Maja & Alex’s Intimate and Intentional Wedding

When it came to wedding planning, Maja and Alex’s priorities were: 1. to marry each other with their loved ones around; and 2. for the whole celebration to feel true to them. With a limited “must-have” list and in reaction to the COVID landscape, the couple took the leap to get married only five months after their engagement.

Held at the Art Center in Highland Park, the wedding was intimate and unconventional by design. The couple surprised their guests by conducting their ceremony during the standing cocktail hour in the venue’s Fireplace Gallery. The groom’s sister officiated a sweet, sentimental ceremony under a wild floral canopy designed by Maison Du Prince.

Personal style and little surprises echoed throughout the day. Maja couldn’t decide between a dress or a jumpsuit, so she did both! She wore a fitted Rime Arodaky jumpsuit for the reception and a strapless Lihi Hod gown for the ceremony.

As a final surprise, Maja grabbed the microphone and sang “At Last” by Etta James (a nod to the couple’s seven years together). Their band, The Party Faithful, helped the bride plan this surprise and the outcome had everyone — especially Alex — floored.

The food and drink were intentionally customized as well. As a foodie and whiskey connoisseur, Alex worked with the chefs at Catering by Michaels to craft an experiential menu that reflected the couple’s love story. Foregoing a groom’s cake, Alex followed his passion and incorporated a whiskey bar composed of spirits he had collected over the years.

NUMBER OF WEDDING GUESTS: 100

VENDOR LIST

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kristin Sweeting Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER: With This Ring Videography
VENUE: The Art Center Highland Park
MONTH-OF COORDINATOR: Moore Fun Events
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Maison Du Prince
RINGS & BRIDE’S JEWELRY: Custom, by Georgeous Custom Jewelry Designs
BRIDE’S CEREMONY GOWN: Lihi Hod from Gilded Rose Atelier
BRIDE’S RECEPTION ATTIRE: Rime Arodaky
BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES: Birdcage veil from Gilded Rose Atelier, reception veil from BHLDN
BRIDE’S CEREMONY SHOES: Loeffler Randall
BRIDE’S RECEPTION SHOES: Badgley Mischka
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR: Canali from Avant for Men
GROOM’S SHOES: Jo Ghost
GROOM’S ACCESSORIES: The Tie Bar
BRIDE’S ATTENDANTS’ ATTIRE: Bridesmaids: Jenny Yoo; Bridesman: Karl Lagerfeld
HAIR & MAKEUP: Colleen the Stylist from Solo Salon
GROOM’S GROOMING: Barber Moose from Solo Salon
STATIONERY: Minted
CATERING & SWEETS: Catering by Michaels
LATE-NIGHT SNACKS: Portillo’s
ENTERTAINMENT: The Party Faithful of BeatMix Music
PHOTO BOOTH: In Light Photo Booths
TRANSPORTATION: VIP Valet Services