Maureen and Tim’s May wedding was the perfect start to our summer. Their day allowed all to delight in the city’s bursting excitement over warm days ahead and it overflowed with love and emotion for this amazing couple.

Maureen and the ladies enjoyed a quiet and relaxed morning at a nearby Airbnb having their hair done by a close friend Amber Sevey and makeup by the talented ladies of Flawless Beauty Chicago. Kimberly Rensburg Photography carefully captured each and every detail as the ladies eased into the exciting day ahead.

Tim got ready at the couple’s apartment surrounded by his groomsmen and most importantly, Riggs (Maureen and Tim’s beloved dog). The guys enjoyed a fresh shave by Jo Chicago and a quick cheers before it was time for Tim to head downstairs and meet Maureen for their much anticipated first look.

With boutonnieres beautifully constructed from paper maps and simple but elegant bouquets by Flora Chicago, Maureen and Tim took advantage of their amazing Southport neighborhood before hopping on the M&M Limo bus and stopping at another meaningful location, Windy City Strength and Conditioning.  Then it was on to Artifact Events for more amazing photos and some quiet time before their ceremony.

Maureen and Tim’s ceremony was the definition of intimate and personal. Maureen’s brother-in-law officiated, with beautifully touching stories about the couple and a sand ceremony that combined sand from each coast as a nod to their roots. Maureen and Tim both read aloud vows they wrote to one another.  There was not a dry eye in the house.

Bringing more personalization to their day, Maureen and Tim skipped the traditional floral centerpieces and instead carefully curated and sourced every piece of decor themselves, accentuating Artifact Events’s already unique feel and beautifully showcasing their love of travel and each other. Event Brilliance provided the string lights overhead adding to the romantic feel of the evening as the Hearty Boys delighted guests over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before moving them in for dinner.

The couple was announced into the room and stole a dance before family and friends shared touching toasts over dinner. To top the night off, guests were treated to an exquisite dessert spread by Hearty Boys, Stan’s Donuts and Garrett’s Popcorn, The always outstanding Toast and Jam then took over opening up the dance floor with special dances and keeping it packed and energized until the very last song of the night.

Maureen and Tim, it was an honor to be a part of your day! Thank you both for everything and congratulations again from the entire Five Grain Events team!

Maureen and Tim’s wedding was also featured on Party Slate.  Find that feature HERE!

We were so thrilled to kick of wedding season this June with such a sweet, fun-loving couple, Katherine and Nick. Their love for their family, friends, and–above all–each other, made this rainy wedding day bright and warm. 

The bride and her bridesmaids began their day at Katherine’s home where they were pampered all morning, getting their hair done by Krystal McIntyre and their makeup done by Deanna Lewis from LuxeSkin Med Spa. Nick and his groomsmen got ready at another house nearby. Both Katherine and Nick prepared sweet notes and thoughtful gifts for one another that they opened in the moments of anticipation right before heading to the ceremony.

Holding umbrellas high over their heads to stay out of the rain, the wedding party and guests filed into the picturesque St. Petronille Church in Glen Ellyn for the ceremony. Father James Dougherty officiated the ceremony, which was his very last before retirement, accompanied by the lovely music of Gavin Coyle. Missy Donovan Photography stood by, snapping photos of all of the sweet moments that Katherine, Nick, and their guests shared. After the ceremony, the newlyweds and the wedding party hopped on a trolley from Naperville Trolley & Tours and drove all over Naperville, taking photos and celebrating.

That evening, guests arrived at the beautiful event space and outdoor gardens of Mesón Sabika in Naperville for the cocktail hour and reception. The whole space was decorated beautifully by LA Flowers, whose arrangements and décor perfectly reflected the couple’s taste and the spirit of their wedding. During cocktail hour, guests had the opportunity to enjoy some jazzy piano music and to take some photos in The Pix Booth’s photo booth, to add into a book for Katherine and Nick as mementos from their wedding.

After a delicious dinner provided by Mesón Sabika and two flavors of cake (each as decadent as the next) provided by Creative Cakes, the dance floor opened. David Rothstien Music brought an incredible, eleven-piece band that was the showstopper of the night (aside from Katherine and Nick, of course!). Katherine, Nick, and their friends and family danced the night away, celebrating love and friendship.

Thank you both for letting us take part in your special day! It was truly a joy to have gotten to know both of you in the past few months, as well as your lovely friends and family on wedding day. Congratulations and best wishes from the whole team at Five Grain Events!

Erin and Chase’s January wedding was one for the books. With extreme weather forecasted for that day, it was quite cold and snowy. But I think we all agreed, there were few places we would rather be snowed in than at the incredible University Club of Chicago, celebrating such a beautiful couple.

Erin started the day early with hair and makeup at the University Club of Chicago. Kate Johnson Artistry perfected each hairstyle accompanied by Glam by Stefanie’s amazing makeup applications. The ladies spent the morning enjoying brunch and some champagne, relaxing, and watching the snow fall over the city.

Chase, his best man (also his twin brother), and the rest of his groomsmen later arrived at the University Club in the Billiards Room, playing cards and enjoying some lunch. Katie Kett Photography and Robert Cawthorne Wedding Films arrived bright and early, capturing each and every special detail and moment.

While the men enjoyed their morning and the ladies finished hair and makeup, Erin moved to her suite to put on her dress and share a few special moments with her mother and sister before a first look with her grandmother, her father, and one last cheers with her bridesmaids.

It was officially go time and Erin and Chase decided to brave the snow and cold in order to take advantage of the University Club of Chicago’s amazing views off The Gallery for their first look. After a few quick moments alone and with beautifully bold florals by Fleur in hand, the couple moved around the club for photos with their wedding party before departing for their ceremony.

The group loaded onto their trolley from Way To Go Trolley and Bus and departed for Holy Family Church. The church was stunning, with pew decor by Fleur and custom programs and signage created by the couple themselves.

After the ceremony, the group quickly departed in order to take advantage of what daylight was left for some incredible photos around the city before returning to the University Club of Chicago for a few more gorgeous shots.

When the group arrived at the University Club, it had been transformed. Beautiful candlelight and lush greenery flanked the staircase of the lobby as guests entered, with more custom signage and gorgeous decor, candlelight, and a Spanish guitarist from Front of House in The Library where guests enjoyed cocktail hour.

But guests were really wowed when they finally moved up to Cathedral Hall for dinner. The always-impressive space looked elegant as ever with Fleur’s stunning centerpieces, dramatic head table, and inviting fireplace. The perfect final touch were chiavari chairs from Chicago Chair Rental Collection.

Guests took their seats and Erin and Chase were invited into the room, kicking off touching but hilarious toasts from family and a delightful dinner for all. Front Of House killed it, starting with special dances before officially opening the dance floor and keeping it packed until the very last song of the night.

Erin and Chase, thank you to you and your family for being so wonderful and starting our year off on such a perfect note! Wishing you all the best and congratulations again from all of us at Five Grain Events!