Summer Wedding Archives - Five Grain Events

Cafe Brauer Wedding – Rebecca and Jeremy

March 7, 2019

Ed & Aileen Photography

August 26, 2018. HOT HOT HOT. The weather called for upper 90s with high humidity and of course they were right! Although the temperature kept everyone a little warmer than we’d have liked, the day was truly the epitome of a fairy tale Chicago wedding.

Ed & Aileen Photography was there to capture the day’s festivities from the start. The wedding parties gathered at the Hotel Lincoln for wedding prep where Ania and Erica Janssen provided hair and makeup services for the ladies. Everyone looked absolutely stunning.

Ed and Aileen Photography

The breezy burgundy bridesmaid dresses were just perfect for the occasion. Vale of Enna hand-delivered the (stunning!) personal flowers. The lush bouquets were filled with white dahlias, garden and spray roses, pink protea, coral ranunculus and eucalyptus.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The men kept it light and easy looking dapper as ever in their tuxes. Jeremy gifted each of his groomsmen with a handsome set of cufflinks; the perfect touch to tie it all together!

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The morning moved quickly and soon it was time for Jeremy and Rebecca’s first look. Jeremy staged in the park across the street from Hotel Lincoln to await his beautiful bride.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

As first look photos were snapped, Absolute Dream Trolley was ready to take everyone around the city for photos while simultaneously acting as a cooling station for the couple and their squad.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Chicago’s landscaping and backdrops did not disappoint. The wedding crew made the 100+ temps look better than anyone ever could have hoped for.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Final stop, Café Brauer. The countdown to the ceremony was on as final touches were put into place.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Sheri Reda from Flow Ceremonies led a heartfelt ceremony that could not have been more romantic and perfect. Her words left hearts swelling as she brought guests from tears to laughter. At the end of the ceremony, we welcomed the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Finally, it was time to let loose and celebrate the gorgeous couple! Café Brauer looked magnificent on this warm summer night. Dinner from Tigerlily was exceptional. All was in place as Sway Chicago kicked off dinner with the wedding party announcements. The toasts were as entertaining as the food was delicious.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

As soon as the meal was complete, the crowd was out of their seats dancing the night away. Sway Chicago kept the party abuzz until the very last song.

The final touch to a picture perfect day and couple was an unforgettable evening sparkler send-off followed by a Windy City Limo bus ride back to local hotels.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Rebecca, Jeremy and their families were an absolute joy to work with. We wish them all the very best in life, love and happiness!

Ed and Aileen Photography

Rebecca and Jeremy have also been featured on Partyslate! Check it out here.

The Drake Hotel – Lexi and Mike

December 19, 2017

The day, September 9, 2017. The weather, 70 degrees and picture perfect. The couple, as cute, fun, and perfect as they come. Ed and Aileen of Ed & Aileen Photography, along with Lightfield Lewis of Lightfield Video were there to capture the day’s festivities from the start. The ladies gathered at the Drake Hotel’s breathtaking Princess Diana suite which created the perfect environment for getting ready and capturing the beauty, energy and excitement of the day to come.

Blushing Bride and Crew at the Chicago Drake Hotel

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The ladies were more than ready to put on their gorgeous mauve floor length dresses after hair and make up was done by Three One Two Bridal and Diem Angie. The flowers were equally as breathtaking: The Foxglove Studio had created lush bouquets filled with pale pinks, hints of burgundy, protea, spray rose, and cappuccino roses.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The men gathered at the Drake Hotel as well for some sliders, beverages, and the Iowa Hawkeye game. Although they kept it light and easy they were dressed to a T in their tuxes and looked dapper as ever.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Before we knew it, Chicago Trolley and Double Decker was in place to take the bridal party off to St Michael’s Old Town.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The sun was beaming on St Michael’s Old Town and the vaulted ceilings created the perfect backdrop for Lexi and Mike to say “I do”.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The ceremony was full of love, laughter, and joy. Mike’s father’s band played beautiful music throughout the ceremony. Lexi’s parents could not help but feel a bit of nostalgia for the church where they also said their vows decades before. Many personal touches made this ceremony one to remember for everyone involved.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

After the “I do’s”, Lexi and Mike departed the church and immediately took off on a horse drawn carriage ride from Chicago Carriage, just as Lexi’s parents had following their ceremony at St. Mike’s many years before. You couldn’t help but get wrapped up in all the beautiful memories and traditions theses two were creating.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

After their short carriage ride through the city, Lexi and Mike joined the bridal party aboard the trolley and took off for photos at Fourth Presbyterian Church as well as some other favorite locations around Chicago.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Lexi and Mike were stunned at the transformation of The Gold Coast Room at the Drake Hotel which was truly the perfect space to celebrate and dance the night away. Chicago Lighting Design did a great job illuminating the space. Lexi and Mike took time to practice their first dance one last time before they showed off for their guests. It was hard to deny the two were perfectly in sync in every way possible.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Once dinner began, the speeches and toasts were thoughtful, hysterical, personal and perfect . Each filled the room with many laughs and happy tears.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

It was a very heartfelt moment as Lexi danced with her father to “It Won’t be Like this for Long”. You could see the love and joy on both of their faces and it was hard not to be wrapped up in the dance and moment as much as they were.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Immediately after dances, the crowd danced the night away on the open dance floor. The Gold Coast All Stars kept the dance floor lively until 1am.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Check out Lexi and Mike’s wedding preview here courtesy of Lightfield Lewis.

Lexi, Mike, and their families were an absolute joy to work with. We wish them all the very best in life, love, and happiness!

Ed and Aileen Photography

Lexi and Mike’s wedding was also featured on Lakeshore In Love. View their feature HERE!

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City Winery Wedding – Kara and Mark

October 17, 2017

The day was June 24, 2017 and it was the picture perfect Chicago wedding day that every bride dreams of. The ladies were up bright and early getting ready at Glowout Salon and everyone was all smiles as the sun rose without a cloud in the sky.

Caitlin Lisa of Caitlin Lisa Photography was there to capture the day’s festivities from the start. After the beautifying was complete, everyone gathered back at the Crowne Plaza Metro Chicago. The girls looked flawless in their floral floor length dresses as they helped Kara into her fairytale bridal gown and classic Kate Spade heels.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

The men were looking sharp as well in their navy suits. There was no denying it was going to be a beautiful day.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Before we knew it everyone was headed off to St. Alphonsus to get the ceremony underway. Being from Lakeview themselves truly made this ceremony special in so many ways for Kara and Mark. All eyes were on the bride as everyone, including Mark, saw her for the first time walking down the aisle. The ceremony went off without a hitch and before you knew it Kara and Mark were leaving as Mr. and Mrs.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Chicago Premier Trolley took the bridal party around the city for photos. They made stops in Lincoln Park and along the Chicago River, capturing the glowing couple on a perfect Chicago summer day.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

After photos, the wedding party arrived at City Winery to continue the celebration. The Matt Stedman Band was playing, wine was flowing, and the hors d’oeuvres were second to none.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Following cocktails guests made their way into the concert hall for dinner and dancing. The room was decorated beautifully by Fleur with ivory hydrangeas, seeded eucalyptus, dusty miller and brilliant star spray roses. Their gorgeous cake was also draped with the same lush floral.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Caitlin Lisa Photography

The speeches and toasts were thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt; they filled the room with laughs, tears and lots of love.

Caitlin Lisa Photography

Shortly after dinner the dance floor was filled which continued well into the night. We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful way to celebrate this lovely couple. We wish Kara and Mark all the very best!

Caitlin Lisa Photography

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Mid America Club Wedding–Kanako and Gary

June 14, 2016

Kanako and Gary’s wedding celebration was an enchanting affair that I was so proud to be a part of! The gorgeous Mid America Club served as the perfect backdrop for Kanako and Gary’s elegant, sky-high event filled with joy, delicious food, and tons of fun!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

The day started at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel in downtown Chicago. Kanako and her sisters spent the morning together having their hair and make up done by the talented stylists with Nika Vaughn Bridal Artists.

Jeffery Sampson Photography, Chicago Wedding Coordinator

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Meanwhile, Gary, his future father-in-law and his brothers enjoyed a relaxing morning hanging out and having brunch.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Soon it was time for them to get dressed and meet for their first look. With the help of her sisters, Kanako slipped into her gorgeous gown designed by Alyne Rita Rivini.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Meanwhile, Gary got some brotherly help with the details on his dashing tux.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Kanako and Gary’s first look was at the base of the Aon Building, where the Mid America Club is located. Flanked by fountains, Kanako approached her Groom. Jeff Sampson Photography was able to capture the tender moment so perfectly!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Taking advantage of the gorgeous day and stunning city surroundings, the group took wedding party and family photos before their ceremony.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

The light and airy personal florals were created by the talented Juliet Tan Floral Designs.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

As guests arrived, they took the elevator up 80 floors to the Mid America Club. Since neither Gary nor Kanako are from the United States, most of their guests weren’t either. Gary’s family traveled from Great Britain and Kanako’s family traveled from Japan! It made for an extra special occasion to have two families coming together for the first time! The fantastic views at the Mid America Club gave the visitors a taste of the great city where Kanako and Gary fell in love!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

The time had arrived for Kanako to take her Father’s arm and meet her Groom down the aisle. Jeff Sampson Photography was able to capture Gary’s joy and Kanako’s radiance throughout the ceremony!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Kanako and Gary’s ceremony was so sweet, with lovely personal touches which included a special reading and an anniversary wine box ceremony. Aaron with Chicago Wedding Officiants helped them craft a ceremony that perfectly reflected them as a couple and their love and commitment to one another.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

It was now time to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs.! After the ceremony, guests made their way to the club’s Library to enjoy more fabulous views and delicious cocktails and passed hor d’oeuvres. The chefs at the Mid America Club outdid themselves with the delectable fare!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

While guests mingled during cocktail hour, Kanako and Gary took the opportunity to have a wedding photo shoot around downtown Chicago. Jeff Sampson Photography was able to capture some fantastic images of this adorable couple!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

When it was time for dinner, guests made their way around the club to the reception room. Along the way they collected their place cards from the baby grand piano, and took in the floral and event decor created by Juliet Tan Floral Design.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Luscious white florals and the vibrant blue table clothes created an elegant ambiance to an already alluring space! Each guest was gifted a tin of the couples favorite loose leaf tea as a wedding favor.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

With much jubilation, the happy couple was welcomed into their reception!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

They immediately went to the dance floor to cut their scrumptious and beautifully decorated wedding cake by Bittersweet Bakery!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Surrounded by great company, while enjoying a delicious dinner, Kanako and Gary were honored by touching toasts from their families.

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

As the sun went down, the lighting and music from Stand and Clap Entertainment, went up! Gary and Kanako got the dance floor going with their first dance, and special dances with their parents. Before long, the dance floor was filled with guests boogying down!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Guests also enjoyed mingling at cocktail and lounge areas, while enjoying more of the fantastic view that surrounded the Mid America Club. The evening even included a fantastic fireworks show, thanks to Navy Pier, which elevated the evening and made for an extra special celebration!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Kanako and Gary, thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to play a role in your big day! It was a pleasure to be able to help you two celebrate your union, and I wish you both many blessings as you embark on your future together!

Jeffrey Sampson Photography

Holy Family & Rolling Green Country Club Wedding–Molly and Alex

February 21, 2016

It is such an honor to be chosen as a gift for someone! When Five Grain Events‘ owner, Joan, learned of her sister-in-law, Molly’s engagement, she knew right away that it was important make sure that all the plans for their wedding went off with out a hitch! She also wanted to be able to enjoy this important day with her family, so she asked me to serve as coordinator. It was truly a privilege to meet this gorgeous couple, to get to know the Cinquegrani family, and to play a role in such a wonderful and jubilant celebration!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Family is very important to Molly and Alex, and on their wedding day, they wanted to be surrounded by their nearest and dearest. In her childhood home, Molly and her bridesmaids started their day with breakfast, and having their hair and makeup done while donning matching robes! Photographers, Bridget and Michael, with Modern Wedding Solutions were there throughout the day to capture all the fun.

Modern Wedding Solutions

When it was time for this beaming bride to slip into her stunning gown, she wanted to have an intimate moment with her mother and grandmothers. The photographer caught the precious moment of her father and bridesmaid’s faces when Molly revealed herself for the first time!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Molly and Alex did not want to see each other until they met down the aisle. With the help of M&M Limo Service, Alex and his groomsmen arrived to the church on time and looking sharp!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Meanwhile, Molly rode to the church with her parents, sharing a quiet moment with them before the ceremony.

Modern Wedding Solutions

Preceded by one very adorable flower girl (with her mom, Joan) Molly smiled from ear to ear as she made her way down the aisle to her groom.

Modern Wedding Solutions

Their ceremony was a traditional Catholic mass that radiated joy throughout.

Modern Wedding Solutions

With an “I do!” and a kiss, hand in hand they made their way down the aisle as the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Modern Wedding Solutions

After the ceremony, the wedding party loaded onto a limo bus provided by M&M Limo Services, to head to the Rolling Green Country Club for a few photos before the reception began.

Modern Wedding Solutions

Despite the summer heat, everyone had fun running around the golf course for the wedding party photo shoot. Modern Wedding Solutions was able to captures some really sweet photos of the bride and groom with their families and closest friends!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Meanwhile, back at the Rolling Green Country Club clubhouse, the vendor team was hard at work setting up for the cocktail hour and dinner reception. The beautiful floral centerpieces were artfully created by Aberdeens Wedding Florist. Other personal touches included a family photo display, lovely cookie favors, a slide show, and a vintage Bride and Groom figurine (which belonged to Molly’s grandmother) to accompany their delicious cake made by the Oak Mill Bakery!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Before long it was time to get the party started! The Walk-Ins Band played an acoustic set as guests began to arrive for the cocktail hour. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed great music, company, food and drinks!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Molly and Alex kicked off their reception with the Walk-Ins‘s rendition of Led Zeplen’s “Let it Rock” as they were announced into the room! Guests were on their feet cheering the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Molly and Alex went straight to their cake cutting it to another Led Zeplen classic, “Whole Lotta Love!”

Modern Wedding Solutions

The night continued on with with humorous and heartfelt toasts by family and friends.

Modern Wedding Solutions

Following dinner, Alex and Molly made their way to the dance floor to thank their guests for being a part of such a special day. They then came together and danced their first dance as husband and wife!

Modern Wedding Solutions

After a sweet father/daughter dance, The Walk-Ins Band filled the dance floor with guests who were ready to boogie all night long!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Guests also enjoyed a fun photo booth from Modern Wedding Solutions and delicious late night snacks.

Modern Wedding Solutions

Modern Wedding Solutions

The joy surrounding Molly and Alex filled the room! The night continued with much toasting, dancing, and merriment. It was the perfect celebration for a truly wonderful couple!

Modern Wedding Solutions

Molly and Alex, it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your wonderful celebration! I wish you both many years of fun and adventure together! Cheers!

Modern Wedding Solutions