Nicole & Gabe’s Backyard Garden Party
When Nicole and Gabe bought their home in 2022, their very first purchase was a 12-person dining table. Gathering loved ones around it became their love language, so when it came time to plan their wedding, hosting an intimate backyard celebration at home made sense.
They’d originally planned for their ceremony to be at a nearby private garden venue. But when that venue suddenly became unavailable, the couple pivoted into a plan even better than the original. Already the backdrop for countless gatherings over the years, their own backyard would now become the setting for both ceremony and reception.
Every detail was thoughtful and intentional. Partially inspired by their favorite comfort show, Downton Abbey, they envisioned a refined yet relaxed English garden party. Even their color palette told a story: shades of green and merlot gave a wink to the wine industry that brought them together, where he worked in retail and she in sales.
After exchanging vows, they hosted a whimsical garden afternoon tea, complete with vintage teacups hand- sourced from estate sales. When the sun set, celebrations moved indoors, where the marriage license signing portion became its own party, complete with Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” playing as they danced around the living room, pen in hand.
Dinner came from the couple’s go-to spot, Gigi’s Bistro in Barrington, and yes, burgers and fries were on the menu. In the end, Nicole and Gabe created exactly what they’d always wanted: their favorite people, gathered around that 12-person table.
VENDOR LIST
PHOTOGRAPHER Madi Ellis Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER Forever Hello Films
VENUE Private Residence
PLANNER Reverie & Co. Events
FLORAL Dagny & Lane Floral
BRIDE’S CEREMONY GOWN Matthew Christopher
BRIDE’S RECEPTION DRESS Madam D’s Vintage Jewelry & Boutique
BRIDE’S EARRINGS Estate Jewelers LTD, Barrington
BRIDE’S FAN Rosana González
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR Suitsupply, The Tie Bar
GROOM’S WATCH Zegarki G. Gerlach
HAIR LS Hair Studio (Liza Russo)
MAKEUP Brides By Denise (Denise Ferguson Murphy)
GROOMING Punch Barber Shop of Wheaton
INVITATIONS Minted
MENU STATIONERY Pretty Keen Designs
CATERING Gigi Wine Bar & Bistro Barrington
AFTERNOON TEA Paramount Events
CAKE Ambrosia Patisserie
LINENS BBJ La Tavola
VINTAGE FURNITURE RENTALS Elements Preserved
DRAPERY Chicago Wedding Decoration
LIVE MUSIC Evanston Strings
