Kevin + Brandon: Detailed, Moving, Thoughtful Chicago Wedding
Written by Curator Olive Fine Weddings and Events
The day Kevin and Brandon got married was a picture perfect fall day in Chicago. The sun was beaming, there was not a cloud in the sky, and you could just feel that it was going to be a special day. These two have so much love for one another, but also have amazing friends and family that love and support them as well; this really shined through on their wedding day.
I knew from the moment I met Kevin and Brandon (and found out that their first dance song was a remixed version of my favorite Beyonce song) that I was going to love working with them. I am so honored that the two of them entrusted me to help make their special day all that they had dreamed it would be.
They were incredibly organized, detail oriented and thoughtful of each and every guest that was attending. PLUS, they did not disappoint with their entertainment. A live band, Filipiniana dancers, a salsa lesson AND an incredibly choreographed first dance! This was such a fun wedding to be involved with and it was so special to see everyone having a truly magical time celebrating Kevin and Brandon!
Cheers to many more incredible memories, you two!
Kevin and his groomswomen started their morning at Goldust Studios for hair and make-up, while Brandon and his groomspeople had lunch and started getting ready over at Ovation.
Brandon stopped by the studio so that he and Kevin could get a few photos together in their super cute matching sweatshirts and then both walked back to Ovation so that they could get ready together.
Once they finished getting ready, the two shared gifts with another and got a few more shots before heading downstairs for their first look with their wedding party.
Look at how sweet these two are together! And those custom Daniel George suits?! SO GORGEOUS!
After a super sweet first look, the group headed out on a trolley to get the party started and for some gorgeous photos by Lake Michigan. Everyone was in such high spirits and beyond happy to celebrate Kevin and Brandon. The incredible Emma Mullins captured all the happiness so perfectly!
Once the trolley returned, we tucked the wedding party away as guests began to arrive. Guests were welcomed with signature cocktails and the lovely musical talents of 3rd Coast Live Quartet.
Once guests were seated, family and the wedding party processed, followed by the two grooms. They walked down the aisle, hand-in-hand, both with the biggest smiles on their faces.
Kevin and Brandon’s friend, Allie officiated the ceremony. She include many sentimental and sweet bits about the couple and the love they have for one another.
But, the real tear jerker, was when Kevin and Brandon exchanged vows. They both had such meaningful messages for one another and it felt as if they were the only two in the room. SERIOUSLY, not a dry eye in the room (including my own)!
After the sweetest first kiss, Kevin and Brandon were officially announced as husbands!
While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Kevin and Brandon snuck away for a ride in Ovation’s very own vintage 1959 Rolls Royce. Talk about classy!
Once they returned to the venue, they were ready to get the party started! Following cocktail hour, there was cake cutting (look at that blue marble effect by ECBG Studio), several heart-felt speeches and dinner.
The ambiance in the room was just perfect and filled with so much love.
Halfway through dinner, guests were surprised by a troupe of Filipiniana Dancers that performed traditional Filipino dances. What a neat way to incorporate culture into a wedding day! That was just the beginning of a night FULL of dancing.
Kevin and Brandon had first dances with their Moms, followed by THE MOST EPIC FIRST DANCE EVER! There were spins, dips and lifts. Oh my! Seriously, these two put in so much heart and energy into their first dance and it truly showed.
And the dancing didn’t stop there! The party continued as Funktastic played an incredibly hyped set and then took a break while everyone received a salsa lesson from dance instructor Blanca Aviles.
It was such a fun night as everyone danced the night away, celebrating Kevin and Brandon!
Congratulations, Kevin and Brandon! We couldn’t be any happier for the two of you!
Wedding Pro’s:
Venue: Ovation
Catering: Chic Chef
Wedding Planner: Olive Fine Weddings & Events, Olivia Nicoletti and Katie Fortney
Photographer: Emma Mullins Photography
Videographer: Toast Wedding Films
Florist: Juliet Tan Floral Design
Ceremony/Cocktail Music: 3rd Coast Live Quartet
Reception DJ: Style Matters
Band: Funktastic
Hair/Makeup: Goldust Studios
Cake: ECBG Cake Studio
Sweets: Sweet Mandy B’s & Te'Amo Boba
Late night Snacks: Portillo's
Suits: Daniel George
Transportation: Premier Trolley & Limo
Entertainment: Filipiniana & Blanca Aviles