Emily and Matt met through mutual friends and, after three years together, finally decided to make it official. Matt wanted a big celebration, while Emily envisioned an intimate evening with family and close friends. Their compromise was a two-day wedding: heartfelt vows and a private dinner with loved ones at Fioretta on Friday, followed by a chic, high-energy reception at The Dalcy on Saturday with 275 of their closest friends.
Friday evening began with family photos outside Fioretta, capturing intimate, emotional moments before the ceremony. Emily’s eye for style was apparent as she glowed in her tailored peek-a-boo white dress with a crisp bow and sophisticated scarf accent. Matt complemented her perfectly, in a breezy linen suit. Emily and Matt exchanged their vows in a warm, relaxed setting, surrounded by the people closest to them. Dinner followed, accompanied by a delicious cake from Gabriela Codina, a family favorite of the bride’s. The night wrapped with a small gathering at Lazy Bird, giving everyone a chance to linger and celebrate this new chapter.
Saturday brought a full-scale, vibrant reception. Hair and makeup by The Bridal Collective and Gaby Raguso Beauty got the wedding party camera-ready in the early morning. Meanwhile, the groom and groomsmen prepared for their own photos before joining Emily for the couple’s first look — a quiet, emotional moment captured by Momoko Fritz for Alisha Tova Photography.
Emily’s second wedding fit was another stunner: she wore a drapey white gown paired with sheer fingerless gloves embroidered with “to the moon and back” and a chapel-length veil to tie it all together. Bridesmaids chose bright summery gowns in sage, salmon, and marigold, which paired flawlessly with the groom and groomsmen’s black tuxes.
The weather was typical for August in Chicago – hot, humid, and threatening rain. The couple took it all in stride and got some great pics outside under a clear umbrella.
Over at The Dalcy, Bou-K Design Co. transformed the space with dramatic, avant-garde floral centerpieces featuring lush blooms alongside whimsical fruit elements like oranges, lemons, dragonfruit, and watermelon. Each table, topped with the venue’s crisp white linens, looked magazine-ready.
Entertainment by Arlen Music Productions kept the crowd energized from the first toast through the last dance. The couple made a grand entrance to “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, followed by their first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Thoughtfully curated dinner stations and passed hors d’oeuvres by The Dalcy’s in-house catering team satisfied every taste bud while maintaining seamless service.
Hipstr Photo Booth captured playful moments, while late-night music and a lively dance floor kept energy high well into the evening.
Thanks to the Five Grain Events team the two-day affair meticulously dreamed up by Emily and Matt flowed effortlessly. Coordinating vendors, timelines, and family logistics, we ensured Emily and Matt could fully soak in each moment.
Emily and Matt, it was an honor to help bring your vision to life. Your chic, joyful, and utterly stylish wedding was a true reflection of who you are as a couple, and we’re thrilled to have been part of it!