Christina & Dominic’s Shimmering Carlisle Banquets Wedding
.Christina and Dominic’s wedding at Carlisle Banquets the kind of celebration where Italian family traditions met disco-ball glamour.
Christina and Dominic’s love story began when they met through mutual friends in high school. At just 16 years old, the two became inseparable, spending nearly every summer day together. Even as they attended different colleges, Dominic made sure Christina would never forget about him. After graduation, with Dominic pursuing a career in finance and Christina working as a stem cell transplant nurse, their paths crossed again — and this time, Dominic made a bold promise: “If you meet me for one margarita, we’ll be together forever.” Three years later, that promise came true when Dominic proposed at the Naperville Riverwalk, not far from the site of their very first date.
Christina and Dominic wanted timelessness, but with a signature sparkle all their own. At Carlisle Banquets, guests were greeted by a grand 14-foot mirrored seating chart glowing with cascading candles. Inside, hundreds of flickering candles bounced light across mirrored surfaces, creating an atmosphere that felt both classic and cosmopolitan. Yanni Design Studio leaned into the drama with floating chandeliers above the dance floor, a 20-foot candlelit backdrop, and a custom mirrored DJ booth decked with disco balls. A true “la dolce vita” spin on timeless elegance!
Family, of course, was at the center of it all. Italian traditions wove through the day, grounding the glamour in heritage and heart. Christina and Dominic honored loved ones who had passed with framed photos placed near the glowing seating chart, ensuring their spirits felt present. Later in the evening, Christina’s father stole the show with a surprise: an interactive Italian sandwich station and an espresso booth, serving as both a nod to their roots and the perfect late-night comfort.
Underneath crystal chandeliers and shimmering disco balls, Christina and Dominic danced into their future, proving that some love stories, like the best traditions, only grow brighter with time.
Vendors
VIDEOGRAPHER Old North Film Co.
CEREMONY VENUE St. John of the Cross Western Springs
RECEPTION VENUE Carlisle Banquets
FLORAL & DECOR Yanni Design Studio
HAIR Alexa Grace with Zazú Salons
MAKEUP Jose Deleon
BRIDE’S GOWN Monique Lhuillier from Ultimate Bride
BRIDE’S RECEPTION DRESsS Miha Couture
BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS Terani Couture from Miha Couture
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR Louis’ for Men
STATIONERY Papier Girl
PANINI STATION Frankie’s Deli
