A Moody, Vintage-Avant-Garde Dream
If there’s one thing we love at LOLA Event Productions, it’s a couple who isn’t afraid to dream big. And Savannah and Tim? They dreamed in technicolor—deep burgundy, rich red, velvety black, candlelit gold, and whimsical touches that made their fall wedding at the Field Museum feel like stepping into an enchanted world. As their Chicago wedding planner, we had the absolute joy of bringing their vision to life—from a magical Mehndi celebration at The Drake Hotel to the moody, Field Museum masterpiece that became their wedding night.
A Vibrant Kickoff at The Drake: Celebrating Heritage in Style
The celebrations began with a vibrant Mehndi night honoring Savannah’s Indian heritage at the iconic Drake Hotel Chicago. Unnati Shah created intricate mehndi artistry for the bride while guests enjoyed music, color, and warmth that contrasted beautifully with the dark romance of the wedding day that was still to come. The dance team Movement of Desis got guests on their feet and on to the dance floor to kick off a party weekend.
A Dream Turned Ceremony: The Secret-Garden Mirror
Savannah actually dreamt of her wedding ceremony inspiration. In her dream, she was standing in front of an antique mirror in a secret garden—and from that moment, the ceremony design practically wrote itself.
To bring that dream to life, we partnered with Mathey Lahey for Kehoe Designs. Together, we designed a ceremony space glowing with candlelight, framed with vintage-inspired florals in rich tones of red and burgundy. The focal point was a stunning antique-style mirror installation that looked like it had been borrowed from a forgotten manor garden.
Vintage Meets Avant-Garde at the Field Museum
This wedding was luxury maximalism with a moody twist.
The floral and décor palette wove together old-world romance with avant-garde whimsy. Think:
- Rabbit candlesticks peeking playfully from tablescapes
- Deep, layered florals in saturated jewel tones
- Strung grapes cascading across tabletops
- Candlelight—hundreds of flickering flames
- Gold accents that warmed the museum’s architecture
- Crisp black and white touches for grounding contrast
Frost Chicago enhanced the mood with dramatic lighting and drapery, ensuring the entire evening unfolded in a candlelit glow that felt intimate and otherworldly—despite being surrounded by world-class history exhibits.
Fashion, Beauty & All the Details That Sparkled
Savannah floated through the night in a breathtaking Monique Lhuillier gown from Ultimate Bride Chicago, paired with elegant finishing touches from Chicago Bridal Artists for hair and makeup.
Her bridesmaids wore chic, modern silhouettes from Amsale at Bella Bridesmaids, that complemented the of the overall design. Tim and his groomsmen looked impeccably sharp in custom attire from Emanuele Tuxedo—truly the perfect balance of timeless and bold.
Guests dined on exceptional cuisine by Food For Thought Chicago, surrounded by luxe linens from BBJ La Tavola and elevated rentals provided by Halls Rental. Each tabletop felt layered, intentional, and editorial—something you’d expect in a Parisian salon or an art-driven fashion shoot.
Steracle Press created custom paper goods that carried the theme through every detail, while ECBG Cake Studio crafted a wedding cake that was as sculptural as it was decadent.
And when it was time to party? Elegant Sound and Lighting kept guests on the dance floor all night long.
Every thoughtful detail, every golden glow, every emotional moment was beautifully captured by Lidia Codrean Photography and With Love Productions on film.
Savannah and Tim’s wedding reminds us just how powerful a creative vision can be when a couple embraces originality. Their willingness to lean into bold color, dramatic lighting, and whimsical details made their wedding one-of-a-kind—a true reflection of who they are.
Vendor Team
- LOLA Event Productions: Lavish LOLA Planning Package
- Sangeet Venue: The Drake Chicago
- Wedding Venue: Field Museum
- Photographer: Lidia Codrean
- Film: With Love Productions
- Catering: Food For Thought Chicago
- Décor and Design: Mathey Lahey for Kehoe Designs
- Lighting and Drapery: Frost Chicago
- Cake: ECBG Cake Studio
- Linen: BBJ La Tavola
- Rentals: Halls Rental
- Paper Goods: Steracle Press
- Entertainment: Elegant Sound and Lighting
- Sangeet Dancers: Movement of Desis
- Hair and Makeup: Chicago Bridal Artists
- Gown: Monique Lhuillier from Ultimate Bride Chicago
- Bridesmaids: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids
- Menswear: Emanuele Tuxedo
- Transportation: Signature Transportation
- Bridal Mehndi: Unnati Shah
