Nicole+James' Salvatore's Ristorante Wedding

The Proposal: Nicole's one wish with her proposal was that someone from her family could be there to witness it, since she had lived away from her family for 4 years. Nicole's sister Isabelle flew in from Alabama, but Nicole thought it was to celebrate her sister's birthday. Nicole & Isabelle went to dinner at Pars Cove in Lakeview, then met James by the lake to watch the Saturday night fireworks. Looking back, Nicole realizes James was really quiet during those fireworks! After the fireworks they were walking home by Belmont Harbor, when James told Isabelle to walk ahead. Nicole was about to tell him how rude that was, but when she turned around he was down on one knee with a beautiful rose gold diamond ring. Isabelle was able to get photos of the proposal, and the thing James said that sticks in Nicole's memory was, "I can't imagine growing old without you."

The Wedding: Nicole and James got ready for their wedding at the hotel Allegro. Nicole's makeup was by Axelle+Ivy Salon, and hair by Jacob Leatherman of  Bocaj Beauty. She wore a Tara Keely gown from Bella Couture in Birmingham, AL paired with adorable embellished flats, and a delicate topaz necklace. The Bridesmaids wore dresses from J Crew, earrings from BHLDN, and necklaces from Tiger Lily Dream. Nicole gave her Maid of Honor a special necklace from EmBound.
James excitedly waited outside to see Nicole for the first time on their wedding day. We then all went to Old St. Patrick's Church for the ceremony where Nicole and James tied the knot. Then it was time to head out on the town to take photographs of the newlyweds. The reception took place at the intimate italian restaurant, Salvatore's Ristorante. The florals were by Stems, cake by Oak Mill Bakery, and the evenings entertainment was by Ryan Norsworthy of Style Matters DJs.
A great time was had by all!
Congrats Nicole and James!

Emily+Brian's River Roast Wedding

The Proposal: Emily and Brian got engaged on Sandy Beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico in late January.  They had decided a couple years ago that they would try to 

take a full week vacation each January to get a break from nasty Chicago winters. The engagement itself was well planned by Brian,

but a complete surprise to Emily. Emily has always loved a good picnic, so they decided to have cocktails and snacks on the beach

as the sun was setting on the second night of vacation. Emily and Brian had your usual upscale foods like chips & tostito salsa (a fav of Emily’s), pistachios,

your finest Puerto Rican meats, cheeses, and a $6 bottle of Pino Noir. Emily as she is known to be was distracted by some beach-goers down the beach, allowing Brian some time to change the music to The Hold Steady, and grab the ring from his bag. Emily turned back around

after a tap on the shoulder to find Brian on one knee with a ring. The result was instant tears! She then flagged down a friendly beach-goer who patiently followed orders to snap photo after photo to make sure every moment of this night was captured on film as to always remember the special moment.

The Wedding: Emily is a talented designer, and along with her mom, planned the wedding with some help from Darcy Gerber from River Roast Social House! Everyone got ready at the Marriott Hotel. Makeup was by Alex Kelley, and hair was by Tina Sclafani from Magnificent Brides. Emily wore a gown by Edgardo Bonilla from Dimitra's Bridal. He's from Puerto Rico, and happened to be in town when she was there looking for a dress! He helped customize the top of her dress and gifted her the sketch of her gown as a keepsake. She paired the gown with BHLDN shoes, a bracelet her mom selected, and earrings that have been passed down through the family. Bridesmaid's wore JCrew, and the Groom wore a Hart, Schaffener, & Marx custom suit, which he paired with a $5 tie he found on Ebay then slightly altered.
Finally everyone was ready for the wedding day, and we took Emily to see Brian for the first time outside the Wrigley Building. After the two had their moment we proceeded to take photos of the whole bridal party before continuing on to Assumption Church for the ceremony. Flowers were by Blumgarten & Co. and Emily designed her own stationary and invitations! (E Lovett Design)
The reception was held at River Roast Social House, and Emily told me she is STILL getting compliments about how good the food was! Cake and cupcakes were by West End Bakery, with music by Noah from Style Matters DJs. A great time was had by all!
Congrats Emily+Brian!