Annie and Jayson (aka peanut and nugget) are two of the kindest, silliest, most genuine people we’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Their families were equally as wonderful, and their wedding day was bursting with love and joy.

It was a perfect 73 degree August day. The ladies started at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, and then continued getting ready at the Ace Hotel. Pin Me Up did a wonderful job with hair and makeup, as did Annie’s sister-in-law Laura Hotchkiss, who did Annie’s hair. 

Photographer and personal friend Tess Cassady (Photography by Anastassia) was there to capture the magic of the day. Annie and Jayson had their first look, followed by couple portraits and group photos.

Meanwhile, the Five Grain team headed to Morgan’s on Fulton for ceremony and reception setup.  Exquisitely Strikeing did an incredible job helping with setup (and tear down). They set up an entire art gallery filled with Jayson’s personal artwork! Quite a few pieces were “Peanut and Nugget” themed! 

The space was absolutely beautiful, with many DIY uniquely-Annie-and-Jayson touches (too many to list!), and stunning floral by Asrai Garden. We especially loved how Annie and Jayson chose to have a mailbox & postcards in lieu of a guestbook, and concert tickets that served as escort cards. Music plays a big part in their relationship, especially considering they met at a concert.

The ceremony was short but oh-so-sweet. The Remedy sang beautifully as family members processed down the aisle (including their dog!), Annie and Jayson read their own vows, and Annie’s mom, Judge Margot Reagan, officiated. 

During cocktail hour, The Remedy continued with more live music. They were phenomenal! Everyone was dancing along, and Annie and Jayson shared their first dance to “Bring it Home to Me” by Sam Cooke.

Annie’s father, Dan Reagan, emceed during dinner as guests enjoyed thoughtful speeches, parent dances, and delicious food stations by Sweet Baby Ray’s. And let’s not forget the station full of irresistible desserts from Bang Bang Pie!

When the dance floor opened, the party continued, but the surprises didn’t stop! Annie’s dad surprised her by having the Bluewater Kings Band sing “Galway Girl” with the lyrics changed to “I lost my heart to a South Bend girl,” where Annie is from. Annie and Jayson’s nieces even surprised them with a choreographed dance!

While we don’t have photos to show for it, we’d also like to mention that after the reception ended, they had a Star Wars-themed after-party in the basement. Everyone dressed up and Jayson DJed!

It was a wedding that no one will ever forget, and we feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Annie and Jayson, we absolutely loved working with you and we wish you all the happiness in the world as you continue your journey together. Cheers!

Being a part of Haley and Joe’s wedding last August was such an honor. From our first meeting, it was apparent what an incredible celebration of two extraordinary people the day was going to be and we loved every second of it.

Haley began her prep at the St. Jane Chicago with her sisters and mother. The ladies eased into the day with hair by the talented Rare Bird Beauties and makeup by the lovely Andie Cumber. The morning was quiet, relaxed, and reflective as Haley put on her jaw dropping dress with the help of her mother and sisters, then shared a special moment with her father. Flowers For Dreams delivered the most amazing florals and Angela Renée Photography was there to capture each precious moment and detail. 

Meanwhile, Joe was down the hall also enjoying a quiet moment before getting ready and heading up to the rooftop to see his bride for the first time.

Despite the rainy morning, the rooftop of the St. Jane Chicago was the perfect private spot for Haley and Joe’s first look. With incredible Chicago views, the couple read vows they wrote to one another aloud and took some time together to savor the excitement of the day. They then headed off for photos with their wedding party and families at Artifact Events, taking advantage of all its unique space and character.

A truly magical space was created for Haley and Joe’s romantic ceremony. Flowers For Dreams designed stunning florals and lined the stairs and aisle with greenery and rose petals, I Love Lamp Lighting perfected the atmosphere with uplighting and café lights, and guests were greeted by the amazing sounds of String Theory Chamber Ensemble.

After the ceremony, guests moved to cocktail hour and on to dinner where they enjoyed always delicious bites from Hearty Boys and wonderfully touching toasts from Haley and Joe’s families.

After dinner guests moved in for dancing, which included the sweetest choreographed dance by Haley and her dad and a traditional Croatian circle dance as a nod to Joe’s family. Guests enjoyed a delightful dessert spread by Hearty Boys, a photobooth by Shutterbooth, and a packed dance floor thanks to Style Matters.

Haley and Joe, it was truly a pleasure. Congratulations again and we wish you all the happiness in the world!

Early in the wedding planning process, Joanna and Jeff reached out explaining what they envisioned for their day, using the words “ethereal, romantic, and magical”. It was amazing being a part of their wedding last summer, helping them bring those exact feelings to life and experiencing that magic along with them.

Joanna and her ladies started the day at the apartment conveniently attached to The Joinery. They enjoyed a slow morning of breakfast and refreshments with the talented Ramsay Marston doing hair and the always amazing Andie Cumber doing makeup. Pollen arrived early with incredible florals (just a taste of what was to come). Joanna began getting dressed, wowing her bridesmaids and taking a moment for a first look with her dad.  Wes Craft Photography was there to capture every detail.

Jeff and his groomsmen started the morning getting dressed at the apartment he and Joanna shared before moving to The Joinery where they took the morning slowly before first look and photos.

The Joinery provided so many options for photos with different unique details at every angle. Joanna and Jeff’s first look was in the entryway to the courtyard followed by photos with their wedding party and families in the courtyard and inside.

Guests were welcomed to The Joinery by hand lettered signage from Maison Blanche, more gorgeous floral from Pollen, and ceremony music from Toast and Jam. Joanna and Jeff’s ceremony was wonderfully intimate and sweet, exchanging their vows amongst their closest family and friends.

After the ceremony, guests moved out into the courtyard for cocktail hour while every vendor worked hard to transform the main space for dinner. Big Delicious Planet served beautiful and delicious food and drinks, more of Maison Blanche’s amazing work could be seen on each guest’s escort card, I Love Lamp Lighting added twinkle lights which provided the perfect glow later in the evening, Pollen’s variety of colors and flowers was stunning, and Cake Chicago provided the elegant wedding cake.

Guests moved in for dinner and enjoyed wonderfully touching and entertaining speeches by Joanna and Jeff’s family and friends before Toast and Jam turned it up a notch and kept the party going until the very end of the night.

Joanna and Jeff, it was so wonderful being a part of your amazing day! Thank you and congratulations again from all of us on the Five Grain Events team!