Ruth+Danny's Bridgeport Art Center Fête de Mariage

The Proposal: Danny studied abroad in Paris the spring trimester of his junior year. Though he talked to Ruth on the phone nearly every evening while he was there, there was something he wasn't telling her. She knew how his classes were going, and heard more about the food he was eating than was fair. But she didn't know that he spent every afternoon in jewelry stores. He was looking for an engagement ring to propose when she came to visit him at the end of term. 

You're only reading this because he found one. 

He doesn't advise anyone to do the same, but if you're so foolish as to look for a ring in Paris, he'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

Danny wanted to wait for a night with good weather to propose on a picnic when Ruth came to visit. He was hoping she'd remember that their first date was a picnic. The problem was after the night she landed they faced a week of cold, windy days. But there's nothing quite like building suspense. June 18th, the weather broke. All of Paris was out enjoying the sun along the Seine. Eventually, after some searching, Danny and Ruth settled into a spot behind Notre Dame.

She did remember. She began crying and said yes before he could finish the question.

c'était parfait

The Wedding: The long awaited wedding day started with getting ready at the Hyatt McCormick Place. Ruth's gown was by Matthew Christopher, and her shoes had to be french of course! She chose a classic pair of Louboutins. She also wore a peal necklace by Tiffany and earrings by BHLDN. Bridesmaid dresses were also by BHLDN, their accessories were from Stella & Dot. The Groom wore Ralph Lauren, with the Groomsmen dressed in J.Crew. Florals by Don Phillips, makeup by Monica Tassi and updo by Christina Tassi. After preparations were complete, we made our way to Old St. Patrick's Church, where Ruth and Danny finally saw each other as Ruth walked down the aisle with her father. After a lovely ceremony we headed to Bridgeport Art Center to take photos in the sculpture garden before the reception started. The french themes were a cozy highlight at the open loft reception. Dinner was catered by Jewell, and instead of cake, the couple chose sweets from The Doughnut Vault! The guests has a great time dancing to Guessied Band, and a great time was had by all!

Congrats Ruth and Danny!

Julia+Andrew's Summer Peggy Notebaert Wedding

The Proposal: Andrew proposed to Julia while the couple was on vacation in the Grenadine Islands,  April 2012.  They had a romantic dinner on the beach under a heart shaped palm tree. Andrew got down on one knee and Julia said yes!

The Wedding Day: Started at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum with Julia and Andrew finishing the getting ready process. Julia's makeup and hair were by The East Studio, her gown was by Lazaro from Bella Bianca, shoes by Badgley Mischka, and the bridal jewelry was her Grandmother's. Wedding day florals were by Kate Powell, and the wedding planner was Jessica Fortier.  Bridesmaids wore Ralph Lauren from Macy's, with the Groom and Groomsmen wearing Alfani. Andrew also wore suede aqua shoes by Cole Haan, and they were awesome. We arranged for the couple's first look to be on the catwalk high above the rest of the museum grounds. The two seeing each other for the first time that day was a great moment.  Although the couple had planned to wed in the courtyard outside, the weather drove us back inside the museum after portraits and the ceremony was moved indoors. Julia and Andrew exchanged vows just inside the open doors to the courtyard with the beautiful sound and smell of rain faintly in the background, and string music by Iris Isle String Ensemble. The reception followed the ceremony, where Julia changed into her custom aqua Converse  sneakers. The celebration continued with great food, lots of dancing and joy. Cake by Sweet Mandy B's, catering by Jewell Events, and the DJ was Style Matters.

Congrats Julia and Andrew!