Written by Curator, Olive Fine Events: Kirsten Westerlund

Kate + Jonny's story is one for the books. The couple met years ago while they were both working in Chicago. Kate who is originally from the suburbs and Jonny who is from England became fast friends. Although their romantic relationship didn't blossom right away, fast forward a few years and they were inseparable, so much so that when Jonny moved back to England, Kate was right there with him in 2019. Once they got engaged they knew Chicago was the right place to hold their wedding, but they wanted to incorporate both their lives from Chicago and London into their special day.

Congratulations, Kate + Jonny!

The couple and many of their wedding party members stay together at a gorgeous Airbnb in Lincoln Park. Rare Bird Beauties pampered Kate, her ladies, and both moms on the upper floors, while Jonny and his gents were able to kick their feet up and place some games before the festivities started.

The couple chose to have two ceremonies. The first ceremony was very intimate in the chapel at Saint Michael's Church in Old Town with just their immediate families and wedding party members. Between ceremonies, the couple and their wedding party hopped around the city catching some beautiful skyline views from North Avenue Beach and Lincoln Park Zoo. Afterward, the group headed to Rockwell on the River for the second ceremony and one of the most unique receptions we have ever produced!

Kate and Jonny had a very specific vision they wanted to come to life for their reception. Kate loves European flower markets. As guests entered Rockwell on the River, they walked into a flower market where they were able to make their bouquets from different flowers that Kate picked out. Flowers for Dreams executed Kate's vision perfectly. Once the ceremony was starting, guests then transitioned to what felt like a forest where the greenery was suspended from the ceiling by Art of Imagination. The couple's second ceremony was officiated by their dear friend with a beautiful duo providing live music from Bluewater Kings.

Once the second ceremony was completed, guests moved to cocktail hour where there was a custom 30-foot replica of the groom's hometown pub. Cedar and Spice not only created the custom pub, but they also created a Chicago sign and London telephone booth for Fotio's photo booth, as well as directional signs, a "Please Be Seeded" escort sign, and a custom pub sign that hung from the ceiling that had Butch McGuire's logo and The Cross Key logo both Kate and Jonny's hometown pubs. In addition to the custom sign, furniture was provided by both Relic Rentals and Bowery and Bash to create custom lounge groupings so guests felt like they were in The Cross Keys pub. Along with Fotio's photo booth, guests were also able to leave video messages to the couple which was provided by Magnanimous Rentals.

How can one have a wedding on Saint Patrick's Day weekend in Chicago, without incorporating a little green? Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band led guests into the dining space.

There were still a few surprises to come for the rest of the night. Kate's dad wanted a special first dance song with his daughter. Kate thought their song was going to be Frank Sinatra, and to her surprise, I Swear by All-4-One started to play with the groomsmen as backup singers. Even though it was not expected, she loved it! Bluewater Kings kept everyone on the dance floor for hours, but before the night was over there was one more surprise. Pasty Queen lip sang their favorite songs.