Elizabeth & Chris were married on one of the first warm spring days in Chicago this past May. They planned an intimate garden party wedding for 60 guests – only their nearest and dearest! One plus side of wedding planning in a post-COVID world is that couples are still embracing smaller weddings. Couples just want to be around their absolute favorite people and it allows them to plan an event that really focuses on the couple getting to spend quality time with each guest on their special day.
Elizabeth and Chris started the day getting ready at The Gwen. They kept things low-key and just really enjoyed the company of their wedding party. After the first look, they headed over to Milton Olive Park for some photos with Louie Abellera, who perfectly captured springtime in Chicago. The Ivy Room was Elizabeth & Chris’ venue of choice and the courtyard (a hidden gem!) was the backdrop for their wedding ceremony and cocktail hour.
Elizabeth’s design vision revolved around a spring garden party with a soft color palette of purple, blue, pink, and ivory. Fleur took this color palette and created a lush semi-circle of floral for the ceremony backdrop, along with two garlands to adorn the light posts in the courtyard for an extra pop of ceremony décor. Inside the dining room at The Ivy Room, we kept things warm and inviting with farm tables and added crystal chandeliers from Elegant Event Lighting for some glam and a romantic ambiance. Fleur adorned the tables with low and lush designs accented by a collection of taper candles and votives. BBJ’s appropriately named “Oxford Hidden Garden” napkin added a little extra touch of blue to the tablescape.
Throughout the night, Elizabeth & Chris could be found smiling and laughing as they spent time with their guests. Although it was a smaller affair, the room was buzzing and lively. After guests dined on a decadent meal by Lettuce Entertain You, they spent the rest of the night dancing with the bride and groom. As the evening came to a close, Garrett’s Popcorn Chicago Mix was put out for guests to grab as they headed back to their hotels (or after party!). I don’t often recommend wedding favors, except if it’s Garrett’s because it’s always hit with out-of-towners and lifelong Chicagoans.
