Erica+Doug's Salvatore's Ristorante Wedding

The Proposal: Late July 2013, Erica traveled to Paris with three girlfriends for 10 days. Doug had been invited but declined, stating he needed to save for “things". What Erica didn't know was that he was already planning to come to Paris to surprise her with a beautiful engagement ring! Doug was aided by Erica's best friend, Karina, and his friend, Jacek. 
On August 1, 2013, Karina and her Parisian friend Rafael, were going to take the girls for a night out, so they got all dressed up and met Rafael on the Bridge of Love, the lock bridge Pont des Arts.  Rafael was taking pictures of the girls on the bridge, and kept complaining about some guy  photobombing behind them. After several complaints, Rafael showed Erica the photo, and the photo-bombing offender that showed up on the camera screen was none other than Doug! Erica turned around only to see he really was there, looking handsome as ever. The couple walked towards each other, kissed and hugged, then Doug told Erica he loved her and wanted to “lock it down for life",  got down on one knee and blew her away with one gorgeous engagement ring. Of course, she said “Oui!” and they all celebrated into the wee hours of the Parisian Night, at Aux Trois Mailletz, an amazing Jazz Club, where the group danced on tables and toasted with plenty of champagne!

The Wedding: It's no surprise that after that amazing proposal, Erica and Doug would let subtle parisian themes come into play on their big day. Erica and the girls got ready at the Bride's own condo, with hair by Abby from Sharon Daniel Salon, makeup by Sara Parisi from Bella Lei Studio. Her gown by Enzoani from Dimitra's Bridal fit her perfectly. She paired it with bright orange heels by Nadia from Lord & Taylor, earrings from France, and a bracelet that was a gift from Doug.

 The Bridesmaid's had free reign to pick their own dresses! The Bride requested they be pink/red coral and short. Erica designed a piece of gold and tiffany blue jewelry for each of her girls with Sarah Savage of Driftless Jewelry. Doug and the guys got ready at the aloft City Center Hotel, and they wore suits from JoS. A Bank. Erica and Doug chose not to see each other before their ceremony at Old St. Pat's, but shared a little moment together (without peeking) and a prayer before mass.

After this fun couple officially tied the knot, we took some family photos in the park, then swept up the wedding party and headed out for their creative photography time around town. Hitting up the Board of Trade, one of the beautiful Chicago bridges, and Lincoln Park before heading to Salvatore's Ristorante for the intimate reception. Florals were by Keith Davis of KEDesign, cake by Oak Mill Bakery, and the macaroon wedding favors were by Pamplemousse Bakery. The reception fun featured a photo booth by ActionBooth, and music by DJ Skittles and DJ Masters Worldwide. 

Congrats Erica and Doug!

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Jennifer+Matthew's Classic Summer Country Club Wedding

The Proposal Story: Jennifer and Matthew met at the University of Illinois when she was set up with Matthew as a date for a sorority event, which Jennifer cancelled, but later was introduced to him as "the guy you were supposed to go out with." Multiple friends take credit for the set up! Fast forward a little more than 5 years, to December 23, 2012. Matthew knows Christmas season is Jennifer's favorite time of the year. He planned an entire day downtown and when they were bundled up and walking to dinner through her favorite garden in Lincoln Park, Matthew stopped in the middle of the garden, got down on one knee and proposed. He surprised her with a beautiful ring he designed himself.   When they finally made it to the restaurant, Matthew pulled off the second big surprise of the night and had both of their families waiting for us there to celebrate. 

The Wedding Day: Jennifer got ready at her parents house, where she shared some beautiful moments with her friends and family before hopping on the trolly to St. Raymond de Penafort to marry Matthew. Her beautiful makeup was done by Jaime Abraham, her dress designer was Enzoani, and florals by Ashland Addison Florist. The guys arrived at the church by trolley before the girls, and shared some laughs and shot some hoops before the ceremony. The couple shared a touching ceremony, with many happy tears. Following the marriage ceremony we headed straight to Chevy Chase Country Club for photos on the grounds. The highlights of the reception included some great speeches and a lot of dancing. The pretty cake was by Sweet Whimsy Pastry Shoppe.

Congratulations Jennifer and Matthew!