After almost a decade together, Jackie and Louis finally tied the knot on a gorgeous sunny afternoon in late August.

Jackie and Louis are college sweethearts who met at Cornell University and bonded over their shared Greek heritage. That heritage inspired many special touches throughout their wedding day, from the ceremony, all the way to the dancing! They worked with Chelsea Kiely of The Gilded Aisle for their overall design concept.

The bridal party got ready at the beautiful Hotel Allegro in the Loop. The hotel’s stunning Art Deco interiors made for a fabulous backdrop for the girls’ getting ready photos and the couple’s first look. Meanwhile, not wanting to be left out of the pajama party fun, the groomsmen devised their own creative photoshoot set-up. Every wink of sleep counts on a long wedding day!

Jackie and Louis had their first look in the gleaming lobby of the Hotel Allegro, on the stunning grand staircase. They also took a few minutes to privately exchange personal vows they had written for each other. Some religious marriage ceremonies, like those in the Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches, include traditional vows. Including a private vow exchange during a first look is a beautiful way to share personal promises to each other!

Afterwards, the bridal party made the short journey to the Chicago riverwalk for photos. The bride and groom live just a block away, which made it a very meaningful location. Though they walk around this area all the time, they’re typically not dressed up in gowns and tuxes!

The riverwalk is always one of our top locations for photos, even when it isn’t in the couple’s neighborhood! It’s one of my favorites places in our beautiful city, and I think it’s so special to take portraits on your special day in the same places you spend your day-to-day. Maura and Abbie of Maura Black Photography certainly did not disappoint with these portraits!

Greek Wedding Ceremony

The couple were wed at the beautiful Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.  The architectural details inside the church are absolutely stunning.

A Greek Orthodox ceremony has many traditional elements. The couple are crowned with the stefana, two circlets connected by ribbon.  While wearing the stefana, they are led by the priest around the altar seven times.

Following the ceremony, guests sent the happy couple off to the reception with a flurry of confetti. Biodegradable, of course!

The Reception at City Hall Venue

Once they sent off the couple, guests made their way to City Hall in the Fulton Market neighborhood. City Hall is an amazing transformed industrial space. Even though the gorgeous mural on the far north wall looks like it was perfectly selected to fit the floralscape, it was actually a lucky coincidence! It just happened to perfectly coordinate with the floral design that Jackie and Chelsea had dreamed up with Suzanne of Design Studio Decor!

Suzanne and her team put together lush and inviting tablescapes, with candles tucked into flowing rivers of fresh blooms.  Hydrangeas, peonies, and roses all made an appearance, and they smelled divine!

Florals also dotted the guest book table, where the couple had polaroid film for guests to snap, as well as the escort board. We love how a thoughtfully designed escort board, and guests love being able to easily find their name and table assignment!

After a delicious dinner and heart-felt speeches, Jackie and Louis swept onto the dance floor to Ellie Goulding’s beautiful cover of “How Long Will I Love You?” The dance floor then kicked off with a traditional Greek dance, which was a fun and meaningful way to celebrate their families’ backgrounds!

Sweet Treats

Zymi Bakery put together an incredible dessert spread for guests that included Greek cream puffs, cookies, and custard pie.  The dessert table also featured baklava handmade by the groom’s mom and aunt! When it comes to dessert, you can never have too much! The couple made sure to have small containers near by so guests could take extra sweet treats home with them at the end of the night.

Candy coated almonds are a part of many European and Middle Eastern wedding traditions. At Greek weddings, they’re wrapped in tulle bags in groups of five and called “bonboniere.” The sweetness of the coating and the bitterness of the almond represent the triumphs and challenges the couple may face together, and the uneven number means that, like the newlyweds, they can’t be divided.

Though the reception may have ended at 12, the night certainly wasn’t over yet! Guests kept the party going at Recess, City Hall’s vibrant patio bar space next door.

Wrap up

For similar weddings, take a peek at:

Basia and Kevin’s Fall Wedding at Biagio

Marlena and Mike’s Chicago Illuminating Company Wedding

The Wedding Vendor Team

Planning Team: The Gilded Aisle

Design: Chelsea Kiely of The Gilded Aisle

Coordinator: Allison Sparrow of The Gilded Aisle

Photographer: Maura Black Photography

Videographer: Kraze Videography

Getting Ready Location: Hotel Allegro

Bride’s Makeup: Liz – Pin Me Up Chicago

Hair: Holly –  Pin Me Up Chicago | Danira – Mane Master Hair Studio

Florals: Design Studio Decor

Ceremony: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Reception: City Hall Events

Bridal Party Transportation: Charter Up Chicago

Catering: Tommy R’s

Entertainment: Sam – DJ Chicago

Cake & Desserts: Zymi Bakery

Allison Sparrow is a wedding day management coordinator with The Gilded Aisle Weddings. Allison has a degree in stage management and project management.