Pops of Burgundy Saddle and Cycle Club Wedding

Opting for a timeless soiree, Maura and Charlie blended classic elements with pops of burgundy for their wedding day at the Saddle and Cycle Club. From Maura’s knock-out gown to their floral designs and most importantly their love, there’s nothing about this day that we aren’t obsessing over. Enjoy these images from the talented Julia Franzosa Photography.

Classic and Romantic Chicago Wedding with Pops of Burgundy captured by Julia Franzosa Photography. See more timeless wedding ideas at CHItheeWED.com!

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How did you two meet?

Maura: We both grew up a couple towns apart but Charlie went to the public school and I went to the Catholic school near us. We did not meet until after college through mutual friends!

Tell us all about the proposal!

Maura: Charlie surprised me with a fancy dinner at Joes Stone Crab in Chicago. He told me that his brother John had made a reservation but couldn't go, so we "took" his reservation! Little did I know, Charlie had planned a few surprises that night. When I walked in, he was standing at the table and when I walked up to him, he got down on one knee and proposed. We enjoyed our dinner and then he surprised me with our family waiting to celebrate at a near by rooftop!

Describe the wedding planning process. Why did you choose the vendors you worked with?

Maura: We chose to not use a wedding planner for our wedding. Luckily, the staff at Saddle and Cycle Club was amazing and helped us throughout the entire process. I felt that we had a fairly easy planning experience!

How was your wedding day? Please also describe your design and decor choices. Our wedding day was perfect!

Maura: I woke up to horrible thunder and lightening storms that morning and was a bit worried that it was not going to clear. Luckily, by around 10:30 that morning- the sky cleared up and the sun came out! I got ready at my parents apartment downtown, with my bridesmaids and family. Charlie played paddle and got ready with his groomsmen at Saddle and Cycle Club. Our color scheme for the wedding day was burgundy, cream, and green. I was absolutely obsessed with the flowers!

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day?

Maura: My favorite part of the wedding day was getting to the church. It all felt so real finally when the bridal party was gathered at the back of the church waiting to walk down the aisle. I loved the way the venue turned out so much-- that was another highlight of the day, seeing how all the planning came together so perfectly!

What is your advice for newly engaged couples?

Maura: My advice- which we took from someone else- would be to take your time and enjoy being engaged for a couple weeks (or months, like we did!) before you dive into the wedding planning! We got engaged in August, however, we did not really start making any plans until October. I loved the time we spent together, enjoying the excitement of it all, before the planning began! My other piece of advice would be to not let the planning get the best of you! It is so easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of everything.