Chicago “Big Party” Wedding at Fairlie

Today we are sharing another amazing “real wedding” in Chicago with commentary from the couple, Maddie and Tyler. This wedding will knock your socks off — from a gorgeous couple to beautiful weather, to a dance floor like NO OTHER (with the help of Blue Water Kings!) we are so excited to feature this one. Also enjoy the advice and info from the couple who shared part of their planning story with us! Thank you Maddie and Tyler!!

Your wedding is gorgeous! Did you plan everything yourself or did you get a wedding planner?

Thank you! I planned nearly everything myself, but I did rely on a very awesome (S/O The Get Together Event Co.) "month of" coordinator to help me with all of the final details. 

What was the inspiration for your plans/designs?

I originally had a whole moody themed wedding with darker purple hues and pampas grass, but we had a pretty long engagement because of COVID and by the time I actually had to make decisions I was so sick of my original idea and wanted something joyful and fun, and something that really, really embodied Tyler and I, so we ended up going in a completely different creative direction. The whole theme turned into US and our favorite things which for us are our loved ones, pizza, dogs, dancing and and a whole lot of fun! We also loved the city of Chicago, which inspired a lot of our choices. We also love ease so we had a very (meaningful) and laid back ceremony and we sent out mass automated texts with ceremony info and uber codes to help out of town guests out. At the end of the day we like to tell people we wanted our wedding to feel like a big party.

Anything you wish you did differently for your wedding day? (or something you stressed about that ended up working out ok?)

I wish I would have had a slice of our wedding cheese cake and remembered to number and assign the polaroid cameras we set out. We only got a few back. Also, just go into it knowing you're not going to sleep the night before your wedding. 

How did you choose your vendors? Recommendations to someone trying to book their vendors now?

I had been following the Fairlie for a few years and loved the exposed brick and openness, the space was easy to navigate, and felt very city. That plus the relaxed, cool -factor fit perfectly into how I envisioned our wedding. My best recommendation is: before checking out venues first figure out how hands-on you to be with your wedding--plan every detail or would like just a few options? That will help you determine if you choose a venue with set vendors lists. 

Any advice for a new couple that is just starting the wedding planning process?

Make a wedding email and begin your budget fast. One of the best things I did was ask the managers of our venue for who they thought the most outstanding, game-changing-for-a-good-time vendors were. They said the Bluewater Kings Band--so we booked them the next day. 100% best wedding choice, we still get compliments on our wedding band. 

What is your favorite memory from your wedding (you and your spouse can answer that separately if you both have different favorite memories)?

Tyler and I love to boogie on the dance floor. We actually were dancing in the middle of our reception when Tyler dove down to slide in between my legs like a snake (everyone was doing it, don’t ask!), except this time he knocked me down too! I caught myself in a plank position, but as he was sliding through he kicked me in the face and gave me a bloody lip. It sounds silly but we couldn’t stop laughing, Tyler felt horrible but I was completely fine, and we have some epic photos to remember our little dancing mishap.

Any other details, vendors or info you would like to include is welcome!

You can make a big impact with small details that don't have to cost you an arm or a leg. I found custom St. Bernard stickers on amazon for $10 (We are obsessed with our St. Bernard puppy) and added one to the back of all the invitation vellum to hold it in place instead of a monogram wax seal. As people RSVPed they kept talking about how much they loved the small touch, plus it felt very us!

Wedding Pro’s:
Venue: The Fairlie
Photographer: Jefferson May Photography 
Coordinator: The Get Together Events
Caterer: Wooden Paddle
Florist: Bou K Bridal
Band: Blue Water Kings
Dessert: JR Desserts
Last Night Food: Hubby's Dog House
Videographer: Charming Hearts
Dress: Bella Bleu Bridal 
Hotel: The Renaissance Hotel
After Party: Snickers