I met Dalton and Alex (or AJ as she’s affectionately known, her nickname coined by Dalton) as they were in the early stages of wedding planning. They had the venue (one of our favorites, Rockwell on the River) and some fun ideas of the vibe…but not much else. Alex, who dealt with event planning in her day job, needed a partner to work hand-in-hand with her to bring her fun ideas to life. I am so fortunately that they chose Five Grain for the job!
Wedding day morning started for the ladies in a lovely and bright two-floor suite at the Marriott Downtown Mag Mile. We Only Do Pretty was dolling up this gorgeous group of girls filled with friends and family from many different stages of Alex’s life.
The gents spent their day at a leisurely brunch followed by some easygoing hangs at Dalton and AJ’s apartment.
In the depths of the pandemic’s seemingly endless rescheduling conversations, I would often say “I can’t wait to start worrying about the weather again!”. Compared to the heavy decisions we were making in 2020 and early 2021, deciding on an indoor vs. outdoor plan seemed like a welcome choice to weigh. So, I take full responsibility for the fact that weather worries were absolutely on the schedule for the getting ready timeframe.
The wedding party had a very exciting grand entrance planned for their reception which involved an open air Chicago Electric Boat Rentals pontoon boat along the Chicago River. Every time we opened the weather.com app there would be a different outlook. After a discussion between myself and the boat captain, as well as a quick phone conference with the bride and groom (and despite the rain coming down as we spoke), we decided to take the risk and hope for the best!
One big decision made and it was time to get Alex into her beautiful gown. The clean lines and simple design perfectly suited this natural beauty. Deepwell captured all the special moments exquisitely.
The group grabbed their umbrellas and Steve’s Flower Market bouquets and headed into Windy City Limousine vehicles en route to St. Alphonsus. Guests boarded larger vehicles from Aries Charter headed in the same direction and the drivers were so helpful in ensuring everyone was able to stay dry before the ceremony began.
The service was presided over by Dalton’s close family friend, Monsignor William McCumber, who had some wonderful words to share about the couple (with a few good-natured ribs toward Dalton thrown in for good measure). Once the mass was complete, the group was ready for fun! A few group pics downtown and then onto the Chicago Electric Boat pontoon for a scenic trip up the river to Rockwell.
While the wedding party was beginning their journey north, guests headed to Rockwell on the River to begin the cocktail hour (the weather gods had listened to our prayers!). Butter & Vine passed delightful bites as everyone relished in the spring weather and river views on the terrace. Escort Cards were housed in custom Koozies as a nod to the happy couple’s extensive collection at home.
With a few minutes’ warning from Joe at Deepwell that the group was drawing near, we encouraged everyone to peel their eyes downriver for a special surprise. In my nearly 13-years in business this definitely tops out as the coolest wedding party entrance to a wedding. Everyone cheered as we brought our bride and groom up the ramp to join the celebrations.
When it was time for dinner to begin, Alysha Monique of Funktastic helped to invite guests to their seats in the ballroom. The look in the space was stunning thanks to Steve’s Flower Market and Art of Imagination–neutral toned linens and florals mixed with chic splashes of navy and gold and a show-stopping suspended lighting + greenery design. The couple wanted their out of town guests to get a chance to see “Dalton and AJ’s Chicago” and they absolutely nailed the look. Plus, the bonus of the life-size cutout of the bride and groom dressed as characters from The Big Lebowski available for a DIY photo booth experience.
Butter & Vine provided their guests with a scrumptious menu that was served alongside heartfelt toasts by their friends and family. Since there were so many children in attendance, we created a “kids’ corner” with art projects, activities, and two sitters to keep the little ones entertained. The tiny chiavari chairs and low table were simply *chef’s kiss!
The special dances were so sweet and led right into an absolutely epic dance floor experience. From glow necklaces, to dollar dances, to traditional Greek dances, to a conga line (ok, made that last one up), it was one for the ages. After the crowd was warmed up a bit, the father of the bride and mother of the groom even performed a duet! Beyond!
For those who needed a break from dancing, there was the abundant sweets table (petite sweets from Butter & Vine and cake by Alliance) or a selection of cigars for consumption on the patio which were all well-enjoyed by everyone present.
It was so much fun to watch the recap video that Amor in Motion put together:
Alex and Dalton, you made every part of this planning process easy and fun (and hope I did the same for you!). Stay awesome.
