It’s pretty rare when I speak to a couple for a consultation and they tell me they want to get married in January in Chicago at Ovation. January is typically one of those off limit months for any sort of celebration since people immediately think “polar vortex” and blizzards. Not Tracy and Mark, though! January worked perfectly for their work schedules and they saw an opportunity for a beautiful winter wonderland wedding. Personally, I was also excited to have a wedding during a month I’m normally cuddled up on the sofa every weekend!
Tracy and Mark were two of the chillest people who were just totally excited to make it official with all of their family and friends there to celebrate. Tracy and Mark had some ideas of what they wanted but were very open minded to new ideas and creative suggestions. This is when the magic happens! Suspended greenery with floating votive candles? Sure! Mismatched colored vintage glassware from Nimblewell? Yup! A DIY burrata cocktail station? You bet! Deep, bold jewel tones? 100%!
Their day started off with Tracy and her bridesmaids getting ready at the Ace Hotel with beauty by Rare Bird Beauties, and Mark and his groomsmen getting ready in the couple’s cool West Loop loft. It was definitely very cold that day, but there was lots of excitement and anticipation in the air. It started to flurry around the time of the first look on the hotel’s rooftop, which was captured perfectly by Braxton Black of Jeremy Lawson Photography. The bride, groom, and their wedding party were such troopers for braving the cold for the perfect photos!
Ovation was the perfect venue for Tracy and Mark’s ceremony and reception. It’s modern look and laid-back vibe was very fitting. Exquisite Designs turned the space into a bold and moody, yet elegant, affair. The flowers had just the right amount of jewel-toned pops of color and the candlelight was in abundance. One of my favorite elements was the hanging Edison light bulbs that created a backdrop for the chuppah and later the sweetheart table. It really added to the warmth and candlelight that already adorned all of the tables. With the groom’s Russian heritage and the bride’s love of sweets, we had to make sure there was a lot of food and plenty of dessert. Limelight and Cake Chicago did not disappoint here! From the DIY burrata station to the endless bite sized sweets and some late night snacks – guests were definitely satisfied!
Who knew a late January wedding could turn out so beautiful? The snow really started coming down as the party was going on inside. It was a winter wonderland dream come true as guests left that evening. If you’re considering a winter wedding, my vote is to do it! You might be a little cold, but it’s worth it!
Married in January Details
Ovation
Limelight
Exquisite Designs
Rare Bird Beauties
Jeremy Lawson Photography
Cake Chicago
Steracle Press
Nimblewell
