Local Love – Annie & Tommy at Venue SIX10
When Annie and Tommy were in graduate school, they each held a babysitting job to make extra money. One afternoon, they met on the playground when the little boy Annie was babysitting recognized Tommy, who happened to be his teacher. Tommy got Annie’s information from the family she babysat for and invited her to meet up with him and some friends. They ended up scheduling a date, and the rest was history. Tommy proposed on a beach in Hawaii, surprising Annie with a ring and her whole family, who had flown in for the engagement. Annie said she knew Tommy was the one because, “He’s the most positive person I know. Everything is fun with him!”
The couple wanted to show off the Chicago, a city they love so dearly, to their guests who visited from over 20 different states. They chose to host their wedding at Venue SIX10 in part because of the gorgeous views the space offered. As part of their wedding ceremony they sealed a box with a bottle of 2014 (the year they met) wine from Tommy’s dad’s vineyard inside, along with letters to each other and from their parents. They plan to open the box on their fifth anniversary! They kept family traditions alive by including the Grogan tradition of saying the Apache Wedding Prayer, and Annie carried her bouquet with a heart pin from her great-grandmother.
During the reception, there was a brief rainstorm that ended with a beautiful rainbow over Buckingham Fountain. The newlyweds rushed out to take some sweet photos in Grant Park. Their guests loved dancing the night away while overlooking the city. Annie and Tommy made sure everyone got the true Chicago experience, with a midnight snack of Chicago-style hot dogs delivered to dance floor.
Reflecting on their Big Day, Annie and Tommy narrowed down their favorite moments. “My favorite part was the first look when I got to see my future wife. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen,” Tommy said. Annie shared her favorite memory, too. “Seeing Tommy emotional in the ceremony was so meaningful. It made me get teary too, but I told him he had to hold it together!” The couple both loved dancing and celebrating with their friends and family, including Annie’s ninety-three-year-old grandmother, who stayed on the dance floor until midnight!
Number of Wedding Guests: 200
Vendor List:
Ceremony: Venue SIX10
Photography: Erin Hoyt Photography
Videography: White Wedding Cinema
Officiant: Taylor Ross
Event Planner: LOLA Event Productions
Rings: Marshall Pierce & Company
Bride’s Gown: Demetrios via Macy’s Bridal Salon
Bride’s Shoes: ZAC Zac Posen
Hair & Makeup: Zazú Salons
Bride’s Other Jewelry: Sarah Walsh Bridal
Formalwear & Groom’s Accessories: Jos. A. Bank
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom; Bella Bridesmaids; Macy’s
Stationery: Simply to Impress
Floral & Décor: Anna Held Floral Studio
Lighting: A Posh Production
Catering: Food for Thought
Entertainment: DJ-Chicago
Cake: Chicago Custom Cakes
Transportation: Windy City Limousine
