Vibrant and Historic Chicago Wedding with a Second Line Band
An intimate wedding ceremony followed by a luxurious celebration at The Chicago Club, there was no lack of color for Lauren and Mark’s wedding. With pink and orange hues as the focal point of their bright color combination, their decor was as cheerful as their smiles. The Stu Hirsh Orchestra made an appearance as well as food station in place of a traditional sit down dinner. It’s trendy, vibrant, and historic all in one! This gallery by Emilia Jane Photography is a sure way to get some inspiration and brighten your day!
How did you two meet?
Lauren: We met through mutual friends.
Tell us all about the proposal!
Lauren: Mark was planning to propose on the Friday December 23rd and had told family and friends the date and time so people could meet up with us after. I got home early on Thursday and was wrapping Christmas presents and watching tv. Mark was there and was acting so fidgety and out of character. He was so nervous and couldn't wait another day so just proposed out of the blue at 3:30 on a Thursday! It was pretty funny and I along with his brothers and my family were very surprised!
Describe the wedding planning process. Why did you choose the vendors you worked with?
Lauren: We knew we wanted to have a fun and non stressful day so went with the vendors who we clicked with and who we felt comfortable with. When we met with Emilia she made everything seem so easy and fun that I knew she would be great the day of the wedding. Same with Renee at Kehoe. I only met with her once and described my vision and she immediately got it! We wanted our wedding to be a party and to have some of the formalities but to be relaxed and not feel stuffy.
How was your wedding day? The more details you can provide, the better! Please also describe your design and decor choices.
Lauren: The wedding day was amazing. It was raining in the morning so we were a little nervous that we wouldn't be able to use the beautiful Chicago Club rooftop. To our delight though the clouds and rain cleared by mid afternoon and we had bright blue skies! I got ready at the Chicago Club with just my nieces, sister, sister in law and mom so we had a fun afternoon/morning together. Mark also just had his close family with him. It was really not at all stressful and neither myself or Mark were nervous (well maybe Mark was a little). We had a closed church ceremony with just family and some close friends at the Depaul Chapel so it was intimate and very relaxed. The party at the Chicago Club started right after and we were introduced to guests with a fun Second Line band on the roof of the club. Renee from Kehoe Design transformed the club into a fun and relaxed space with beautiful bright vibrant flower displays and different areas to sit, eat and chat. Our wedding was not a typical sit down dinner so we had different food stations (which people said was AMAZING) and guests could just eat what they wanted when they wanted. We had a raw bar, cheese table, salads, beef tenderloin etc. It was everything that we had dreamed and envisioned. Everyone danced most of the night and there was so much love in the room. It was really just a fun, happy night because we were surrounded by our closest friends and family.
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
Lauren: Our favorite moment was probably walking in with the Second Line Band and being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Girard!
What is your advice for newly engaged couples?
Lauren: Don't stress out over the day/night and do what you feel is right for you not what others expect you to do. If it feels right, go with it and it will be amazing.
Wedding Pro’s:
Photography: Emilia Jane Photography
Ceremony: Saint Vincent de Paul Parish
Venue: The Chicago Club
Floral Design: Kehoe Designs
Beauty: Sonia Roselli
Dress: BHLDN
Stationery: Magnificent Milestones
Band: Stu Hirsh Orchestra