Text: Merry Mayer
Photography: Tyler Nadeau Photography, Milford, NH
Destination: Chicago
When people think of destination weddings, usually what comes to mind are places with tropical climates, but for Shauna and Rory, two Bostonians, they had their hearts set on a Chicago wedding. During their courtship, the two began taking weekend trips together and decided Chicago was their favorite “vacation” city. So when Rory decided to
propose, he asked Shauna at the top of the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. Since Chicago was so special, they planned a “Chicago” wedding for their East Coast friends and family.
|
|
INVITATIONS
Made them by hand using paper products from the Paper Source, Chicago, invitations were on a luxe cream cardstock with an image of a Ferris Wheel and burnt orange colored ink and ribbon
CEREMONY
Since Rory is Catholic and Shauna is Protestant, the couple decided to have a non-denominational ceremony and asked a dear friend to officiate. The couple wrote their own vows (even mentioning favorite sports teams) and had three friends speak on friendship, love and commitment. They were married under the jumping fountains in the Crystal Garden, with the sun going down so the Ferris Wheels lights were beginning to shine through the glass windows.
RECEPTION
“Chicago” was an important guest at the reception. Not only was it held at Navy Pier’s Crystal Garden, each table was named after a famous Chicago tourist site or neighborhood. The names framed in black metal, also included a black and white photo of the location that the couple had taken. Each guest’s napkin fold included a photo of a specific feature of that table’s theme and each guest received a different photo (all taken by the couple).
FLOWERS
Dilly Lily, Chicago. Since it was November, the couple chose burnt orange, black and ivory for a fall theme. Burnt orange rose petals were scattered on many of the tables and made a beautiful contrast with the tropical plants in the Crystal Garden.
CATERING
Crystal Gardens/Phil Stefani. In addition to the traditional wedding menu, the couple added Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
CAKE
Crystal Garden/Phil Stefani. Instead of a wedding cake, Rory and Shauna had a dessert extravaganza--there were stations that included fruit, chocolate tortes, carrot cake, éclairs, chocolate raspberry-filled cups, plus two chocolate fountains that guests could dip Rice Krispie Treats, Nutter Butters, strawberries, etc.
FAVORS
Garrett’s caramel popcorn.
|
