Emily & Nick’s Intimate Concorde Banquets Wedding
Emily and Nick are OFFICIALLY our LAST Covid-couple! It’s worth noting because after years of re-schedules we are thrilled to say that we are now fully back to “normal” around here and so thankful! Emily and Nick were originally . . .
Emily and Nick are OFFICIALLY our LAST Covid-couple! It’s worth noting because after years of re-schedules we are thrilled to say that we are now fully back to “normal” around here and so thankful! Emily and Nick were originally supposed to get married in May of 2021, when the “shelter in place” hit the Spring before Emily called to let us know that they were going to hold off on their wedding until May of 2023. At the time we were certainly surprised that they would want to wait that long, but Emily’s foresight meant that they could have the wedding of their dreams without a worry about the pandemic.
As it turned out, good things come to those who wait. Emily and Nick’s wedding day was truly perfect, Christy and I were so thankful to be a part of it. And our friend Ashley was thrilled to be along as Emily and Nick’s day-of coordinator! Every detail at the gorgeous Concorde Banquets came together perfectly, we were especially in love with the stunning florals by our friends at Blooming Flowers. They always do such an amazing job, but the bouquets and arrangements for Emily and Nick’s wedding were particularly gorgeous!
Emily and Nick have such a sweet relationship, I don’t know if we have ever spent time with a groom who was so in love with his bride. Nick kept giving Emily so much affection and credit for every aspect of their wedding day, he even complimented her on choosing a wedding date with such gorgeous weather! These two are too cute together, it was a joy to be with them as they exchanged their emotional vows and became husband and wife! It was truly a perfect day that we won’t soon forget!
Congratulations, Emily and Nick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & DAY-OF COORDINATION
Something Blue
VENUE
Concorde Banquets
VIDEOGRAPHY
Furla Photography & Videography
FLORIST
Blooming Flowers
WEDDING CAKE & SWEETS
Bittersweet Pastry Shop
OFFICIANT
Forever Incredible Ceremonies
Maya & Joe’s Unforgettable Chevy Chase Wedding
Maya and Joe are simply perfect for one another. Meeting them first over Zoom it was apparent that they are deeply in love, their smiles and care for one another radiated through the screen . . .
Maya and Joe are simply perfect for one another. Meeting them first over Zoom it was apparent that they are deeply in love, their smiles and care for one another radiated through the screen. We were so happy to meet them in person for their Spring wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club!
Maya looked gorgeous as she got ready alongside her family, it was beautiful to watch her reconnect with her sister from Venezuela who she had not seen for years. Joe was all smiles as he put the finishing touches on his classic white tux jacket in the bar outside the Grand Ballroom at Chevy Chase. After Maya was dressed in her gorgeous lace gown she went outside for her “first look” with Joe. The joy between these two was infectious, they were both beaming all day from the moment they first saw each other
As we were finishing family photos a band of impeccably dressed mariachis came to serenade us before the ceremony. The mariachi then led Maya into the ceremony in grand fashion, she was glowing as the guests looked on. Joe surprised Maya and everyone in attendance by reading his personal vows in both English and Spanish. Once they were pronounced husband and wife Maya and Joe joyfully walked back down the aisle surrounded by bubbles and music.
One of the highlights for us was watching Joe sing his heart out along with the mariachi during cocktail hour. We were impressed by how many of the songs he knew and how great his singing voice was!! Joe may just have a future in the mariachi industry!
After a gorgeous sunset we settled into the Grand Ballroom for a night of emotional toasts, delicious food and dancing. During the reception we were treated to an amazing flamenco performance (Maya used to be a flamenco dancer!) It was an unforgettable wedding, we were truly honored to be a part of it!!
Congratulations, Maya and Joe, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Maya and Joe’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Piscasaw Gardens
HAIR & MAKEUP
Elle Artistry
BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Diana’s Bridal
McKenna & Kyle’s Memorable Metropolis Ballroom Spring Wedding
We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit . . .
We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit, we knew then that we could expect plenty of personalized and creative details at her wedding this Spring.
When the time came for us to meet McKenna and Kyle at the Metropolis Ballroom for their wedding we were so happy to be surrounded by a big wedding party again!! McKenna and Kyle first met in 2015 when they were both working for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. After a year of being friends and going back and forth on Facebook messenger, McKenna made the move and told Kyle how she felt. They eventually went on their official first date in August 2016 and have been inseparable ever since. Kyle proposed to McKenna in the kitchen of their old apartment on their 5th year anniversary. Their wedding day was truly perfect – McKenna had thought of every beautiful detail! After McKenna got dressed in the beautiful Harmony Suite she had the sweetest “first look” with her bridesmaids and her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Kyle and exchange private vows. We truly love when couples exchange private vows, those quiet intimate moments are the heart and soul of a big joyful wedding day!
The sun came out just in time for us to head outside to the fountain for some wedding party and couples’ photos. It was a brisk but beautiful day!! We made time for a few epic veil shots before the chilly March wind got the better of us, but McKenna looked truly gorgeous even while braving the elements!
After the ceremony we were all ready to party to celebrate the newlyweds! We enjoyed a delicious meal and some heartfelt toasts to McKenna and Kyle before Tim from Ready Set Dance filled the dance floor and kept everyone going all night long! McKenna and Kyle surprised their guests with a t-shirt toss to honor their time with the Fire (with shirts that McKenna created, obvs) and McKenna showed off her splits just in time for us to say goodnight. It was an amazing day, we were so thankful to be a part of it!!
Congratulations, McKenna and Kyle, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of McKenna and Kyle’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Belles & Thistles
BRIDAL HAIR
Pin Me Up Chicago
MAKEUP
Denise Ferguson
WEDDING GOWN
Martina Liana
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Bella Bianca
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie
WEDDING CAKE
Jarosch Bakery
Maggie & Justin’s Beautiful Independence Grove Wedding
As all love stories start out, Maggie was the one that I didn’t see coming. Justin had just moved back from Paris, France and was living in Wicker Park. His roommate was having a birthday celebration at Sushi O Sushi, and let me tell you it was starting out as an amazing night . . .
We send a questionnaire to all of our Something Blue couples before their wedding; this questionnaire helps organize information so that we can prepare for the wedding day and later put together a blog post. We ask our couples to share their “love story,” and Justin took the time to write a lovely and touching synopsis of his love story with his bride Maggie, it felt right to share his words here:
“As all love stories start out, she was the one that I didn’t see coming. I had just moved back from Paris, France and was living in Wicker Park. My roommate was having a birthday celebration at Sushi O Sushi, and let me tell you it was starting out as an amazing night. Unlimited sushi rolls AND sake bombs? What more could I want.
After getting spending a few hours coming up with ridiculous sake bomb chants, we decided to hit the town. I’m not sure if you’ve experienced Sushi O Sushi, but leaving there to go to another bar is what some might call “aggressive”. But we were in our 20s, so we lived for the nights. On our way to the next bar, there was someone trying to get my attention as I went past Hopsmith. I was pretty drunk, so I was content with continuing on my way. But wouldn’t you have it, Maggie made sure to get my attention.
A little background for those who don’t know, but Maggie and I met when we were in college at the University of Illinois. We became friends my junior year, and we kept in contact through the years after graduating. She even used my apartment in Paris with her friends on their Euro Trip, but I was off exploring Ireland with some friends when they were passing through so we hadn’t seen each other in person for a few years.
We started talking, exchanged numbers, and then went on to join our friends at different bars. Fast forward to a little later in the night, and I sent her a text asking if they were still at Hopsmith. Fast forward a little more, and we’re at the bar talking and dancing. Next thing I know, we were talking every day and making weekend plans with each other.
Date nights turned into travels to new destinations. New destinations turned into moving in together (a different new destination). Next came our amazing dog, Wayne. And finally, we said yes to forever while overlooking the beach in South Haven at sunset.
On a night where I was content with shouting “Sake, Sake, bomb!” I ran into the girl that I quickly realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. There’s plenty more to the story, but you’ll have to come to the wedding to find that out. And there’s one thing that I’m sure you’ll see: our love for each other has and keeps growing every day.”
We met Maggie and Justin in person for the first time on their wedding day. When we arrived at Maggie’s parent’s house she was just glowing, she looked so beautiful and happy even in her robe! After some “getting ready” photos with her bridesmaids, we left to make the long drive to St. Mary’s in Mundelein for the ceremony. Justin was so sweetly emotional when Maggie walked down the aisle, and he didn’t take his eyes off her for the rest of the day.
Once we settled in for the reception at Independence Grove it was clear that this was the perfect wedding. The light on the veranda outside Audubon Hall was radiant and golden during cocktail hour. We were treated to a gorgeous sunset before enjoying a delicious dinner paired with moving and funny toasts. And then as the dance floor opened and we said goodbye we left feeling so thankful to have been part of this unforgettable day.
Congratulations, Maggie and Justin, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Maggie and Justin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Pollys Petals
HAIR & MAKEUP
United Hairlines
WEDDING DRESS
Blue by Enzoani
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Davids Bridal
MENSWEAR
Vera Wang
WEDDING CAKE
Oak Mill Bakery
Jess & Brad’s Perfect Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been . . .
Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been on a Tinder date, but since they had already met, she figured why not give it a shot? They went on our first date at the Arlington Ale House (one of our favorite bars in Arlington Heights) and the rest is history!
After a couple years together Jess and Brad moved in together and welcomed their dog Leeroy to their family. Brad nervously worked up the courage to propose to Jess at the gorgeous LondonHouse in Chicago. While they both say they sort of blacked out, Jess ended up with a ring on her finger so he must have asked and she must have said yes!!
Talking with Jess and Brad leading up to their wedding day was always so relaxing and fun, we truly love this couple. They made our jobs easy by being consistently kind and down-to-earth. Jess looked radiant on her wedding day – her Essense of Australia gown fit her perfectly, it looked like it was made just for her. After some sweet getting ready moments with her girls in the Harmony Suite at the Metropolis, Jess shared an adorable first look with her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Brad for the first time on their wedding day. From that moment on the two of them were inseparable – each moment we spent together was filled with joy and laughter, it was truly the perfect wedding.
Congratulations, Jess and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jess and Brad’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Metropolis Ballroom
FLOWERS
Busy B's Floral
CAKE
Lauras Kakes
Ann & Kevin’s Romantic Chevy Chase Spring Wedding
Ann and Kevin had their first date at Southport Corridor (where we met for their engagement session last summer) after meeting on Bumble. They had a lot of fun exploring the city and getting to know each other before . . .
Ann and Kevin had their first date at Southport Corridor (where we met for their engagement session last summer) after meeting on Bumble. They had a lot of fun exploring the city and getting to know each other before the world shut down because of Covid. Ann and Kevin decided to move in together and the rest is history – during a Christmas movie marathon Kevin proposed to Ann and of course she said yes!!
When the day came for Ann and Kevin’s wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club there was a lot of excited energy above the Devonshire Room as Ann got ready with her Mom and bridesmaids. She wore her hair down with a clip that had been fashioned out of a piece of lace from her mother’s wedding dress. Ann and her Mom shared a sweet moment together as they pinned a picture of her Dad onto her bouquet – while he passed over a decade ago his presence was definitely felt throughout the day.
Ann and Kevin’s first look was incredibly sweet, the look on his face when he turned to see his bride was just perfect. They exchanged thoughtful gifts before joining their wedding party for pictures near the water. Our friends from Fabbrini Flowers and Amp Event Professionals helped make the Devonshire Room look gorgeous for Ann and Kevin’s ceremony.
After their emotional ceremony, the room was transformed for their reception. Ann is a teacher and each table had an adorable note with wedding advice, it was just the sweetest detail!! We had the best time celebrating with Ann and Kevin!
Congratulations, Ann and Kevin, we love you and and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Ann and Kevin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLOWERS
Fabrini Flowers
CAKE
Lovin Oven
WEDDING DRESS
Martina Lianna
RINGS
Blue Nile
Pam and John’s Long-Awaited Celebration
Pam and John were married last March in front of their parents at their church Aurora. It was a lovely intimate celebration of their love, it was an honor for us to be there along with their parents. But after patiently waiting for the pandemic to run it’s course…
Pam and John were married last March in front of their parents at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Aurora. It was a lovely intimate celebration of their love, it was an honor for us to be there along with their parents (and other guests over Zoom!)
After patiently waiting for the pandemic to run it’s course, Pam and John were ready to PARTY with their guests. This March, Pam and John were finally able to fully celebrate their marriage along with their family and friends. It was SO worth the wait, we had the most wonderful time celebrating with everyone! We gathered together at Hoosier Grove Barn, a beautiful rustic space in Streamwood IL. Pam had chosen a new dress for the party, it was fun to photograph that dress while she finished getting ready with her bridesmaids. Pam and John’s first look was surprisingly so sweet and emotional (considering these two had already been married for a year!) We had the best time photographing these two and their loved ones, before the reception kicked off. After cutting their Nothing Bundt Cake and listening to emotional toasts in their honor Pam and John took to the dance floor and didn’t leave for the rest of the night. It was the perfect party, everyone had such an amazing time!!
Congratulations, Pam and John, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Pam and John’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Hoosier Grove Barn
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Tricia Clarke Bridal
FLORIST
Fabbrini Flowers
DONUTS
BB Baby Donuts
Liz and Erik’s Emotional Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Liz and Erik live in Kansas but made plans to get married at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights so that they could accommodate Liz’s Mom who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The pandemic forced Liz and Erik to change and rearrange their plans…
Liz and Erik live in Kansas but made plans to get married at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights so that they could accommodate Liz’s Mom who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The pandemic forced Liz and Erik to change and rearrange their plans, moving their wedding date from May 1, 2020 to July 10, 2020 before finally landing on May 1, 2021. Sadly, Liz’s mom passed away from complications due to her MS last fall, but her presence was powerfully felt throughout this emotional wedding day.
When we arrived at the Metropolis, Liz was finishing hair and makeup as her sisters and future sister in law looked on. Conrad and I took photos of her dress and invitation but paused to ask about the yarn wrapped around her bouquet and Erik’s boutonnière. That pretty blue yarn was from Liz’s mom’s collection, and it was wrapped tightly around Liz and Erik’s personal flowers as a reminder that she was there with them on their wedding day. There were SO many tears on this beautiful day, tears of joy mixed with grief as we celebrated this wonderful couple.
Congratulations, Liz and Erik, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Liz and Erik’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Apple Creek Flowers
WEDDING CAKE
Oak Mill Bakery
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar
WEDDING GOWN
Stephanie’s Bridal Boutique
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
David’s Bridal
GROOMS’ SUIT
Joseph Abboud
WEDDING RINGS
Valina