The first word that comes to mind when I think of Natalie and Cameron’s wedding is “easygoing”. From our first meeting to the last-minute ceremony location change to the final farewells to all their guests, everyone in this family was cool as a cucumber and just planning to enjoy the day–we surely did, too!
Wedding day morning started out HOT! Weather had been threatening in the days leading up to the first of July but the forecast had finally cleared for their lovely outdoor ceremony at Artifact Events. As a former florist, Natalie’s mom, Suzanna had personally created all the personal flowers for wedding day–such a special personalized touch. Aileen of Ed & Aileen Photography was at the ready to capture each special moment.
Following a relaxed wedding morning lunch, Cameron slipped back to the condo he and Natalie shared. We made certain the bride and groom wouldn’t cross paths before the official reveal. After hair by Robin and makeup by Tori Conn was complete, it was time for Natalie to put on her gown. Her dress was just so lovely and fit like a glove. Mother of the Bride Suzanna selected a summery long gown with sequined floral details. A favorite moment of the day was Natalie’s dad seeing his typically casual wife and daughter for the first time. He was truly blown away.
We arranged the first look just outside of Natalie and Cameron’s home in the neighborhood they love so much. It was such a sweet moment that the bridesmaids and I got to spy on from three floors up.
Soon SUVs from Windy City Limo picked up the group and off they went to Artifact Events to take some photos prior to the ceremony and we followed shortly behind. Jordan’s Food of Distinction and Petal Pushr (the florist in charge of the reception designs) were hard at work getting set up for dinner and the outdoor ceremony.
Upon arrival, Cameron’s aunts helped to set up the Sofreh Aghd for their multicultural ceremony (which would be concluded with the breaking of the glass to honor their Jewish heritage!). It was around this time that the skies began darkening. Watching the radar, it looked like if rain should arrive at all, it would be light and pass quickly. Unfortunately the radar did not match reality in this case. A few sprinkles turned into heavier rain…and the quickly passing storm was NOT letting up. Although they had been envisioning the outdoor ceremony, they trusted our team’s judgment completely when we advised it was time to make a different decision.
Since the outdoor chairs had already gotten too wet to be salvaged, the JFOD and Five Grain teams created an assembly line to pass the 180 chairs from the first floor up to the second floor to get it set up for ceremony in record time. I haven’t been that tired after a wedding in a long time but we all did what we had to do to ensure the celebration was as perfect as could be.
Innocenti Strings began their prelude music and the wedding party began their walk down the aisle. The ceremony, officiated by a good friend of the couple, was a beautiful melding of each of the cultures that made Natalie and Cameron who they are.
Following the ceremony the guests headed downstairs to enjoy cocktail hour and the catering and planning teams got back to work putting the chairs back at the dinner tables where they belonged. The rainstorm was still in play so we knew we had made the right decision to move everything up! Petal Pushr moved the floral from the ceremony to surround Natalie and Cameron’s head table.
As cocktail hour came to a close, the amazing dance band Chicago Catz kicked off their first set. Their guests were called into the room for dinner with energy soaring and spirits high. The room erupted into cheers as the couple was announced in to join them.
Since Natalie and Cameron were high school sweethearts, the toasts which chronicled escapades from the past decade+ of their lives were top notch. Natalie and Cameron’s parents and each of their brothers regaled the guests with heartfelt stories and some light ribbing while they enjoyed a delicious meal from Jordan’s Food of Distinction.
Following some special dances and both traditional Persian and Jewish group dances, it was a packed dance floor until the end of the evening. Only the irresistible call of Molly’s Cupcakes and Lou Malnati’s late night snacks could lure folks away from the incredible music of Chicago Catz.
Nat and Cam, it was really a pleasure being a part of the culmination of your dating relationship, and the inception of your married relationship. Wishing you both many many blessings and years of wedded bliss!
