Nyssa+Julio's Cafe Brauer Wedding

The Proposal: Julio and Nyssa both were in the Medical Device Industry at different companies.  They met through work to network as our territories overlapped; and quickly a friendship developed.  After months of being friends they ran into each other at a party on July 4^th in Chicago, 2011.  It was at this party that Julio decided to her out on a first official date.  Nyssa initially said no because she didn’t want to ruin the friendship they had, but Julio insisted that he take her out.  

Fast forward to 2013, after 2 years of dating Julio planned a 4^th of July weekend get away to Grand Haven, MI.  The couple stayed at an adorable B&B for the weekend to relax and enjoy a quaint summer holiday weekend.  That Saturday during their getaway Julio had chartered a private boat for a sunset cruise.  As the sunset, they posed for a picture, and Julio got down on one knee and asked Nyssa to marry him! Fortunately, the captain was in on the surprise and was able capture the moment in a photo!

The Wedding: Nyssa started the day getting ready at the Westin with hair by Nataliya Ilkiv and makeup by Lisa Trunda.  Her gown from Glamour Closet was by Oscar de la Renta, shoes by Jimmy Choo, and jewelry by Haute Bride from Belle Vie. The Bridesmaid's wore Adrianna Papell from Bloomingdales, with the Groom wearing a tuxedo by Suit Supply, and the Groomsmen wore Vera Wang from Men's Warehouse. The day was planned by Estera Events, videography by Elite Video Productions, and florals by HMR Designs. 

After getting ready, Nyssa was whisked away in a Rolls Royce to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church for their ceremony. After they officially became husband and wife, we took the newlyweds and their bridal party to Olive Park and one of our favorites spots on Michigan Ave. for photos before heading to Cafe Brauer for the reception. Catering was by Tiger Lily Events, with cake by Tipsy Cakes, entertainment by Toast & Jam , and a special set by Mariachi Monumental de Mexico. It was a great night!

Congrats Nyssa and Julio!

Lauren+Paul's Romantic Adler Planetarium Wedding

The Proposal: Right after Lauren and Paul closed on their row house in Washington, DC, they went over to the empty house to have lunch and celebrate becoming first-time homeowners.  When Lauren opened a cabinet to to pour a celebratory glass of champagne, she found an engagement ring Paul had hidden behind the bottle! The ring was designed by MaeVona from I.Gorman in Washington, D.C.

The Wedding:  The day started with getting ready at the Conrad Hotel. Lauren got ready among her close friends and family, her makeup was by Amy Spagnoli, and her updo was by Julia Bonucchi from Art+Science.  Her gown was by Judd Waddell from Bella Bianca, with shoes by Badgley Mischka, earrings by BHLDN, and bracelets from her Grandmother.  
After Lauren and Paul got ready we had their first look on the grand staircase where the couple shared a great moment. After some photographs in the Conrad we walked out to Michigan Ave. for more images. 
We headed to Adler Planetarium where the ceremony and reception was to be held. The wedding was planned by Randy Schuster, video was captured by Xpress Video Productions, and the amazing florals were by HMR Designs. Lauren and Paul were married in front of the beautiful Chicago skyline outside Adler by Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein and Cantor Andrea Rae Markowicz of Am Shalom. During the exchanging of the wedding bands Lauren placed Paul's Grandfather's ring on her new husband's finger, while Paul gave Lauren a ring from her Great Grandmother.
The reception was catered by Food for Thought, and the evenings entertainment was provided by Gold Coast All Stars. We capped off the night with the newlyweds outside under a great fireworks display. 
Congrats Lauren and Paul!