Gabrielle & Raymond’s Pink and Old Chicago Wedding at Hilton Chicago
Set up by loved ones, Gabrielle and Raymond (“Ray”) met the old-fashioned way: on a blind date. For two romantics with a love for history and old-school charm, it was the perfect beginning to a story that would one day lead to their classic, oh-so Chicago wedding at Hilton Chicago.
Gabrielle, who is of Polish and Italian descent, and Ray, of Italian heritage, thoughtfully wove their cultural traditions into the day’s events. Before their ceremony at Saint Hyacinth Basilica, the couple received the błogosławieństwo, a traditional Polish blessing. A Góralska Kapela (Polish Highlander band) added to the festive atmosphere, even blending Italian classics with a Polish twist.
For their reception, Gabrielle and Ray sought a venue steeped in history, and the Hilton Chicago was the obvious choice. After discovering the hotel’s rich legacy, they knew the Grand Ballroom — host to every U.S. president since 1927, along with luminaries like Queen Elizabeth, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor — had to be part of their story.
The venue’s timeless grandeur, with its gilded ballroom details and intricate architectural flourishes, set the stage for an elegant reception. Surrounded by 310 loved ones and a sea of vivid hot pink florals, the couple celebrated in a space where history and romance effortlessly intertwined.
“We wanted our guests to get the full Chicago experience when coming to our wedding,” Gabrielle shared, “from the historic venue to even small details such as our late-night snacks; mini Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.”
With Louis Prima’s music in the air, Gabrielle and Ray’s nostalgic Old Chicago celebration was a timeless affair worthy of the history books itself.
Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER: Maura Black Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER: Old North Film Company
CEREMONY VENUE: Saint Hyacinth Basilica
RECEPTION VENUE: Hilton Chicago Hotel
PLANNER: The Gilded Aisle Weddings
FLORAL & DECOR: All Unique Events
BRIDE’S GOWN: Volle’s Bridal & Boutique
BRIDE’S VEIL: Reddington Bridal
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR: Mr. Tux’s Formal Wear
HAIR: Hair by Viki (Viktoriia Kuznetsova)
MAKEUP: Amela Studio, Deanna M. All Things Beauty
GROOMING: Blakes Mobile Hair Studio
STATIONERY: Designers’ Fine Press
CATERING: Hilton Chicago Hotel
POLISH HIGHLANDER BAND: Kumaraci
ENTERTAINMENT: Funktastic Productions
