Local Love – Jenn & Nick at Columbus Park Refectory

Jenn and Nick fell in love while working at an adventure summer camp in Minnesota. They bonded over camp food and late night chats, and then continued their relationship long-distance between Minneapolis and Chicago once the summer was over. Jenn beautifully summed up their bond in a letter she wrote to Nick on the morning of their wedding: “You take my deepest rooted insecurities, dust the shame from them and make them into things that are great enough to be celebrated.” Jenn may not have the greatest cooking skills and Nick may be a tiny bit obsessed with football, but they love each other for exactly who they are.

The night before their wedding,  Jenn and Nick stayed with their respective bridesmaids and groomsmen in separate houses. They loved waking up with their closest friends and sharing come quality time together while getting ready for the Big Day. It started to rain a few hours before the ceremony, but a sharp wedding planner and a few tweaks to their plans meant everything still came together beautifully. The rain ended before their outdoor ceremony began, and the entire day felt like a dream. Jenn had two twenty-three-year-old women she had mentored during college act as flower girls, which ended up bringing a fun twist to the flower girl tradition! The happy couple exchanged vows in front of their loved ones before celebrating all night.

Jenn and Nick loved the beauty and charm of the Columbus Park Refectory, so they kept their décor neutral and brought in pops of bold color with their floral arrangements. Jenn wore a lovely flower crown for the reception, and the bridesmaids had combs of greenery for their hair. Small details make for a special celebration, and Jenn made sure to include plenty. They had wax seals with J|N on the wedding programs to symbolize the couple’s individual identities followed by the dinner menus with a wax sealed with D to symbolize their new, shared last name. They also included late night snacks of Chicago-style hotdogs and mini milkshakes for guests.

Looking back on their Big Day, Jenn and Nick agree that being surrounded by everyone they loved was one of the best parts of their day. They even made sure most of their vendors were friends or felt like family. “Every single face present on our wedding day, from the bridal party to the guests and the people working the event, were all faces of people that we love and cherish. There wasn’t a single stranger in the room, which truly made the day so special,” Jenn shared.

Number of Wedding Guests: 180

Vendor List:

Venue: Columbus Park Refectory

Photography: Jessi Nichols Photography

Videography: Rachael Larson

Officiant: Brad Fendler

Event Planner: Arin Calamari with Big City Bride

Rings: Knox Jewelers

Bride’s Gown: Wtoo by Watters via Lovely Bride Chicago

Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

Hair: Melanie Bauer

Makeup: Aubrey Rittmanic

Bride’s Other Jewelry: BHLDN

Formalwear: The Black Tux

Groom’s Accessories: The Black Tux

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu

Stationery: Minted; Blanche Paperie

Floral: Flowers for Dreams

Catering: Blue Plate

Entertainment: DJ Kyle Conley with The DJ Firm

Cake & Sweets: Blue Plate; Alliance Bakery