An Elegant Affair on Chicago's Southside
Filled with elegance and luxurious decor, Caress and Will’s wedding day is as swoon-worthy as it is romantic. Not only that, but the way they incorporated meaningful ties to their ancestors made it even more beautiful. Emily-Melissa Photography is sharing stunning photos as well as telling us more about the day! Keep scrolling to see it all!
Written and photographed by Emily-Melissa Photography:
Caress and Will met years ago as students of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Caress had a crush on Will first. In true high school fashion, word got to Will. He caught Caress in the hall one day.
“So, I heard you like me?”
“Yep.” Caress responds.
Unexpectedly, that was the end of the conversation until they reunited years later. But, since then, they’ve developed a love that’s palpable to anyone around them. The wait was well worth it.
Being that both Caress’ and Will’s have familial ties to Bronzeville, they centered their theme around the Southside. The ceremony and cocktail hour was on Blanc Gallery’s beautiful patio with the reception following next door at Bronzeville’s historically famous Parkway Ballroom. Chicago’s destination of choice for the African American community from 1940 to 1974, the Ballroom has hosted icons notables for whom which ‘icon’ would be an understatement: Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Nat King Cole. This historic Black-owned venue was the perfect place to host their nuptials.
Some of my favorite things about their wedding:
Their cake table was absolutely fabulous!
The Delta Sigma Theta stroll and the Alpha Phi Alpha walk.
For the most part, it was an overcast day. Not a drop of rain until it was time for the ceremony to begin. The rain would let up only a moment later to reveal a beautiful blue sky and the spectacular summer sun. And minutes later, as the bride started down the aisle, a rainbow appeared behind her.
They were very socially conscious in choosing their wedding vendors. 80% of their wedding dollars went to small businesses.
Odes to the ancestors. Their ceremony featured an African drum circle, libations ritual, and jumping of the broom.
Wedding Pro’s:
Photography: Emily-Melissa Photography
Event Planner: Marian Morgan & Jennifer Johnson of Marjin Events
Event Design: LD Events Decor
Ceremony Venue: Quinn Chapel AME
Reception Venue: Parkway Ballroom
Florals: Florea Flower Bar
Veil: Jade Bridal
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Menswear: Jojayden Custom Suits
Cake: Fabiana’s Bakery
Accomodations: Sophy Hotel
DJ: DJ Toure
Videographer: Visual Lyricist
Rentals: Chicagoland Luxe Rentals