Clara & Addison’s Shakespearean Picnic Wedding

On a sunny September day, Clara and Addison hosted a theatrical and vintage-inspired wedding picnic at Cheney Mansion. As a queer and polyamorous couple, Clara and Addison especially wanted their wedding to celebrate their community and chosen family. Complete with an ultra-personalized ceremony, musical performances and Shakespeare references, they achieved a day that was as unique as it was special.

The couple met at a Wicker Park bar and started chatting when they bonded over a shared enjoyment of Kurt Vonnegut. “When Clara recognized something I said as a Kurt Vonnegut quote she asked me what my favorite book was. I told her ‘Cat’s Cradle’ which she responded to by pulling a paperback copy of the novel from her purse,” shared Addison. And in a full-circle moment eight years later, an excerpt from Vonnegut’s ‘If This Isn’t Nice, What Is?’ was read at their ceremony.

Cheney Mansion, with its vintage aesthetic and beautiful grounds, provided the perfect backdrop for this theatrical celebration. Clara grew up in a Tudor house herself, so it felt especially fitting to be wed near architecture that felt like home. Plus, the grounds of the venue offered so many picture-perfect photo vignettes.

The couple crafted a ceremony reflective of their love story. From writing their vows to incorporating elements like a ring warming, readings from their favorite authors and a communal rendition of the Beatles’ “When I’m Sixty-Four” set to live string music, every moment resonated with their personalities.

Instead of tables, the picnic-style reception comprised of 14 vintage quilt settings. Each picnic spot was themed after a different Shakespeare play and guests discovered baskets filled with delectable treats like scotch eggs, mini pork pies and Irish soda bread. Guests spent the reception lounging in Cheney Mansion’s sunny lawn, enjoying music, delicious food and a joyful atmosphere.

In lieu of traditional seating charts and wedding favors, Clara and Addison opted for antique postcards and ephemera as escort cards and keepsakes. Each card was thoughtfully selected for every guest, featuring hand-written notes from the couple and illustrations ranging from tobacco cards to antique sewing needles.

As the day came to a close, the couple, accompanied by friends, walked to the L train station for a Chicago-style departure. Boarding the green line train, the conductor announced over the loudspeaker, “The bride cannot be carrying her own train; one of the bridesmaids should do that!”

Clara and Addison’s wedding was a true reflection of their love, creativity and special connections. With personalized touches and a nod to their backgrounds, their day was a magical union of past and present, paving the way for a great future.