Chicago Event Planners
It is easy to remember Katherine and Nick who brought sunshine and true joy amidst the rain that surprised us all one year ago! They were married at St. Petronille Church and had a beautiful and FUN reception at Mesón Sabika in Naperville.
Missy Donovan Photography
Katherine and Nick, we wish you continuous love and happiness from the Five Grain Events family! Happy anniversary!
Love,
Jennifer and Joan
Nicodem Creative
Abby and Jason’s wedding took place on a beautiful fall day. They began their day at the JW Marriott with their closest friends and family. Everyone was relaxed and having a great time as they got ready. Jason even surprised Abby with a big bouquet of roses, which we later incorporated into their reception decor! BM Hair and Makeup Design did the ladies’ hair, and Alyssa Lynn Makeup perfected their makeup.
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
After a first look with her dad and brother, Abby headed to her first look with Jason. This was followed by wedding party photos and couple portraits, all shot by Nicodem Creative. Toast Wedding Films was there was well to capture every wonderful moment on video.
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Windy City Limo then took the wedding party to Venue West. Their ceremony, officiated by Reverend Dennis Condon, was short, sweet, and beautiful. The space was filled with candles and greenery by Flowers by Stem, and they were married under a stunning yet understated wooden arch built by Abby’s father!
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Cocktail hour began after the ceremony. The delicious hors d’oeuvres were accompanied with lively music by Mariachi Sol De Oro.
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
J&L Catering served a truly delicious dinner as guests enjoyed watching the special dances and some touching speeches. The party really kicked into high gear when DJ Dustin from Toast & Jam opened up the dance floor!
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
Nicodem Creative
This fabulous couple’s sense of humor and lightheartedness kept us smiling. They were nothing but a joy to be around, and you could feel the love between them at all times. Abby and Jason, you said in your thank you speech “look how lucky we are”–well that’s how we feel about having worked with you! Congratulations, and we wish you all the happiness in the world!
Nicodem Creative
I felt a great connection with Elizabeth and Gavin almost immediately when we started talking. They live in Seattle, where I spent a big chunk of my life. But they met in Australia, where I happened to also live when I was very small! Plus, Elizabeth is from the Chicago area, so she knew she wanted to get married somewhere close to “home” for a big portion of their guests. She found both Five Grain Events and the Women’s Club of Evanston through a dear friend, who was a previous client of ours! I loved how open and honest Elizabeth was with her stressors about the wedding: she and Gavin worked a lot, and were very busy, and the idea of throwing a big party that put her at the center of attention was not high on her list of “favorite things to do.” Since planning these sorts of receptions most certainly *is* on our list, I was happy to take some of the leg-work off her plate!
Ryan Moore Photography
One of the first things we did was help Elizabeth and Gavin find a photographer. Since they were already married, having eloped at a beautiful lake in Washington state, they only needed a few hours of photography to capture some special portraits and the day’s events. Knowing that Elizabeth and Gavin were both good-humored and laid back, Ryan Moore Photography seemed like the perfect fit — and he was!
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Elizabeth and Gavin took some time amidst their busy wedding day to exchange gifts and enjoy a glass of champagne together. We always stress the importance of finding time to be alone on the wedding day, as it can get quite busy and overwhelming. It’s nice to focus on the real reason the day is happening in the first place — your love for each other!
Ryan Moore Photography
Women’s Club of Evanston was the perfect venue for this group — an intimate gathering of friends and family; some local, some in from abroad, but all joining together to celebrate Elizabeth and Gavin. Because the spaces are so well decorated and ornate, only a minimal amount of decor was brought in — perfect for a low-maintenance couple like these two! And with the added security team from Diplomatic Security Group, we knew that all of Elizabeth and Gavin’s guests would be taken care of throughout the night.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
The food was provided by Catered by Design, and was delicious! We loved these caprese sliders, and how fun is this cute tuxedo napkin fold?! Schaefer’s supplied the alcohol and glassware, and drinks were flowing all evening!
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
For floral decor, Elizabeth wanted to incorporate some of the hues that were included in her elopement bouquet, as well as some floral from Australia to tie in Gavin’s background. Fleur did an absolutely beautiful job; she was thrilled with her bouquet (which included a beautiful Australian protea) and the rest of the wedding flowers!
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
It was so much fun to see Elizabeth and Gavin connecting with people they hadn’t seen in quite some time, and talking about the details of their elopement.
Ryan Moore Photography
Gavin was excited to source some of the music for their wedding reception; and CloudGate was a wonderful choice! This quartet provided the perfect ambient music for a lively cocktail hour while guests mixed and mingled.
Ryan Moore Photography
If you ever have a few younger kids at your wedding reception who you want to keep busy — put them in charge of your photo guest book! These girls took the job very seriously, and had a blast rounding up guests to snap a photo and encourage them to sign the guest book. It ended up being one of the most detailed and filled guest books I’ve seen!
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
During dinner service, Gavin and Elizabeth were delighted to hear from some of their closest family members. Toasts were filled with laughter and beautiful sentiments, and it was clear that everyone from all sides was thrilled with this union of love.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
We can not get enough of having pie at weddings these days! It’s such a fun change of pace from traditional wedding cake (which we still absolutely adore, don’t get us wrong!). Bang Bang Pie is one of our favorites, especially when it is paired with ice cream service by the caterer.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Guests had a great time enjoying each other’s company as the night went on. Dancing, chatting, and laughter filled the room. Thanks to Gabe at Green Line Talent, the bride and her friends were able to show off their dance-major talents on the dance floor!
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
We truly enjoyed working with Elizabeth and Gavin, and hope these two are continuing on their blissful first year of married life!
Ryan Moore Photography
Do you remember the 21st night of September?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders
While chasing the clouds awayOur hearts were ringing
In the key that our souls were singing
As we danced in the night
Remember how the stars stole the night away?
Ryan Moore Photography
Do you remember the 21st night of September? We certainly do. Katy and Nick smiled throughout the entirety of their special day and it was a delight to work with them. Ryan Moore Photography did an exemplary job capturing the days festivities.
The day began for Katy at the Hotel Lincoln in the spacious Grant Suite. Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists, Salon Rouge, and Custom Hair Lounge were in charge of all things beauty and they did a fantastic job. Nick and his groomsmen opted for a relaxed gathering at Katy and Nick’s apartment before getting ready for the day.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Nick and his boys traveled via trolley to meet the ladies and head to St. Clement Church for the ceremony. But first, Katy and Nick enjoyed a private (and adorable) first look on the Hotel Lincoln‘s iconic and eclectic staircase.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
The newly renovated St. Clement Church was a wonderful and sentimental venue for Katy and Nick. Katy had attended the church and went to school at St. Clement throughout her entire upbringing. We’d like to personally thank the staff and Father Paul Seaman for making the ceremony flow so seamlessly for our wonderful couple. Chicago Musical Connection provided the music for the ceremony.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
The wedding party got back on the bus to take some fun photos around the city before heading to the reception at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Once they arrived to the venue, Ryan was able to capture some more beautiful shots of the couple in and around the museum.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Inside the museum, we were hard at work along with Calihan Catering and Nancy Kraus Floral Design creating the perfect reception space. The newlyweds had chosen two cakes; one adorned with Nick’s beloved Philadelphia Eagles logo and a second adorned by Katy’s parents’ wedding cake topper. Katy and Nick had even made their own personal escort cards using paper that they had watercolored together. This wedding was very special and the personal touches showcased their love for one another.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
After a grand entrance and a delicious meal from Calihan Catering, it was time to party! Everyone headed downstairs to a packed dance floor thanks to the Bluewater Kings. At the end of the night, VIP Valet’s school bus made sure that everyone got back to their hotels safely.
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Ryan Moore Photography
Katy and Nick, thank you for letting us help you with your special day. We wish you all the best and can’t wait to see what your future entails.
Ryan Moore Photography
Last year we had the honor of celebrating Maureen and Tim’s love with a beautiful May wedding! Tying the knot in front of beloved family and friends and their adorable dog, Riggs, it was an unforgettable ceremony. Of course, the day did not end there. Surrounded by the travel-themed decor they created themselves, the couple glowed as they danced the night away at Artifact Events.
Kimberly Rensburg Photography
We hope you are sharing in some beautiful memories as you celebrate one year of marriage!
Love,
Kelly and Joan