Quinn and Jack’s wedding was a beautiful celebration set in one of the city’s most spectacular destinations–The Field Museum. Dining elegantly amongst the dinosaurs makes for a hard-to-top experience for wedding guests! Quinn and Jack took things to the next level with their exquisite taste–making for a truly unforgettable evening.
The element of intimacy that the couple wanted to share with their guests started early; the getting-ready process for the ladies took place in the comfort of Quinn and Jack’s thoughtfully curated apartment, with a delicious spread from Whole Foods to keep the ladies nourished as they excitedly (and a little nervously!) prepped for the day. The calm expertise of Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists ensured that Quinn, her bridesmaids, and her mother all felt as beautiful as they looked.
Photographer Olivia Leigh‘s sunny disposition and impeccable talent kept Quinn at ease; the bride looked absolutely beautiful surrounded by her closest friends and family as the day’s momentum increased.
While the ladies laughed and chatted in their lovely floral robes (a gift from Quinn), the gents were donning their tuxes and keeping Jack calm, cool, and collected at The Gray.
Soon the trolley from Second City Trolley arrived to take the groom and his groomsmen over to the condo to pick up Quinn and her bridesmaids for photos. Quinn and Jack’s first look took place at the park close to their home, a spot they visit often but made even more meaningful with this special moment.
The wedding party then took a quick jaunt around the city for photos before heading on to the Field Museum campus. The bouquets expertly designed by Natalie Walsh and her team at HMR Designs looked soft and lush; perfect for a late summer wedding!
Windy City Limo helped make sure the couple’s parents made it to Field Museum in time for photos before the ceremony began. The wedding party and immediate families took some group photos before it was time to hide away for the ceremony to maximize their enjoyment and relaxation during cocktail hour.
HMR Designs worked in conjunction with Frost Chicago to bring Quinn and Jack’s vision to life. The ceremony arch was a true work of art; it provided such a stunning focal point to help draw guests eyes toward the couple as they shared their vows and said “I do” — not always an easy feat when you’re surrounded by the incredible architecture of the Field Museum.
The ceremony itself was thoughtful and celebratory. One of Quinn and Jack’s oldest friends–who has seen their relationship flourish from the early days of high school–was a fitting choice to act as their officiant. Musicians from Gold Coast Event’s Lake Shore Encores helped set the scene with instrumental renditions of some of Quinn and Jack’s favorite songs.
Once Quinn and Jack sealed their marriage with a kiss, guests were invited to join the happy couple on the terrace overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline for cocktail hour. Lake Shore Encore‘s jazz trio played from the steps, and HMR Designs did not disappoint with umbrellas, cocktail table arrangements, and lush floral at the bars.
Field to Table served delightful hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while guests enjoyed the stunning view and delightful surroundings. When it was time to head back inside, they were met with the warm glow of candlelight and beautiful escort cards to guide them to their tables. The gorgeous, Tuscan-inspired tablescapes lush with olive, lemon leaf, and eucalyptus greens were accompanied by gold-rimmed glassware, gold-beaded chargers, and vintage flatware.
Every detail was carefully selected, bringing an element of intimacy to the grandeur of the venue. The height of the floral arrangements mixed with the placement of the tables all helped bring the guests together and the focus on the happy couple. The dinner menus featured each guest’s name to help direct them to their seats, a personal touch to make each guest feel truly special. Maya at Layers of Loveliness created a suite of paper goods that were so artistic, creative, and beautiful! We truly enjoyed working with her; she was professional, timely, and so kind. The end result for the invitation suite and day-of paper goods were nothing short of wonderful.
Quinn and Jack knew that they wanted to do something special instead of a traditional cake cutting to “wow” their guests. When Quinn suggested a champagne tower, we immediately got to work connecting with the team at Field to Table and the Field Museum to make her dream a reality! This may be one of my favorite wedding photos of all time (Thanks, Olivia!).
Guests enjoyed the visual feast of decor almost as much as their dinner, thoughtfully prepared by the wonderful team at Field to Table. To top it all off with something sweet, Quinn and Jack selected pie from Spinning J Bakery to serve their guests.
After a delectable meal, heartfelt toasts, and special dances between Quinn and her father and Jack and his mother, Lake Shore Encores turned up the energy and invited guests to the dance floor. The floor stayed full all night — and the band had a special surprise up their sleeves for the newly-married couple when Jack’s sister took the stage to share a song she wrote for the occasion.
For moments they knew they would want to relive, Quinn and Jack hired Vanilla Video. They were able to capture the ceremony, toasts, and special dances — some of the elements of the day that pass all too quickly but always hold a special place. VIP Valet was onsite to keep track of guests’ cars, and Quinn and Jack rented spots from Soldier Field to accommodate guests who were driving to the venue.
We could not have been happier with how truly magical the entire day felt! Quinn and Jack, your wedding was a dream and we hope your new life as husband and wife is just as romantic, thoughtful, and special! Cheers!
This wedding was also featured on Carats & Cake and Partyslate.