Catie and Mike met the old-fashioned way: on Tinder! With Catie in med school and Mike busy with his work as an engineer it was hard to find time for each other, but they made it work. After almost 5 years together, Mike proposed (though his attempt to surprise Catie was slightly thwarted by her focus on navigating a Pineapple maze). Soon the couple was planning their dream wedding in the heart of Chicago.
Catie and Mike had been referred by Catie’s brother, Patrick, and his wife, Karina, whose wedding Five Grain had also planned in 2021. Reuniting with this wonderful family and being part of another milestone in their lives was an added bonus!
One word I’d use to describe Catie and Mike’s wedding day was warm–both in spirit and temperature! But, the summer heat couldn’t dampen their joy and excitement. The couple had chosen a color palette of dusty blues and muted floral tones, accented by an abundance of greenery, perfectly complementing the rich, prairie-style architecture of Cafe Brauer. The venue, nestled within Lincoln Park, provided the ideal setting for a day that was inviting, lovely, and full of heartfelt moments.
When we stepped into the venue, Elena’s Garden had truly outdone themselves. The Great Hall was filled with florals that echoed the natural beauty of the surroundings.
A close friend of the couple officiated the ceremony, adding a personal touch. After the public exchange of vows, Catie and Mike stepped away from the crowd to share private vows with only their photographer, Emily Antonelli, in attendance.
Guests were treated to culinary delights by Tigerlily, who crafted a menu that was both elegant and satisfying, and the wedding cake by Vanille Patisserie was a showstopper. Toast & Jam provided the perfect soundtrack for the evening, ensuring the dance floor was full until the very last note of the final song, “First Date” by Blink 182.
The day was a seamless blend of joy and love, with every detail meticulously executed the Five Grain team. From the early morning preparations at The Westin Michigan Avenue to the late-night pizza delivery from Lou Malnati’s, every second of Catie and Mike’s wedding day was filled with memories that last a lifetime.
Catie and Mike, it was a pleasure. Whether hot, cold, or “just right” we know each day will be filled with as much love as you shared on your wedding day.