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Disco Balls and Drag Queens for Amelia and Claire

Reflecting their unique personalities and relationship, Claire and Amelia hosted a disco and drag dance party for their wedding reception. Following their intimate ceremony near Acadia National Park earlier in the summer, the couple opted for a separate celebration that perfectly embodied their fun-filled spirits.

Groovy, Baby!

Inspired by the late summer/early fall colors, they created a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere with a vintage 70s touch. They wanted fun, eclectic vibe that still felt contemporary. Plus, everything is better with a disco ball! To tie their Maine ceremony to this larger celebration, the guest book table and the venue’s shelves were adorned with photos from their ceremony. But a frame showcasing their vows was perhaps the sweetest detail.

Handmade with Love

For a genuine feel, the couple was keen on personalizing every aspect of their event. Such personal touches included naming one of their signature cocktails after Amelia’s late grandfather (a twist on one of his favorite drinks) and offering a cookie spread with glasses of milk to accompany their wedding cake – as Amelia always has a glass of milk with her desserts. The couple was lucky to have the resources to create most of their decor elements themselves, and their talented friends were happy to help.

That Backyard Feeling

The Lytle House was the perfect venue for Claire and Amelia’s reception. The outdoor garden with its colorful mural wall and ivy-covered walls added a touch of magic to the event. This space reminded the couple of their favorite backyards and restaurant patios in the city – some of the best things about Chicago! The indoor/outdoor flow of the space made it feel like a “city venue” rather than just any event hall. Not to mention, the Dolly Parton mural (#EdgewaterDolly) on the venue’s front gate was just the icing on the cake.

Let the Party Begin!

Claire and Amelia wanted the majority of the night to be an all-out dance party. So after the cake was cut and they had their ceremonial first dance, the real party began. The highlight of the night was the performance by the local Chicago drag performer, Derry Queen. Amelia is a die-hard Lady Gaga fan, and Derry performed two Gaga numbers. She even surprised them with another local queen, Neutral Gena, for the performance of “Rain on Me.” The music thereafter kept everyone on the dance floor for hours, and the photos of the dancing portion of the night truly speak for themselves.

Throughout the planning process, Claire and Amelia were delighted to work with LGBTQ-owned vendors who understood their vision and made the process easy. “Ultimately, we wanted every part of the event to feel like it came from us,” says the couple. “Our event felt like a celebration of our relationship and the people that have shown us so much love and support.” This disco and drag reception was a celebration was truly that.

VENDORS

PHOTOGRAPHER Madi Ellis Photography
VENUE The Lytle House
FLORAL Joanna Coleman
CLAIRE’S GOWN BHLDN
AMELIA’S SUIT Alain Dupetit, tailored by Uncommon Closet
CATERING True Cuisine
CAKE Chicago Sugar Daddy
DJ Gold Noise DJs
DRAG QUEENS Derry Queen and Neutral Gena



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