Local Love – Maria & Rob at the Chicago History Museum

Maria (Mar) and Rob met through work in LA while Mar was living in the area and Rob was visiting on business. It was a self-described “interest at first sight” for the pair. They got to know each other and built a strong friendship over the course of the next year before really falling for each other and taking their relationship to the next level. Though they share many important interests and similarities, it was the way they were able to navigate their differences that showed how perfect of a match they were. “We have learned and continue to learn from each other which has made us stronger individually and as a couple,” Mar shared.

When it came time to plan their wedding, Mar and Rob originally wanted a beachfront affair, but soon realized the logistics would be too complicated. They love their home in Lincoln Park and a Chicago wedding meant Mar could get ready there. They knew the Chicago History Museum was the perfect location as it spoke to their shared “old souls” with its old Hollywood glam and peaceful tranquility.

The couple wanted their Big Day to feel personal and uniquely theirs, so they added plenty of personalized touches throughout. The food was easiest to decide– tacos were a must-have. They had mini bottles of Tapatío hot sauce made with their faces and guests’ names tied on them to use as place cards. Huge bowls of chips and guacamole served as centerpieces, alongside lovely olive leaf arrangements. The music component was important, so Mar and Rob chose to have a jazz ensemble and a big band (Brooke and the Nice Things) at the reception. Instead of a traditional cake, the pair shared their favorite cookies, with a cookie bar and milk for all the guests to enjoy.

After all the excitement, Rob reflected on his favorite moment from their Big Day— the first time he saw his bride-to-be at their first look. “I saw her and was overwhelmed with emotion. To me, that signified that the time had finally arrived.” For Mar, the special alone time they set aside before going into their cocktail hour was the highlight of the day. She remembered, “We had a moment to ourselves to really soak it in together. I looked at him and felt so grateful to have a man of such character as my partner through this life sitting next to me.” Thanks to a great vendor team, the day felt breezy and seamless— one that Mar and Rob still love to re-live and remember just how much fun they had.

Vendor List:

Venue: Chicago History Museum

Photography: Dabble Me This

Videography: Bella Donna Studios

Officiant: Dan Sullivan

Event Planner: Preoccupied Bride

Wedding Rings: Finer Jewelry

Bride’s Gown: Custom Design via Anomalie

Bride’s Shoes: Francesco Sacco

Hair: Kristen Warken

Makeup: Rachel McGuire

Bridesmaids’ Dresses:Bella Bridesmaids

Groom’s Formalwear: Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere

Groomsmen’s Formalwear: The Black Tux

Floral: Steve’s Flower Market

Catering: Paramount Events

Sweets: Summer House Santa Monica

Entertainment:Brooke and the Nice Things

Lighting: Event Brilliance

Transportation: M&M Limousine and Bus