“Memorial Day Wedding”

It was the most lovely August day for Nicole and David’s Chicago Memorial Day wedding weekend!  Much warmer than anyone anticipated, but that didn’t stop them from the fun, celebrating their big day with family and friends.

Starting the night before with the rehearsal, the celebration traversed the city, from Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, to downtown, to Lincoln Park and finally to the Gold Coast for their reception at the historic Germania Place, a Chicago landmark.

There’s no doubt about the love and happiness these two share – they were grinning ear-to-ear from start to finish!

“Make her laugh and you will have her heart.” As you’ll see, there’s no question that David has Nicole’s! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bowman!

Cheers,

 

 

The celebrating started the night before with rehearsal festivities, including a stop at Bruno’s Lounge in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, a great local place owned by Nicole’s family.

Preparations underway…Pringles, anyone? A very curious and adorable flower girl, the bride’s niece. And friend of the family Cheryl of CC Cosmetics, working her magic on on the already beautiful Nicole.

 

 

A gaggle of girls! Love the matching, monogrammed shirts. These are perfect gifts for a wedding party, you don’t have to worry about what to wear for hair and make-up…and it looks great in photographs! And isn’t that a cute way to capture 13 pretty hairstyles? Love it!

One trend in bridal fashion is to have all of your bridesmaids choose their own dress – I adore the mix of colors and styles!

Something blue…why not the shoes?! Yes, definitely, yes.

Can’t resist the sparkle of the rings!

Sisters…need I say more?!

Mom helping the bride with her details, including a special family watch. I really love these moments, the last few with Mom before becoming a Mrs. 

The flower girl wanted to help, too…sometimes, foot-to-foot is the only way to go!

 

The dress! Nicole looked amazing, a gorgeous back and silhouette, against the downtown Chicago view from the Hyatt Regency.

“OK, Ladies! Just relax, act natural…”

The groom, David, looking dapper and surrounded by his groomsmen – a handsome group of men!

Goin’ to the chapel…

St. Ignatius Church, on Chicago’s North side Roger’s Park neighborhood. Beautiful!

Laughter and merriment continued as we cruised on down Lake Shore Drive on the Chicago Trolley

Photobombed by the Helados Guy! (who, by the way, made out like a bandit later, as we all partook of his cold treats…). And here are all those beautiful bridesmaid dresses – gorgeous, all of them!

The Nature Boardwalk just outside of Lincoln Park Zoo is always a favorite spot for wedding party photographs, with indigenous prairie, wildflowers, the Chicago skyline and, of course, the fabulous Honeycomb (Peoples Gas Education Pavilion but, I like Honeycomb better…), designed by Chicago architect Jeanne Gang. He patterned the structure after a turtle shell, it’s really a stunning piece of work.

What to do with a 24-person wedding party? Luckily, the Honeycomb was made just for us!

 

 

Details, details…the flowers were so delicate and pretty! Perfect for a Memorial Day wedding. The purples really picked up the colors in the bridesmaids’ dresses, and the baby’s breath just made everything light and airy. The bride’s Mom, sisters and several bridesmaids did all the flowers themselves. They did a beautiful job!

One of my favorite details at the reception – love the clever display of select buds and flowers underneath overturned glasses! Which then doubled as votive holders. Creative and lovely!

Germania Place, looking sparkly, colorful and ready to rock!

And, rock it did, thanks to the fabulous sounds of the High Society Orchestra!

Fun party favors for all the guests!

These two…they had a ball, danced ALL night!

The end of the reception was only the beginning of the after party. Nicole, David and intrepid guests were whisked off to Lizze McNeills via a school bus – driven by the the same woman who drives their bus on St. Patrick’s Day! Too fun!

We did manage some time alone with the couple, a few of my favorite moments…aren’t they the sweetest?! 

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day Wedding Team:

CEREMONY: St. Ignatius Church   RECEPTION: Germania Place   LIGHTING: Xplosive Sounds Entertainment  FLORALS: Bride’s Mother, Sisters and Bridesmaids  MAKEUP – BRIDE, MOB: Cheryl DeHaan, CC Cosmetics   CATERING: Kenmore Catering + Events  MUSIC: High Society Orchestra   TRANSPORTATION: Chicago Trolley