Kara & Ian’s Classically Chicago Wedding at The Rookery Building
There’s nothing quite like springtime in Chicago. On a beautiful March day, spring in the city set the perfect stage for Kara and Ian’s black-tie affair. Surrounded by 200 of their closest family and friends, they paid tribute to the city’s historic beauty while incorporating playful and heartfelt moments. From classic cars and bagpipes to caricature artists and an ice cream bar, the couple planned every detail of their day to ensure a celebration full of unforgettable moments and lavish touches.
The celebration began at the beautifully designed Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in West Loop Gate. Guests were welcomed with a playful twist—raffle tickets for betting on whether Ian would tear up during the ceremony. The ceremony started on another playful note, with the groom’s grandmother as one of the flower girls. These touches set the scene for a heartfelt Catholic ceremony.
After the ceremony, bagpipes played as the bride and groom exited the church, where their classic Bentley car awaited. Wanting to capture the day perfectly, the couple allotted several hours for wedding pictures at notable Chicago landmarks, including The Board of Trade, Union Station, and The Wrigley Building.
The reception took place at The Rookery Building, a historic, classically Chicago venue known for its stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-designed interior. During cocktail hour, live caricature artists entertained guests while the bridal party entered one by one, each pouring champagne into a coupe tower, symbolizing the support they had “poured” into the couple’s union. After introductions, Kara and Ian then shared their first dance as husband and wife to Frank Sinatra’s “You Make Me Feel So Young.”
Dinner featured personalized touches, including custom croutons with the couple’s initials, and the evening was filled with fun surprises. In a twist on the traditional cake-cutting, Kara and Ian flipped a sheet cake and caught it, delighting their guests. The celebration continued with dancing, an ice cream bar, a candy buffet, and late-night snacks, ensuring everyone enjoyed every moment of the night.
Kara and Ian’s wedding perfectly balanced historic elegance with fun, leaving the couple and their guests with lasting memories of a truly unforgettable day.
Vendors
VIDEOGRAPHER Aaron Bean Photo Film
CEREMONY VENUE Old St. Patrick’s Church
RECEPTION VENUE The Rookery Building
COORDINATOR Vowed To You
FLORAL & DECOR La’Fleur Decor
HAIR & MAKEUP Anomalie Beauty
BRIDE’S GOWN LBR Bridal
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR Knot Standard
JEWELRY James & Sons Fine Jewelers
STATIONERY Elegant Wedding Invites
CATERING Jewell Events Catering
DRAPING Art of Imagination
ENTERTAINMENT Okyne Medialab
CARICATURE ARTIST Carrillo Art Studios
