Local Love – Tessa & Jack at The Carleton of Oak Park

Tessa and Jack both grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, but didn’t meet until after graduating from college at a mutual friend’s party. A night out with friends lead to a date and the couple never looked back! They knew they were a perfect pair because they were always having fun and brought out the best in each other.

When it came time to plan a wedding, Tessa and Jack knew they wanted a fall affair. “The thought of being a bride on a hot and humid Chicago day was not in the cards for me!” Tessa shared. They began their Big Day with a traditional Catholic mass and wedding ceremony at the same church where Tessa’s parents had wed thirty-four years earlier. Tessa’s bouquet was even wrapped in lace from her mother’s wedding dress for a sentimental “something old.” The couple did not see each other before the ceremony, and Jack said that seeing Tessa at the end of the aisle when the church doors opened was his favorite memory from the day.

Once they said “I do”, Tessa and Jack enjoyed a boisterous journey on the party trolley with plenty of champagne for the newlyweds, their friends and family. They took photos at Mills Park among the stunning fall foliage before joining their guests for the reception at The Carleton of Oak Park. The couple made sure their classic and traditional style was incorporated throughout their wedding décor with beautiful flowers, flickering gold votives and bold jewel tones. They treated guests to specialty cocktails and late night snacks of sliders and fries served in personalized packaging. After a scrumptious dinner and sweet toasts, Tessa and Jack partied with their friends and loved ones on the dance floor. Tessa said one of her favorite memories from the day was belting out all of the words to Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” with her bridesmaids and friends. Tessa and Jack felt so loved and supported, celebrating their marriage with their closest friends and family.

Number of Wedding Guests: 150

Vendor List:

Ceremony Venue: St. Giles Catholic Church

Reception Venue: The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel

Photography: Crane’s Photography

Officiant: Father Robert Beaven

Rings: PK Bennett Jewelers

Bride’s Gown: Pol Nunez via BHLDN

Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Hair & Makeup: We Only Do Pretty

Bride’s Other Jewelry: Family heirloom; Francesca’s

Formalwear: Formally Modern Tuxedo

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Brideside; BHLDN

Stationery: Letterpress by Lydia

Floral & Décor: XO Design Co.

Catering: The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel

Entertainment: Green Line Talent

Cake: Dinkel’s Bakery

Transportation: Premier Trolley & Limo