Brooke, Nick and a Baby: An Italian Wedding for the Books
“COVID Couple,” Brooke and Nick Ungari almost threw in the towel on their dream big, loud, Italian wedding. But after a lot of coordination and heart, the Ungari wedding commenced on February 26, 2022. Engaged in 2019, the couple navigated planning the timeless, romantic and traditional wedding they dreamt of. But with COVID stresses, they came close to leaving that vision behind in favor of an elopement overseas. However, it became clear to the couple that their wedding day wouldn’t be complete without their friends and large family. So complete with 13 bridesmaids, 12 groomsman, four ushers, three flower girls, two ring bearers and a team of beloved vendors, they celebrated their love at renowned venue, Venuti’s Ristaurante & Banquets.
When selecting vendors, Brooke and Nick were committed to building partnerships with those who felt like family. Coming from large Italian families themselves, intimate relationships were important to them. “We wanted to work with a team who could celebrate in our love with ease – and we especially wanted a team who could capture the most meaningful aspects of the day as we had envisioned,” says Brooke. Venuti’s was covered floor-to-ceiling with florals from Steve’s Flower Market, including the cherry blossom trees and cascading roses off of dueling pianos. And decor from Satin Chair tied the pale pink and white vision together, with Chiavari ghost chairs, champagne linens and warm candles aglow.
Brooke and Nick originally planning their dream wedding in the city they fell in love in: Chicago. But they just couldn’t seem to find that spark they were hoping for their big day. They wanted their venue to feel warm and genuine, a place that would help them to be the very best hosts for their guests. So broadening their venue search outside of Chicago city limits, the couple was drawn to Venuti’s in Addison. At first, Venuti’s was not on their venue list – as they felt like every Italian friend and family member they knew hosted events there. But they found their way back to the place that felt like home, and with event execution second to none, it was the right choice.
One of the most unique elements of the day wasn’t the ceremony or glimmering reception, but a special announcement. Just a few days before the wedding, Brooke found out she was pregnant. Brooke waited until after the ceremony before shocking Nick with the surprise of a lifetime – a positive pregnancy test and a baby onesie with “Hello Daddy, I can’t wait to meet you” printed on it. “Let’s just say we were finally even with surprises after the proposal I had no idea about,” says the bride.
Not everything was what they had originally planned, but their wedding day turned out to be everything they could have wished for and more. And the process will be one to remember for years to come.
Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER Andrea Godfrey Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER Elán Cinema
CEREMONY VENUE St. Matthew Parish
RECEPTION VENUE & CATERING Venuti’s Ristaurante & Banquets
PLANNER Rosanna & Co.
FLORAL Steve’s Flower Market
DECOR Satin Chair
BRIDE’S GOWN Galia Lahav
BRIDE’S SHOES MACH & MACH
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR Emanuele Tuxedo
HAIR Alia Rose Salon
MAKEUP Marissa Esposito with Marissa’s Makeup Plan
STATIONERY Inspired Indigo
CAKE The Baking Institute
ENTERTAINMENT Felix and Fingers
LIVE WEDDING PAINTING Rosemary Fanti
