Alex & Dom’s Magnificent Micro-Wedding
After starting to plan a 125-person wedding for the spring of 2024, Alex and Dom decided to forgo the big event and instead plan an intimate 26-person wedding. And what a fantastic decision it was! This shift transformed their grand day into a cozy, joyful affair filled with laughter, love and delightful surprises. From a rooftop ceremony at Hotel Arista under a perfect spring sky to dipping spoons into ice cream cake together at Santo Cielo, every moment was curated, personal and oh-so fun.
As a wedding photographer, Alex, of Alex Ferreri Photography, knew how quickly their day would go by. So when she and Dom began planning their own wedding, they decided an intimate and intentional celebration would be more their speed. The couple wanted to ensure they could spend the day immersing themselves in the moment as much as possible, truly soaking it all up.
Given her industry background, the bride played a significant role in planning and designing her own micro-wedding. Drawing from her years of experience working with top-tier vendors, she curated an exceptional team of “friendors.” Enlisting the planning expertise of Abby McKinney Events, they created a wedding design aesthetic that included layered patterns, textures and colors. Completing the colorful vision, Willrett Flower Co. brought their color palette to life with florals in soft yellows, peaches, greens and bolder pink and orange hues.
Wanting to spend their wedding morning together and, practically speaking, to get all the photos out of the way for optimal celebrations ahead, Alex and Dom opted for a first look. Surrounded by nature, Olivia Leigh Photographie captured portraits of the lovebirds, digitally and on film. The couple’s beloved Aussiedoodle, Rae, even stopped by for some adorable shots.
Confident they had stunning portraits to remember the day by, Alex and Dom headed to Hotel Arista for their rooftop ceremony. With a lush floral arch behind them and 26 treasured guests in front of them, the couple were married on the hotel’s sunny rooftop terrace. Vows, special first dances and a cheeky Miller Lite toast ensued, creating a sun-soaked and festive atmosphere.
As the party transitioned across town to Santo Cielo, the ambiance grew more romantic with the glow of the setting sun. Embracing the intimacy of the wedding, Alex and Dom handwrote letters to each of their guests on stationery embossed with an illustration of their dog’s face. These sentimental notes were placed atop custom cocktail-bar style menus (designed by Ashley Fry Studio) at each place setting.
After dinner and toasts, Alex and Dom’s celebration expanded as they met with additional friends and family out on the town. The remainder of the night was spent enjoying the sweet feeling of marriage in beautiful downtown Naperville. Overall, it was a beautiful, sunny and intimate day full of little pockets of fun and special moments throughout. At the end of it all, Alex and Dom have no regrets about opting for a micro celebration, showing that intentionality and a fun spirit can create the most memorable moments.
Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHY Olivia Leigh Photographie
VIDEOGRAPHY K. LaFleur Films
CEREMONY VENUE Hotel Arista
RECEPTION VENUE Santo Cielo
OFFICIANT Forever Incredible Ceremonies
PLANNER Abby McKinney Events
FLORAL Willrett Flower Company
HAIR & MAKEUP Bianca Sansosti Artistry
BRIDE’S GOWN Maggie Sottero from The Crystal Bride
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR Formally Modern Tuxedo
RINGS Fey & Co. Jewelers
STATIONERY Ashley Frye Studio
CAKE Ben & Jerry’s
RENTALS Satin Chair and Hall’s Rental
LINENS BBJ LaTavola
ENTERTAINMENT Yazz Events
