Elegant Chicago Wedding at The University Club

Jordan and Joe’s Chicago wedding is all about classic, timeless glamour. After a ceremony in River North’s Holy Name Cathedral, the couple selected the venerable Millennium Knickerbocker for their reception—a venue with an old Chicago feel—and its stately ballroom with its gold gilded ceiling was the inspiration for their decor. Sarah from Vale of Enna worked magic in the ornate ballroom, creating romantic and lush centerpieces of candelabras, greenery, and white and ivory blooms. We simply adore this couple’s elegance and style, and the gorgeous images from Emilia Jane Photography!

Colleen and Mark’s Chicago wedding is indescribably elegant. At no time is the city more beautiful than in the summer, and the gorgeous day was a perfect complement to the gorgeous couple and their wedding party. Colleen is resplendent in a lace Ines Di Santo gown from Dimitras Bridal Couture, and her maids donned chic champagne Jenny Yoo Social Collection gowns. The extraordinary Preston Bradley room of the Chicago Cultural Center was the setting for their July nuptials, and the architectural gem’s Tiffany Dome was incorporated into the custom stationery by Magnificent Milestones. A mix of lush teacup florals and elegant garland-style centerpieces with a sea of candles by Exquisite Designs adorned the tables. The fabulous Lori Stephenson of LOLA Event Productions went above and beyond to both curate the details of the day and insure the event with off without a hitch, right down to duct taping the floor when the jubilant reception dancing literally cracked it open! We adore each of these soft and lovely images from Annie Parish Photography!

Katie and Dan planned their nuptials in just four months, but these images from Two Birds Photography show flawless touches and attention to detail that belie the couple’s short engagement! Says bride Katie, “There were three main feelings we wanted our celebration to evoke: a classic feel, a cozy environment, and a fun atmosphere.” We think it’s an absolute success, starting with the venue, Chicago’s The Rookery. “It is such an amazing space with an incredible history that is deeply intertwined with the city,” says Katie. “Both grand and cozy.” From there, the couple looked to Exquisite Designs for florals that would accent the existing decor, including white roses, anemones, ranunculu, sweet peas, and hydrangeas.  In keeping with the chic, sophisticated feel of the day, bridesmaids wore black dresses by Amsale. Katie’s lace Rafael Cennamo gown from Dimitra’s bridal salon is stunning, and we love the edginess her black Jimmy Choo heels provide. Vintage decanters from Rent Vintage Chicago add a sparkle to the reception’s cream and gold decor, as does the gold bride and groom topper set on the cake from Sweet Mandy B’s. How we adore this elegant affair!

Ashley and Alan’s elegant wedding at DeLille Cellars took full advantage of the natural beauty of their Washington locale. The couple immediately fell in love with the lush garden and charming pond, as well as the European villa inspired chateau. Holly of Perfectly Posh Events worked with the couple to design a timeless event with a delicate and airy feel. A color palette of blush, pale peach, and white beautifully blended with lush greenery in their tented reception with florals by Sugar Pine. Ashley was drawn to classic and feminine gowns, and selected a fitted Inbal Dror gown with lovely lace detailing, while her bridesmaids donned floaty pale blue Amsale dresses. The winery theme continued with a honeymoon in France’s wine country. Every moment is exquisitely captured by The Great Romance Photo!

I may be a bit biased, but Chicago’s skyline is absolute perfection. And it’s on full display in Sarah and Greg’s gorgeous May wedding at the Millennium Knickerbocker, planned by Lola Event Productions. Almost all of the couple’s guests traveled to Chicago for the wedding, so they wanted to plan an elegant urban wedding showing off the best the city had to offer! The Michigan Avenue hotel’s ornate Crystal Ballroom was home to both the elegant ceremony and the reception, which featured an array of classic floral arrangements by Exquisite Designs atop glitzy gold linens. Pretty pink napkins folded into bows dressed the hotel’s traditional art deco inspired china. We adore the traditional vibe of the long, stunning head table for the wedding party, which was awash in a sea of candles in front of dramatic ivory draping. Ending the evening? A delectable buffet of traditional Chicago treats, including deep dish pizza, mini hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. This quintessential Chicago wedding is one of our favorites, and we love each beautiful image from Emilia Jane Photography!

Elise and Michael’s wedding showcases the stunning city of Chicago almost as well as it illustrates their love for each other! An interfaith ceremony at Old St. Patrick’s Church brought together both families’ traditions, and their Chicago Cultural Center reception—planned and designed by Beth Bernstein of SQN Events—is the epitome of classic sophistication. The stunning Preston Bradley Hall, with its ornate dome and stately marbled walls, was the perfect backdrop for a reception featuring elegant calligraphy details, centerpieces of greenery, candles, and soft white blooms from Flora, and a rocking party set to the tunes of Matt Lewis and The Union. Each and every image from Olivia Leigh Photographie is perfection!

Becky and John wanted a classic romantic vibe for their beautiful Columbia, Missouri, wedding, with lots of ivory, cream and blush elements. After choosing her Jim Hjelm gown from The Ultimate Bride, Becky worked with Kent’s Floral Gallery to incorporate her favorite flowers—garden roses, peonies, and hydrangeas—in shades of rich white and creams with hints of peach throughout. Blush bridesmaids dresses by Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids were a lovely complement to the lush and subtle florals, first at the ceremony at Missouri United Methodist Church and then at the romantic reception at Kimball Ballroom. We love the soft colors and sparkle of mercury glass and gold details at the reception, and the incorporation of roses on the cake from Edith Hall Cakes. Just stunning! “We wanted everyone to have a blast, and I really think we pulled that off,” says Becky. Judging from all the prettiness in these images from Heather Roth Fine Art Photography, we have to agree!

Lovely is the only word that comes close to adequately describing Laura and Kevin’s St. Louis wedding at Coronado Ballroom. Soft pastel blooms such as roses and hydrangeas by Tina Barerra of The Special Event Florist created a romantic atmosphere at the ceremony and reception. Simply and Forever helped Laura and Kevin plan the day, which the couple wanted to be “classy, elegant, and full of personality.” The gorgeous coral color of Laura’s single bridesmaid dress from Amsale is statement-making simplicity at its finest. Along with her column-style Monique Lhuillier gown, Laura carried a hand-tied bouquet of garden roses, mini calla lilies, spray roses, and ranunculus. We love the unique touches woven into the reception, too, like circular dinner menus from Two Blue Doors and a simple cake with a classic monogram, provided by the Coronado. Enjoy all of these gorgeous images from the ever-fabulous Clary Pfeiffer Fine Art Photographer.

Natives of Los Angeles, Michelle and Miguel wanted a spot for their wedding that didn’t feel like typical LA. The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel was the perfect venue for that, with its dramatic staircases, ceilings, and windows. The Dainty Lion helped Michelle and Miguel plan a celebration that was uniquely theirs, which included lush peony bouquets, baby’s breath topiaries, and pretty blooms in glass vases along tables peppered with gold sequin linens. Bridesmaids in taupe dresses were elegant, especially standing next to Michelle in a lace and tulle Pronovias gown from Bellasposa. We love Michelle’s blue Badgley Mischka shoes with sparkling brooches! Romantic touches such as floral stationery from Wedding Paper Divas and feather accents on place settings matches the drama of the location! A dessert table at the reception featured macaroons from Sweet and Saucy Shop, topped off with a cake designed by Hotcakes Bakes. We’re swooning over every detail in these photos from Love, Janet Photography!

Dana and James, with the help of Joyce Feuer of Joyce’s Event and Party Planning, threw a soft, pretty wedding that was equal parts city sophistication—after all, the event was held at The Standard Club in Chicago—and romantic chic. Incredibly lush flowers in varied tones of pink by StemLine Creative up the gorgeous factor, and Dana’s Christos gown sends it over the top—check out that sheer overlay and her sparkly heels! The fabulous Artisan Events captured these images, which look like pure art to us—kind of like the cream cake topped with blush flowers from Amy Beck Cake Design. This entire affair glitters like gold!

Even the intense heat and humidity of a typical spring day in Dallas couldn’t dim all the smiles at Jessica and Brian’s wedding! After a beautiful ceremony at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the celebration continued at the stunning Dallas Scottish Rite Crystal Ballroom where guests sipped signature cocktails surrounded by the venue’s ornate millwork and then dined at sparkling tables decorated with arrangements of soft blush roses and ivory hydrangea by The Rogue Rose. Classic, timeless, and perfectly elegant, it’s clear from all the smiles in these photos from Image Clairity that Jessica and Brian’s wedding day will be one remembered by all who were lucky enough to attend!

After Jessica and Zach got engaged, they sweetly joined Jessica’s parents on a trip to DC to celebrate their wedding anniversary. One of their excursions there was to take a walk on the grounds where her parents held their wedding ceremony, the National Cathedral. Naturally, they were so smitten with the gardens and the buildings that once they found out the Gothic-style cathedral was now hosting wedding receptions in addition to ceremonies, the New Yorkers jumped on the chance to get married there. Jessica wanted an “elegant and ethereal” day so with the help of Caroline Dutton Events and Kate & Lilly Floral Design, they drew inspiration from the Bishop’s Garden on the grounds. With Audra Wrisley capturing all the pretty pale pink roses, peonies, greenery, and everything in between, the duo said their I do’s and partied the night away in one of the most amazing venues we’ve seen.

Tori and Jon’s Milwaukee wedding is nothing short of fabulous. Tori says “once we saw the Grain Exchange there was no question that it fit perfectly!” and we couldn’t agree more. This spectacular venue is equal parts elegant and glamorous. and Evenement Planning created a beautiful ambiance with a color palette of gold, dusty blue, peach, gold, and pinks. Every detail from the cocktail hour to the late night snacks was accounted for! Sparkling sequin linens and tall centerpieces by Impressions by Esther graced the tables, and a custom bar by Barlotta’s added a finishing touch. Each moment is beautifully captured by the incredible Kelsy and Butch of The McCartneys Photography!

If you’ve been dreaming of something sophisticated and elegant for your big day, but want to keep the nuptials intimate, a modern rooftop elopement couldn’t be more ideal. With just you and your fiancé, your closest friends, and the stunning Chicago skyline as the backdrop, this urban elopement is modern sophistication at its finest! Timeless watches by Movado from Kay Jewelers were the perfect gifts to accompany the chic setting, captured beautifully by Belen Aquino of Gerber Scarpelli Weddings.

When Summer began planning her Charleston wedding, she envisioned live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and a reception under a crisp white tent with the breeze flowing off the water. She and John couldn’t have selected a more perfect locale to bring the vision to life than the picturesque Lowndes Grove Plantation. As a “cocktails forever?” sign was a big part of their proposal story, a subtle theme of cocktails and champagne was chosen. A Charleston Bride made their dream a reality with details such a fantastic champagne bottle wall installation and a guest book inviting guests to “leave a message in a bottle” for the couple. Specialty cocktails were a must: a maple bacon bourbon manhattan for John, and champagne, St. Germaine, and lavender for Summer. The aforementioned reception tent was absolutely spectacular, bedecked with greenery chandeliers, textured linens, and a sea of stunning flowers designed by A Charleston Bride. Summer says “It was the perfect night filled with more love, laughter, friends, family… and of course cocktails than we could have ever imagined!” We are head over heels for every gorgeous image from Aaron and Jillian Photography!

There’s only one word befitting Temmy and Wayne’s Edmonton wedding: exquisite! Held at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, a landmark building fashioned after a castle, their intimate event was truly out of a fairy tale. It was love at first sight for the couple, and after six years and two children, saying “I Do” couldn’t have been easier. Working with Samantha of J’Adore Design & Events, they designed an enchanted wonderland of flowers, from topiaries lining the aisle and dressing the altar of their rooftop ceremony to elegant reception tables with shimmering pink linens, gilded accents, and patterned stone chargers. The final perfect detail? A something blue settee for two at the head table. We are mesmerized by this gorgeous family and all of the incredible images captured on film by Justine Milton!

Rana and Andy’s Chicago wedding is classic and beautiful! The festivities began at the grand Holy Name Cathedral where the couple exchanged vows during a traditional Catholic ceremony. As guests made their way to Congress Plaza for the reception, the bridal party traveled to many of Chicago’s stunning vistas for portraits, including Olive Park, with its sweeping views of the skyline. The Gold Room at the Congress Plaza lives up to its name, and Anthony Gowder Designs created elegant decor befitting the gilded ballroom. Hydrangea and rose centerpieces paired with crisp white china and gold chiavari chairs for a crisp, sophisticated feel. After enjoying the decadent tiered confection from The Baking Institute, everyone danced the night away to tunes from Okyne Medialab. We’re head over heels for the stunning images from Artistrie Co.!

Elegance and romance were the theme of the day for Kara and Lance’s winter black tie wedding at Tampa’s The Vinoy Renaissance. The couple were married on a gorgeous Florida day at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, one of the most stunning cathedrals in the area. After their traditional ceremony, guests moved to the Vinoy’s Mezzanine for cocktails overlooking the water and a reception in the grand ballroom where amber uplighting created a magical display in the stately hall. Events in Bloom created centerpieces in neutral tones of ivory and soft peach with roses, peonies, ranunculus, and stock. Kara and Lance opted for a sweetheart table, and it was a true centerpiece of the reception, with glimmering sequin linens and an elegant garland centerpiece of roses and eucalyptus. A sophisticated palette of warm metallics carried throughout, from beaded Adrianna Papell bridesmaids dresses to champagne bottle place card holders. Of course, it’s the personal touches that make a wedding special. Guests signed wine corks in lieu of a guest book, and Lance—a baseball player—wore Batman cleats in his Major League debut, and donned a special gift from Kara, monogrammed Batman cuff links. We are absolutely smitten with every detail, from Kara’s lace Girl with a Serious Dream dressing robe to the sparkler exit and vintage Rolls Royce. Prepare to fall in love with every beautiful image captured by Justin DeMutiis Photography!

Above all else, there are three words to describe Alyssa and Scott’s wedding: classic New York. Their Saturday night, black-tie wedding at The Waldorf Astoria is quintessentially Manhattan, and their vision of an elegant and sophisticated black and white wedding came to life thanks to a dream team of vendors. Belle Fleur created an incredible rose, hydrangea, and orchid chuppah for the couple’s interfaith ceremony and a mix of dramatic arrangements for the ballroom reception. The Steve Delisi Band played a mix of top 40 hits, Nat King Cole, and wedding classics (hello Journey!). And the spectacular Lindsay Madden Photography captured every moment from a first look on Park Avenue (car free thanks to Alyssa’s befriending of police officers on hand post-UN summit) to the last dance and everything in between. We are smitten with Alyssa’s bridal style: her Badgley Mischka gown from Kleinfeld Bridal and Jimmy Choo Fearne sandals are befitting a princess. Each and every detail is perfection!

Elegant and sophisticated, Chloe and Jonathan’s wedding featured not only one but two New York City neighborhoods. Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights is in a magical setting, sitting near the promenade with views of lower Manhattan’s iconic skyline—a perfect spot to catch a gorgeous sunset! Although it was terribly cold on their November wedding day, the bridal party braved frozen toes for portraits in their stunning Amsale dresses and tuxedos from The Black Tux. Chloe, Jonathan, and their guests traveled to Manhattan’s Upper East Side to the Harold Pratt House for the intimate reception designed by Celebrations Event and featuring beautiful ivory and blush florals by Stems Floral Design. Chloe is a vision in a stunning Mika Inatome gown, and we are head over heels for the elegant images from Rebecca Yale Photography!