Laura & Joe’s Vintage Glam Wedding Gala
You know what they say—the couple that CrossFits together, stays together! This is certainly true for newlyweds Laura and Joseph, who claim their relationship was “love at first lift.” The pair first crossed paths at CrossFit Amplify in Lisle, where Joe was a member and Laura was looking for a new spot to train after participating in a series of bodybuilding shows. They were drawn to each other instantly, and ended up chatting after class. Laura and Joe quickly determined their chance meeting was simply “meant to be.”
The two developed a close relationship, and soon Laura was planning Joe’s birthday party, scheduled over Labor Day weekend. She invited all of their friends and family, and once all the guests had arrived, Joe pulled Laura to one side. He dropped to one knee and proposed as guests filmed the candid moment. Joe had secretly hijacked the birthday party weeks before, turning it instead into an engagement party! With surprise and delight, Laura said “yes” and the happy couple toasted with their closest people surrounding them.
The wedding date was set for March 20, 2021, which turned out to be a beautiful 65 degrees and sunny. The recently renovated Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca was a luxe spot for guests and wedding party to lounge and prepare. Laura and her seven bridesmaids looked stunning, thanks to hair and makeup by Zazu Salons. Everyone enjoyed being together and getting ready that morning, and Joe, their fathers and his seven groomsmen enjoyed a traditional fireball shot on the way to the ceremony! The wedding and ceremony site, Belvedere Events & Banquets, was only a four-minute drive from their lodging at the Westin, and the ladies arrived in style via party bus.
An instrumental version of “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Golding played during the wedding party processional, which looked stunning in deep wine-colored satin gowns for the bridesmaids and classic black tuxes for the gentlemen. Laura made her way to the altar in a strapless, organza ball gown, accompanied by the instrumental version of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.” After Laura and Joe said, “I do,” guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with saxophone remixes of current hits and hors d’oeuvres and champagne passed by white-glove service. A delicious plated dinner was served by Belvedere’s Suparossa Restaurant Group, followed by speeches and Laura and Joe’s first dance to Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s “Nobody But You.” Laura’s sister (her maid-of-honor) surprised the happy couple in her speech by singing one of their favorite songs from the movie The Greatest Showman, but changed the words to fit their love story!
An elegant affair, guests wore black-tie attire to fit with the couple’s vintage, Gatsby-style wedding theme. VIP Events Decor and 1440 Event Design both assisted with that glam vision, opting for dark colors broken up by sharp lines and pops of gold, blush, black and white. Complimentary florals and tons of candles added to the ambiance. A yummy custom cocktail called “The Juicy Spoon” was on-hand, a combination of one part Tito’s vodka, three parts strawberry lemonade and a splash of Prosecco. Guests busted out their best moves thanks to beats provided by DJ Sye Young, who played the couple’s favorite EDM song as they made an impressive staircase entrance to the party, described by the bride as “truly epic.” The evening concluded with everyone joining together for the last song, “Indian Summer” by Jai Wolf.
Number of Wedding Guests: 189
VENDORS
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Belvedere Events & Banquets
Photographer and Videographer: Legacy Photography & Videography
Officiant: Hannibal Frederich
Event Planner: Monika Grzegorczyk (Belvedere Events & Banquets) and Laura Spooner (bride)
Engagement and Wedding Rings: The Diamond Studio
Bride’s Attire: Casablanca bridal from Bridal boutique of Naperville
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bride’s Jewelry: bracelet: Tiffany and Co., earrings: JuJu’s Vintage
Bride’s Accessories: hair piece: Hobby Lobby
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire: Vera Wang, Men’s Warehouse
Groom’s Shoes: Hugo Boss
Hair & Makeup: Zazu Salons
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Bri’Zan Couture
Invitations & Stationery: Minted
Floral & Decor: VIP Events Decor and 1440 Event Design
Catering & Menu: Belvedere Events & Banquets-Suparossa Restaurant Group
Cake & Sweets: The Baking Institute
Entertainment: DJ Sye Young for The DJ Firm
Transportation: VIP Limousine, Inc.
