When my now-husband proposed, we knew we wanted a wedding that reflected who we were as a couple: timeless, elegant, and uniquely our own. We’ve always shared a deep connection to art—whether enjoying weekend strolls through museums or bringing back new pieces from our travels abroad. The Art Institute of Chicago was our natural choice. It wasn’t just a place we loved; it was a place that held deep meaning in our relationship.

When we walked into the museum to meet the venue coordinator, we knew that didn’t need to see any other venues. We immediately said yes to the grand space, knowing it was the perfect canvas for our celebration.

The Morning

For many brides, the morning before “I do” is a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and anticipation. With the right team by your side, it becomes an experience you’ll treasure forever. That was certainly the case for me, as I had the privilege of working with Shannon O’Brien for makeup and my personal stylist, Aurora Perez-Olson, for hair. Both helped me get ready at the Palmer House, making me feel like the most beautiful version of myself—inside and out.

Shannon and Aurora’s artistry was matched by the energy they brought to the room. They, along with the fabulous Erin Graham Hair team, worked with my bridesmaids, ensuring they looked stunning. Their warm and fun vibe set the perfect tone for the morning.

Petite Plume provided chic and comfortable black pajama sets for my bridesmaids, while I wore a luxurious white silk pants and long robe set. These outfits added a touch of elegance and cohesiveness to our morning preparations, making the moments even more special.

Our wedding rings were sourced from Razny, a jeweler that perfectly captured our vision for timeless and meaningful pieces. My husband selected a classic platinum band, while I chose a radiant-cut stone with several wedding bands for both my left and right hand to honor Greek culture and its traditions. Each ring was thoughtfully chosen and symbolizes our everlasting commitment to one another.

The Invitations

Our wedding invitations were a work of art in themselves. They were custom-designed through Designer’s Fine Press and featured a delicate line drawing and watercolor of the Art Institute of Chicago, along with a watercolor depiction of the iconic lions outside the museum. These details beautifully set the tone for our wedding, giving guests a glimpse of the meaningful and artistic celebration to come.

The Dress

Selecting my wedding dress was one of the most memorable parts of the planning process. I chose a stunning Vivienne Westwood gown from Belle Atelier. The dress was a fitted, off-the-shoulder design with intricate beaded floral detailing. To complete the look, I paired it with elegant Jimmy Choo heels, which added just the right touch of glamour. The ensemble struck the perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern sophistication, making me feel confident and radiant on our special day.

Ceremony

With my husband’s Greek heritage, it was important for him and his family that our wedding ceremony take place in a church. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago became much more than our ceremony venue; it became our new spiritual home as a couple, where we now attend mass and celebrate Greek holidays. Father Stamati welcomed us with open arms, making the process of joining their church and community seamless.

Walking down the aisle, I couldn’t help but be overcome with emotion. Seeing my soon-to-be husband standing there, looking at me with such love and anticipation, made all the planning and details fall into place. My father’s hand on my arm, guiding me toward the man I was about to marry, was a moment I’ll never forget.

The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is steeped in rich tradition, and every detail of the service felt meaningful and profound. One of the most powerful moments of the ceremony was the moment we exchanged our crowns—the stefana. These crowns, connected by a ribbon, symbolized the union of our lives and the sovereignty of our shared faith. I was so grateful for the Greek Orthodox traditions that made the ceremony so intimate and sacred.

Cocktail Hour

McKinlock Court, with its breathtaking fountain and soaring trees, exuded a timeless elegance that perfectly matched the sophisticated yet laid-back vibe we envisioned for our cocktail hour. The space allowed our guests to mingle, sip on cocktails, and soak in the warm Chicago summer air.

I fell in love with a printed linen by Stradley Davidson early in the planning process and immediately knew I wanted to use it for the cocktail hour. The linen featured a darker ivory background with a beautiful green floral design, which complemented the green umbrellas placed throughout the courtyard. To create visual interest, I contrasted the ivory linens with solid white ones and incorporated the floral pattern into custom cocktail napkins and serving trays for the passed appetizers.

Our love for food and drinks played a big role in planning our wedding day. Each appetizer represented a place we had traveled to together as a couple, offering guests a range of cuisines to explore. Alongside a full bar, we featured two specialty cocktails—personal favorites of ours and many of our friends—that were a huge hit! Rachel and the rest of the Paramount team were instrumental in crafting a menu that was unique and reflective of us as a couple.

Reception

We decided to hold our reception in the museum’s serene, light-filled Modern Wing, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let the city skyline shine through. It felt like we were marrying not just each other, but our love for art, culture, and Chicago.

When hosting a wedding at an iconic venue, we wanted the rest of the florals and décor to feel equally remarkable. A favorite piece in our home is a Jackson Pollock painting filled with white, black, and hints of gold, which inspired our reception’s color palette. From there, we built a design around who we were as a couple, focusing on chic, modern décor complemented by timeless florals.

One of the most exciting parts of planning was bringing our vision to life. Remarkable Events made our ideas a reality by designing custom elements for the dance floor, escort board, bar, and more, ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly. Additionally, Ellie & Rose provided the elevated tables and chairs that perfectly matched the color scheme and complemented the rest of the décor.

Choosing Taylor and Company as our floral designer was an easy decision, not only because of their stunning designs but also because of their owner, Derrick Taylor. Derrick’s kindhearted nature, thoughtfulness toward clients, and extensive knowledge of florals and décor were invaluable throughout the process. Derrick didn’t just listen to my ideas; he refined and elevated them beyond what I had imagined. His team handled every detail with professionalism, from setup to breakdown, making the experience seamless.

Dinner was a highlight of the evening, thoughtfully executed by Paramount Events. The meal began with a summer Caesar salad, followed by entrée selections that included salmon, hanger steak, and ravioletti. Each dish was beautifully prepared, showcasing the care and attention Paramount is known for. The wine, chosen personally by us, complemented the meal perfectly and added a personal touch to the dining experience.

Our wedding cake by Cake Chicago was a stunning five-tiered masterpiece that embodied the timeless elegance of the day. It was entirely white, adorned with delicate white floral accents that tied seamlessly into our overall design. Each tier was a delightful combination of white cake with strawberry conserve filling and buttercream frosting. The cake not only looked beautiful but was a delicious treat that our guests raved about.

When it came to music, we wanted something that would elevate the atmosphere and capture the joy of the day. BKO, part of BeatMix Music, exceeded every expectation. Their energy was infectious, and the lead singer, Becca, had incredible stage presence. BKO engaged with the crowd and kept the dance floor packed. Dancing with our closest friends and family, surrounded by love and joy, was a truly unforgettable experience.

Afterparty

After the vows, cocktails, and reception, there was one more thing I couldn’t wait for on our wedding day: the after party at Soho House Chicago. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

From the moment we arrived, the energy was palpable. Our incredible DJ, Matt Roan, kept the dance floor alive and the vibe electric. Soho House, with its effortlessly cool yet elegant atmosphere, was the perfect venue. As members, the space felt personal and meaningful to us. From the plush lounge seating to the curated art on the walls, it was the ideal way to end our wedding day.

The End

If you’re considering getting married at the Art Institute of Chicago, my advice is simple: go for it. The Art Institute is more than just a venue—it’s a sanctuary of beauty, culture, and history. It’s a place where art comes alive, and it will surround you on one of the most important days of your life.

What makes this venue so extraordinary is the way it merges past and present, tradition and modernity, in a way that feels seamless and effortless. Whether you’re standing beneath the colorful skylight of Griffin Court or walking through the galleries, the experience is unforgettable. Your wedding day becomes more than just a celebration; it becomes a living work of art.

And for me, that’s exactly what our wedding at the Art Institute of Chicago was—a masterpiece.

Vendor Team

Planning: Chelsea Kiely with The Gilded Aisle Weddings @thegildedaisleweddings @chelseagildedaisleweddings
Photographer: Lisa Blume Photography @lisablumephoto
Venue: The Art Institute of Chicago @artinstituteweddingsevents
Florals: Taylor and Company @taylorandcoevents
Catering: Paramount Events @paramountevents
Entertainment: BKO of Beatmix Music @beatmixchicago
Videography: Old North Film Company @oldnorthfilmco
Gown: Vivienne Westwood from Belle Atelier @viviennewestwood @bellebridalatelier
Styling: Something White Styling @somethingwhitestyling
Shoes: Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo
Rings: Razny @raznyjewelers
Getting ready look: Petite Plume @petiteplume
Second look outfit: Galvan @galvanlondon
Second look shoes: Christian Louboutin @louboutinworld
Second look earrings: A.B. Ellie @a.b.ellie
Makeup: Shannon O’Brien @shannicat @shannonobrienweddings
Bridal Hair: Aurora Perez Olson
Hair: Erin Graham @eringrahamhair
Decor: Remarkable Events @rmarkable_events
Rentals: Hall’s @hallsrental , Ellie & Rose @ellierosechicago
After Party: Soho House Chicago @sohohouse
After Party Entertainment: Matt Roan @mattroan
Church: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Stationery: Designer’s Fine Press @designersfinepress
Live Painter: Gilly Rose @gillyrose_artist