A Regal Romance: McKenna & Ben’s Fairytale Wedding at The Armour House

Moody, luxurious, and regal, McKenna and Ben’s wedding at The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy felt like a scene from an Italian fairytale. Every detail, from the pheasant feather arrangements to the glowing candelabras, reflected their vision of an opulent yet intimate gathering.

McKenna and Ben met in high school, but it wasn’t until college that their romance truly blossomed. During McKenna’s junior year, she embarked on a three-week study abroad adventure through Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Greece. On a whim, she asked her professor if Ben (who was attending a different college) could join her. And to her surprise, he said yes! That trip became the spark that ignited their relationship, deepening their connection and setting them on the path to forever. Now, the couple shares a home in Downers Grove with their beloved Labrador Retriever, Riley. “The love we have for each other is endless, and we still can’t believe we’ve finally found ‘our person’ to spend the rest of our lives with,” McKenna says.

The couple wed on a symbolic date: October 20th, or 10/20. They like to joke the date felt perfect because they truly are each other’s missing 1/2, making a perfect whole. The Armour House made for the most enchanting setting for this special day. The Armour House, with its winding staircases, ornate detailing, marble fountain, and picturesque courtyard and gazebo, provided the dreamlike backdrop for their celebration.

McKenna and Ben wanted their guests to feel as though they had stepped into another world. Their florists, Flowers Just for You Inc., exceeded every expectation, creating an ethereal, painterly atmosphere. Lush arrangements featured figs, berries, pheasant feathers, and an exquisite mix of textures and metals—stone, brass, silver, and gold—all inspired by the grandeur of The Last Supper painting infused with the warmth of a fall cornucopia.

The evening unfolded with delightful surprises – from a champagne-skirted hostess to deep-dish Lou Malnati’s pizza. A unique raffle basket display added a playful touch, with each basket reflecting an aspect of their lives. McKenna’s love of cozy nights in inspired the “Home Body Basket,” while Ben’s passion for grilling led to the “Grill Master Basket,” a tribute to his prized Traeger smoker.

As the night drew to a close, McKenna and Ben soaked in the candlelit glow, the laughter of their loved ones, and the overwhelming joy of a celebration that felt so perfectly them.