An Urban Meadow Blooms at Chicago Illuminating

As a Chicago wedding planner, one of my favorite things about this city is the wide variety of venues available! If you want a gleaming ceremony high in the sky, an elegant reception in one of the city’s most iconic museums, or a secret garden fête with twinkling fairy lights, you can find it all right here!

Labor Day Weekend in Chicago brought us warm temps, blue skies, and a gorgeous meadow-inspired wedding day for Laney and Luke!

Take a peek at our scrapbook from the day, stunningly shot by Alisha Tova Studios…

The Vision

A meadow-flower inspired wedding ceremony arch

Laney wanted to bring a garden meadow into the South Loop, and Corrine at Vale of Enna made it happen!

The Prep

Luke and the guys got ready and their apartment downtown, before making their way out to Oak Park to join the girls.

The ladies gathered to get ready at the mother of the bride’s house in Oak Park. Not only did it make for a cozy and inviting space for celebration, her incredible interior design taste also provided a great background for photos!

A meadow-inspired bride bouquet sits on top of a cabinet

The warm tones in the meadow-inspired floral color palate fit in beautifully with the MOB’s home. It’s obvious that good taste can be genetic!

Laney and Luke opted not to have a traditional bridal party, instead being supported by Laney’s brother as “man of honor,” and two of Luke’s friends in the role of best men. They each got ready with a close group of friends and relatives in the morning, before being joined in the early afternoon for an intimate celebration at Dede’s house.

Luke’s getting ready crew rocked some special socks, featuring his own face! Luke kept it a bit more low key for his own look, and opted for bow tie socks instead.

Hair and makeup from Bianca Sansosti Artistry glammed up the bride’s best gals, and lasted through the sun and heat of the day.

There’s something so special about a bride getting ready in her childhood bedroom. Her past and her future together in one place!

Laney kept her glam and accessories minimal to let her sleek and glam gown shine- and best of all, it has pockets!

What better spot for photos than a meadow of your own? Dede’s garden was an incredible backdrop for photos, and a beautiful subject all on it’s own!

The Vows

Everyone soon made their way to South Loop for the ceremony and reception. Laney’s aunt officiated a touching personalized ceremony, with many laughs, as well as a few tears.

The ArtiStrings quartet from Sarlas Music played everyone down the aisle, with family members accompanied by The Goo Goo Dolls 90’s classic “Iris.” Laney and her dad processed to Calum Scott’s “You Are The Reason,” before she and Luke stepped to take their vows in front of a stunning floral arch.

The bride and groom being showered by flower petals

While they recessed, the happy couple was showered by guests with dried flower petals!

The Party!

Papergoods from Steracle set the urban meadow tone, and featured custom imagery of the Chicago skyline, as well as the stunning front gates of Chicago Illuminating Company. The couple’s gilded monogram also made an appearance on drink stirrers, napkins, escort card wax seals, and match books.

Two lounge areas from Bowery & Bash added a stunning visual element to the space, and provided a comfy place to sit for guests who wanted to take a breather from the dance floor.

Guests made the most of the “garden formal” dress code, with dresses in beautiful florals and bright colors. Many of the guys got in the spirit too, with colorful suits and even floral ties! We love seeing the guys have a little more fun with their attire.

Watermelon and feta cube appetizers, decorated with a flower

Watermelon and feta bites are a refreshing fave for summer appetizers! We love how Limelight’s team elevates this refreshing fave with an interesting presentation.

The head table featured custom laser-cut name plates for the couple’s nearest and dearest. For events with table assignments but no seat assignments, these name plates are a great option for the head table. Most guests will find their table from their escort card, and then pick their own spot. But for the head table, most couples have a specific arrangement in mind, as that table will be frequently photographed throughout the night. The name plates are a great way to indicate places for the bridal party, and they are a sweet little gift for them to take home after.

We also love the that the menus capture a touch of the globe lights hung in the tent overhead!

A Sweet End to the Night

Finally, the towering dessert table welcomed guests inside to the dance floor, and featured a variety of tasty treats. Carmen of Miski Bakery provided a sweet spread of minis, including guava cheesecake, chocolate dulce de leche cupcakes, and alfajores cookies. She also created the most chic little cake for the couple’s private cutting. Vintage cakes have been a popular choice in recent years, and we love how Carmen balanced the traditional with the modern with her design.