’s apartment in Logan Square, Stephen and his family were also getting ready for the big day. We can only imagine the raucous laughter that was spilling from room to room with this boisterous bunch, and are so glad their photographer, Tim, made an early stop at their apartment to capture it!

Bethany and Tim from TimTab Studios were both on hand to document the festivities, and were such a pleasure to work with. We love the spot they chose to capture Allison and Stephen’s first look, and this gorgeous tree that was the perfect complement to all the industrial shots taken around the venue.

Revel designed Allison’s bouquet to be a true stunner. It featured a large ivory-sprayed protea amidst thistle, privet berries, anemones, and lush greenery, and brought such a splash of drama!

While Allison and Stephen and their families took photos around the venue, guests began to board buses courtesy of Windy City Limo to make their way to Revel Motor Row.

Revel created a free-standing ceremony arch that could easily transition from an outdoor ceremony to an indoor one if weather complicated things. Luckily, we were blessed with a gorgeous Chicago day, and the arch brought the perfect amount of style to RMR’s courtyard space. We used a mix of fruitwood chiavari and french country chairs to go with the linen-topped rounds and farm-style tables for the reception, and thought the level of interest they brought to the ceremony set-up was truly unique.

Allison and Stephen entrusted a good friend to officiate their ceremony, who did the job with a gracious mix of brevity and sincerity. They hired Leah Trib Productions to capture the ceremony on video as they knew this would be a moment they’d want to relive many times over.

DJ Kyle from Greenline Talent set the tone for the transition from ceremony to cocktail hour, and guests were invited to head back inside to grab a drink, enjoy some of Limelight Catering’s delicious hors d’oeuvres, and explore the space. When it came time to move into the main reception space for dinner, we invited guests to find their place cards and a glass of champagne to take to their seats. The champagne glasses were set on one of the many architecturally interesting elements at RMR: the glass display cases that can serve multiple purposes throughout your event!

Dinner was a delight, from the table decor to the overall atmosphere in the room. Things started off strong with a toast and a blessing from Allison’s father and Stephen’s father, respectively. Allison’s sister and Stephen’s brother brought lots of laughs with their toasts, and it was clear that this was truly a blending of two families who loved this couple immensely. Stephen rounded things out with a great toast of his own, and soon it was time to party!

Before everyone could join the happy couple on the dance floor, Stephen and Allison each shared a dance with some of the most special people in their lives. Stephen and his mother and Allison and her father took turns relishing in their special moments, then opened things up to the rest of the guests.

The dance floor was lively all night long, and guests had a hard time pulling themselves away even to grab a bite of dessert or Sriracha honey fried chicken slider. When the evening started to draw to a close, guests made their way onto the buses back to the hotels. They were invited to grab a deck of Uno cards on the way out, courtesy of Allison and Stephen!

Allison and Stephen, we can’t say enough wonderful things about the two of you — and we hope your marriage is full of love and laughter! We’ll be ready to plan your annual anniversary parties, so don’t be strangers! 😉