From the moment we first got connected with Colleen and Steven, we knew that they were a special couple. Despite being thrown all the curves with venue changes and date postponements (who doesn’t love sending out three save the dates?!), they maintained a calm, cool composure and were kind to all their vendors throughout the entirety of the planning process. When we finally got the green light to celebrate, we made sure it was a party they’ll always remember!
Everyone spent the morning getting ready at The Gwen Hotel. Colleen and her ladies had a blast listening to music and chatting non-stop while Kate Johnson Artistry’s Bridal Team worked their magic. Steven and his groomsmen were just down the hall, and there was a palpable excitement for the festivities to begin.
TimTab Studios never ceases to amaze with the calmest energy and on-point preparedness. When Tim pulled out a special board to stage the invitations, rings, and flowers, we weren’t surprised at all to see the color matched Colleen and Steven’s decor to a “t”!
It was clear that these two came from close-knit families, as their parents were intimately involved throughout the day. Two moments that always tug at my heartstrings are when mothers help their daughters into the wedding gown, and fathers come to see their “little girl” all ready for her wedding.
Added bonus of getting ready at The Gwen: private terraces that make for perfect photo backdrops!
After Colleen and Steven’s first look, the group made their way to the lobby to load onto the trolley from Aries Charter and head around Chicago for some photos. Nothing was going to stop this group from getting the photos they wanted; not even a little mid-day shower! Luckily, we had our trusty clear plastic umbrellas on hand.
In Chicago, even the pigeons get in on the love!
Fun-fact: Colleen and her bridesmaids got together before the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner to work with the team at Flowers by Stem to make their bouquets! This was such a fun bonding experience and personal touch that we hope to incorporate for weddings in the future!
The group then made their way to Artifact Events for some on-site photos, meeting a very special guest upon arrival fore the ceremony got underway.
Colleen and Steven’s very special pup, Ticket!
We are definitely a fan of this color palette for a wedding party. Not overly match-y, but beautifully tied together!
Flowers by Stem and Event Brilliance worked together to bring Colleen and Steven’s decor dreams to life. Their original venue had prominent nature and outdoor features, so Flowers by Stem worked to help them bring that to Artifact Events, renting trees to mix in with the other floral decor throughout the space. Colleen and Steven purchased one of the trees so they could then take it back home to plant it and always have a reminder of their wedding day. Kyle of Event Brilliance added the perfect lighting to help bring everything together. We now understand why Steven is so passionate about the power of an uplit tree! 😉
Just moments before Steven saw Colleen coming down the stairs, he was calm and composed!
Colleen’s family pastor made the trek to Chicago to join these two in marriage, and his service was worth the extra travel!
This summertime floral palette is happiness in a vase!
Calihan Catering was integral to helping Colleen and Steven find a new venue after their previous spot continued to push back their re-opening date. They put together a delicious menu, and made sure that the details were on point!
After dinner and toasts, TVK Orchestra got the dance floor filling up right away…
… with a little help from a surprise guest, Bucky Badger!
Colleen and Steven, it was our pleasure working with you to help bring the details together for your big day! We hope it was worth the wait, and wish you years of continued happiness as you continue your lives together as husband and wife!
