Style Matters DJs Archives - Five Grain Events

Kathy and Tom were one of my favorite clients in 2015! They had a very clear vision of what they wanted out of their wedding day and what their priorities were: they just needed help figuring out how to make it all happen! I was thrilled when Kathy let me know they wanted to move forward with hiring Five Grain Events to help with some of the planning of their Art Deco-inspired celebration at The School of the Art Institute in July and we had a blast working together!

Kyle Flubacker Photography

Wedding day started at the new Hyatt Centric hotel in the loop. It was a pretty easy-going group of bridesmaids who enjoyed the relaxed pace of the morning. Livia Caporale and Cassie Barron made sure everyone was photo-ready.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

Kathy’s high school friend, Kyle Flubacker, shared his talented photography skills for the occasion and caught some adorable moments through the day.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

Tom and his groomsmen spent the morning in another room of the hotel sharing a few laughs and preparing for the big event.

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Kyle Flubacker Photography

The folks at Hyatt Centric kindly allowed us to use the roof to stage Kathy and Tom’s first look, despite it not being officially open to the public yet! Despite our elaborate plans of setting up the official first look moment, we were foiled: in all my years of planning weddings, this was the first time the groom peeked before he got the official cue to turn (tsk, tsk Tom!). Luckily Kathy and Tom were both good sports about it and they stole a few minutes to themselves before the wedding day really got rolling.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

The bridal party went off for some group photos around the city while the Five Grain team headed over to The School of the Art Institute to get set up.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

Before long, guests began to arrive and we prepared for the ceremony. Several of Kathy and Tom’s talented friends and relatives played music for the processional and recessional. Cal, of Chicago Wedding Officiant Services, did a beautiful job officiating the ceremony. The beautiful personal flowers and ceremony décor were provided by Redberry Floral.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

Following the ceremony the real fun began! Kathy and Tom had met when they were both living in Atlanta, and one of their favorite things to do was go to hear James Patrick Morgan play! They were lucky enough to get him to agree to fly to Chicago and play music for the cocktail hour and dinner–and he was incredible! While guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails thanks to Food for Thought, they got to listen to this fabulous musician put on a veritable concert. Tom’s close friend and groomsman, Ben, works for Cooper’s Hawk and generously donated all of the wine for the event as well: these guys certainly know people in the right places!

Kyle Flubacker Photography

When it was time for dinner, everyone descended the steps from the Mezzanine to the Main Level which had been changed over from the ceremony setup. Kathy and Tom were announced into the room and went straight into their first dance played be James Patrick Morgan: Georgia On My Mind–an homage to the state where they first met.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

After official welcomes from both sets of parents, the delicious meal was served by Food for Thought: a watermelon-feta salad followed by a choice of lime-grilled salmon and braised beef short rib with summer peach glaze. Yum! It was a joy to hear the delightful toasts from friends and family–who regaled the group with stories of the bride and groom from “days of old”.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

Following the meal, Kathy and Tom cut their cake from Sweet Mandy B’s (with an adorable cake-topper depicting the couple with their adorable pup) and kicked off dancing. Max from Style Matters DJs did an incredible job at playing a wide variety of music which the bride, groom, and their guests loved to keep the party going throughout the evening. It was definitely a high-energy crowd!

Kyle Flubacker Photography

Kathy and Tom, it truly was a pleasure working with you on your wedding. I hope you have been enjoying Year #1 of marriage. Cheers to many, many more.

Kyle Flubacker Photography

When I think back on to Ellie and Bryan’s late July wedding, I remember everyone smiling, lots of hugs, dancing, and this joyous love-filled energy that completely surrounded them. It was a very special celebration for two special people, and it was such an honor to play a role in their big day!

Colin Lyons Photography

Ellie and Bryan chose to surround themselves with their nearest and dearest family and friends during the weekend of their celebration. Ellie and her bridesmaids had a slumber party the night before the wedding at her mother’s home. She wisely chose to use a party room in her mother’s building as the location for the ladies to get their hair and makeup done. It was the perfect space for everyone to mingle, have a little breakfast and get dolled up by the stylists, Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists, Anjelica Bannos and United Hairlines Salon! Colin Lyons Photography was there throughout the day to capture all the special moments.

Colin Lyons Photography

Meanwhile, Bryan and his groomsmen gathered at their hotel to relax and get ready. Bryan chose to have his Dad by his side throughout the day, making him his Best Man!

Colin Lyons Photography

With the help of her bridesmaids, Ellie slipped into her stunning gown and made her way to the church to marry her groom. She was absolutely radiant, and so excited!!

Colin Lyons Photography

Ellie and Bryan chose to honor Ellie’s Greek heritage by having a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony in Ellie’s gorgeous hometown church. It made for an incredibly sweet moment when the bride and groom saw one another for the first time as Ellie walked down the aisle!

Colin Lyons Photography

After their ceremony, Ellie and Bryan wanted to be sure and greet everyone who had attended. Instead of a traditional receiving line, the newlyweds made their way back to the front of the church to excuse their guests row by row. It turned out to be a very efficient process, and gave the couple the opportunity to receive tons of love from their guests!

Colin Lyons Photography

Before long, guests made their way to Concorde Banquets for the cocktail hour and reception. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and Colin Lyons Photography was able to utilize the sunshine and blue skies for some gorgeous photos!

Colin Lyons Photography

Upon arrival at Concorde Banquets, guests were greeted to the soulful music of the String Theory trio that played while delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks were served.

When it was time for dinner, everyone made their way down the stairs to the main banquet hall. They were able to pick up their escort cards, and see a beautiful display of family wedding photos along the way.

Colin Lyons Photography

Style Matters DJs set the tone with great music as guests made their way into the room. The hall looked beautiful, with it’s lovely white draping and pink uplighting. The gorgeous florals were artfully created by Phillip’s Flowers, while the stunning (and delectable) cake was made by the talented chef at Concorde Banquets!

Colin Lyons Photography

Ellie and Bryan were welcomed into their reception with tremendous cheer! They immediately made their way to cut their cake, and share their first dance as husband and wife.

Colin Lyons Photography

Everyone enjoyed their delicious dinners, delightful Greek desserts, and heartfelt toasts! When the dance floor was opened, it took no time for guests to get up and dance the night away, especially when Style Matters DJs played some traditional Greek tunes!

Colin Lyons Photography

Colin Lyons Photography also had a photobooth setup, which added to the night’s fun festivities! As you can see, everyone had a blast (especially while sporting that unicorn mask!).

Colin Lyons Photography

Ellie and Bryan, from the moment I met you, I could tell that the love between you flows deep and strong! The joyous energy that surrounded you on your wedding day was an absolute testimony to that. My heart is full as I look back and see all the love that was aimed at you that day, and I feel so grateful to have been a part of it all! Many blessing on you both as you make your way through this adventure of life together!

Colin Lyons Photography

School of the Art Institute Wedding–Kathy and Tom

Ellie and Bryan’s Joyous Greek Wedding Celebration 07.27.14