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Cafe La Cave Wedding – Caitlin and Matt

October 26, 2022

 

Ashley Hamm Photography

For Caitlin and Matt, the celebration of their marriage was long overdue. Caitlin and Matt officially were married in November of 2020 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church  and like many couples had to put their celebration on hold. They had waited countless days to celebrate with loved ones and the time had finally come!

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

The ladies gathered at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare and everyone was all smiles as the sun rose without a cloud in the sky. Rare Bird Beauties joined us with their stellar glam-team to help the ladies with their hair and makeup. Ashley of Ashley Hamm Photography along with Old North Film Company were there to capture every moment as the celebration began.  The girls looked stunning in their navy floor length dresses. The luscious ivory bouquets were the perfect accessory!

Caitlin was ready to meet Matt for their first look.  Second City Trolley then took the bridal party around town for photos as Ashley captured the glowing couple on a perfect fall day.

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

After photos, the wedding party arrived at Cafe La Cave to continue the celebration.  Design de Flores, Inc.  did a lovely job decorating the space with their vibrant fall arrangements.  The energy of guests who finally had gathered to celebrate Caitlin and Matt was electric.  Following cocktails guests made their way into the main hall for dinner and dancing. There was no guessing that this crowd was ready to celebrate!  The speeches and toasts were thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt; they filled the room with laughs and love.  Shortly after dinner the dance floor was filled with friends and family which continued well into the night thanks to Music Creations.

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

Guests were invited to indulge in some late night snacks with sliders from White Castle; highly recommend!

Ashley Hamm Photography

Ashley Hamm Photography

We are totally OBSESSED with this video that Old North Films put together.  Enjoy!

It was incredible being a part of this long overdue celebration. We wish Caitlin and Matt all the very best!

Ashley Hamm Photography

Filed Under: Blog, Wedding Profile

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Cafe Brauer Wedding – Rebecca and Jeremy Morgan’s on Fulton Wedding – Annie and Jayson The Joinery Wedding — Joanna and Jeff
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The Rookery Wedding — Megan and Matt

October 10, 2022

The Spragues

Matt is the “little brother” of one of my best high school friends, so it was both an honor and also a bit of a shock to the system when he and his fiancée, Megan, reached out about helping to coordinate their wedding.  (So if you’re getting married…that makes me how old?!).

All kidding aside, Megan and Matt shared the most perfect wedding day back in October of last year.   We were thrilled to help with the details so they could fully immerse themselves in the joy of wedding day.

The morning began at the Kimpton Gray Hotel  for our bride and her bridal team.  Rachel Bauer from Rev Billy’s Chop Shop and Sarah from Blush and Braids Beauty Bar did a fantastic job with the ladies in the hair and makeup department.  Everyone looked beautiful, especially Megan!  The Spragues and Olson Film both husband and wife super-duos, captured all of the fun and excitement throughout the day.

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The groomsmen were able to relax morning-of and had a low-key brunch at The Bandit in the West Loop.  They then headed back to the hotel for Megan and Matt’s first look on the gorgeous marble staircase at the Kimpton.  Matt looked dashing in his suit from Suit Supply while Megan’s elegant gown from Bella Bianca Oakbrook was the perfect blend of seductive and Cinderella.

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

They then joined their squad for some great photos throughout the city.

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

Meanwhile, the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Rookery building was abuzz with Megan and Matt’s wedding team getting the space ready for ceremony.  Flowers by Stem provided the beautiful florals while Art of Imagination worked on the lighting and draping.  Before we knew it, the corporate lobby was transformed into a spectacular wedding space and was ready for guests!

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

Fitz, a friend of Megan and Matt’s, delivered an emotional, charming, and hilarious ceremony that brought smiles to everyone in the room.

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

After the ceremony, everyone went to the balcony to enjoy cocktails while the ceremony space was transformed for the reception.  The Spragues captured some iconic detail shots before opening up the room for dinner.  We love their eclectic choices for table names, from The Shire to Gotham City!  After a brief performance from Karl Knutson Boutique Entertainment (who was both emcee and our photo booth provider!), Megan and Matt were welcomed into the room with open arms.

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

Jewell Events Catering provided a delicious meal for all the guests.  After dinner, speeches, cake cutting, and first dances, the dance floor was open!  Megan and Matt’s friends and family were ready to get down, and boy, did they deliver!  It was such a lively, fun dance floor until the end of the evening.

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

The Spragues

Olson Film created this perfect recap of their wedding day.

Megan and Matt, is was a joy getting to know you throughout this process and your wedding at the Rookery was one of our all-time favorites!  Cheers!

The Spragues

Filed Under: Blog, Wedding Profile

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Galleria Marchetti Wedding–Blair and Lev

October 10, 2022

Caitlin Lisa Photography

It seems like a lifetime ago that Blair first reached out to connect about working with her and Lev on planning their wedding. I had been working with Blair’s sister, Sydney, on planning her wedding that was one of our first 2020 postponements, and so had been working with the family for over a year at that point.

Actually, Blair’s first “Wedding #2!” email came on the exact day in May of 2020 when my youngest child arrived on the scene! Things were so wild back then–the stay at home order firmly in place, everyone trying to work and school and…be a newborn from home. In retrospect I’m not sure how we were able to actually find a time or place connect (virtually) but we did and plans were set in motion to find the perfect date and location for Blair and Lev’s wedding.

Once some restrictions were lifted, we were able to visit their top choice venues in early July and we landed on Galleria Marchetti for an autumn 2021 celebration. It all culminated in October of last year with a glorious celebration for the happy couple.

Wedding day morning kicked off at the Renaissance Hotel with an abundant spread of breakfast foods and hair and makeup by the incomparable Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists team. The atmosphere was relaxed as everyone enjoyed the gorgeous views overlooking the Chicago River.

Mary from Steve’s Flower Market delivered the most gorgeous white floral bouquets and things started to get real! Smiling Toad and Caitlin Lisa Photography captured all the special moments of the gals and guys prepping for the big day.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

One of my favorite moments was watching Blair’s dad walk in and get choked up seeing his daughter in her stunning gown. As a parent myself, watching the first look with dad and daughter never fails to get me all misty eyed.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Blair soon shared her first look with Lev, and then it was time to hop in their vehicle from Windy City Limo for some photos around town with the wedding party. The bridesmaids’ deep emerald dresses were show-stoppers!

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Meanwhile, Galleria Marchetti was getting all gussied up for the occasion. MDM brought in some beautiful draping and lighting accents. Steve’s prepared a stunning chuppah, and I loved the position we chose for the ceremony set on an angle for the most lush and verdant fall background in GM’s stunning courtyard.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Soon guests began to arrive and we prepared for the start of the chuppah ceremony with the ketubah signing. Outside, the ceremony musicians from Stitely Entertainment played a wide array of musical selections from Guns ‘N Roses to The Beatles to Pachelbel’s Canon as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. The service was officiated by Rabbi Wendi Geffen who presided over a lovely and personal Jewish ceremony.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Once Blair and Lev were officially hitched, guests enjoyed the crisp fall weather (with a little help from some patio heaters) along with some cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Galleria Marchetti.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

After cocktail hour, guests were treated to a delightful meal interspersed with heartfelt toasts from parents, siblings, and friends. Stitely Entertainment played their hearts out while guests bopped between the dance floor, pizza and craft beer station, s’mores in the fire pit, and a sweets station from Bittersweet.  The whole event was brimming with Blair and Lev’s personality and was a true testament to their love.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Smiling Toad captured the whole day expertly:

Blair and Lev, it was a pleasure celebrating with you and getting to share in your joy.  Mazel Tov!

Filed Under: Blog, Wedding Profile

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Drake Oak Brook Wedding–Katie and Bo

September 6, 2022

Katie and Bo’s wedding weekend went off without a hitch!

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

The day started with the ladies getting ready at Katie’s parents’ house, with a casual spread courtesy of Katie’s amazing hostess of a mother, and beautification by Deco Adamo Beautique.

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

When it came time for the group to make their way to the ceremony, Aries Charter was onsite to get the ladies (and gents!) to the church on time. Katie and Bo held their ceremony at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in La Grange, where Katie’s aunt (who happens to be her mother’s identical twin sister!) is a parishioner. The church was absolutely beautiful; perfectly grand for a traditional ceremony like this one.

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

I was thrilled to see that Katie and Bo had selected some of the Chicago-land area’s top musicians to help ensure their ceremony was one for the record books. Not only were they blessed with the beautiful voice of Bill Dwyer as their cantor, they worked with musicians from Choice Music Chicago to provide violin and trumpet, and the church’s pianist for the organ and piano. With recessional bagpipes by one of Chicago’s own Shannon Rovers, it was a ceremony sound to remember!

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

After the ceremony, everyone made their way to the Drake Oak Brook for the reception. Thanks to the beautiful fall weather, Katie and Bo were thrilled to be able to utilize the Drake’s Flower Room and adjoining patio for cocktail hour.

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson was there to capture the gorgeous wedding party as sunlight started to wane, along with all the celebratory moments of the wedding day.

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Carousel Flowers by Shamrock Garden in Elmhurst created all the floral, with wedding whites accentuated by deep maroon hues, and anemone (one of my all-time favorite flowers!)

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Guests were soon invited into the Grand Ballroom at the Drake Oak Brook; the centerpieces beautifully complemented the gold and whites in the room. We loved how Katie and Bo used navy napkins to add some depth to the color palette.

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Creative Cakes made a simple, multi-tiered cake adorned with a few simple blooms.

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

The reception energy was one of the highest we’ve seen in a long time! Clearly this crew had waited to be able to properly celebrate, and celebrate they did! The musical stylings of the Stu Hirsch Orchestra made for an amazing way to get everyone up and on the dance floor from the moment Katie and Bo walked in the room. A few songs between courses got this group ready to party!

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Katie and Bo, it was a pleasure working with you to bring all the details together on your wedding day! We wish you years of happiness and love!

Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Filed Under: Blog, Wedding Profile

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Happy Anniversary, Colleen and Steven!

July 22, 2022

We’d like to wish Colleen and Steven a very happy first wedding anniversary tomorrow.  We loved getting to know you both and working together for a memorable celebration surrounded by your loved ones.  Bucky Badger was, arguably, one of our favorite wedding moments from 2021 : )

TimTab Studios

Cheers to one year,

Emily and Joan

Filed Under: Anniversary Posts, Blog

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Default ThumbnailHappy Anniversary, Marissa and Andrew! Default ThumbnailHappy Anniversary, Tricia and John! Happy Anniversary, Allison and Leo!
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