Vintage Themed Wedding at The Lincoln Park Zoo

It’s so secret that heirlooms make for a timeless wedding day. Once we read the story of Veronica and Pete’s love along with their celebration, it was too good not to share! Their vintage themed wedding at The Robey was intimate and beautiful. And perhaps the fact that because only their closest friends and family could attend, was just another thing that gave meaning behind the style of their day even more so. Enjoy reading their story and seeing highlights of their day in these images by Aaron Bean!

Written by the groom, Pete:

Before they ever met, Veronica and Pete shared a decade of common experiences. Both were University of Chicago alumni. Both served as AmeriCorps educators. And both safeguarded families affected by violence and health inequalities. From the very beginning, the couple’s relationship was rooted in mutual respect and shared values, which married to form their love for each other. Their “vintage-themed” wedding then serendipitously unfolded.

First, Pete envisioned an engagement ring that became a family heirloom by incorporating diamonds that were once cared for by Veronica’s grandmother. Second, with the debut of the United States Army’s newest uniform, which is an ode to yesteryears, the groom acquired his wedding attire from Marlow White Uniforms. Third, and without coordination between the couple, Veronica found a richly-detailed sample dress at Viero Bridal Chicago, which included exquisite beadwork and completed their vintage ensemble, along with a beauty bouquet from WestGate Flowers.

However, as we live in challenging times, separate bouts of coronavirus postpone their nuptials. Yet, in order to comply with the latest restrictions mandated by the State of Illinois, the newlyweds moved their ceremony forward, with only 36 hours notice for friends, family, and vendors. As such, they would like to thank all those who had a part in their special day.

As they look back, the couple opted for an ice cream roll, from The Original Rainbow Cone, as their wedding cake, because the Southside institution hosted one of their first dates. They also arranged for SuperDawg to deliver lunch to their ceremony site, which took place outside, in 63 degree weather, under an arbor that was constructed by the bride’s father, in the middle of November, at the People’s Gas Pavilion, in Lincoln Park Zoo.

After their “I do’s,” a small group of guests enjoyed an intimate reception at at the top of The Robey Hotel, with open air access for attendees and staff. To commute about town, and to place a cherry on top of their vintage-themed wedding, the groom rented an affordable classic car, which was more artwork than automobile, from DriveShare by Haggerty.

Lastly, Aaron Bean Photo Film assembled a fantastic team that captured our matrimony and supported us through the ups and down of coronavirus.

Wedding Pro’s:
Photography: Aaron Bean
Venue: The Robey & Tigerlily Events
Florals: Westgate Flowers
Cake: Rainbow Cone
Groom’s Attire: Marlow White Uniforms
Dress: Viero Bridal
Catering: Superdawg
Beauty: Angel Making Beauty
Rentals: DriveShare
Engagement Ring: Fey Jewelers
Shoes: Jessey’s Shoe Repair
Hair: Commonwealth Barbershop