Caitlin & Jim’s Navy Nuptials

After Caitlin and Jim met at a bar near her alma mater, one date led to another. When Jim was ready to propose, he knew he needed the perfect trifecta: a ring, a song played on the ukulele and a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy (now known as Maverick).

The couple chose the unique Chicago Athletic Association as their venue with its stalactite ceiling, glowing fireplaces and a wall of windows overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. The venue was adorned with candles and florals in autumn shades for texture and sophistication. The floral arrangements decorated tables at varied heights and a sprig of privet berry dressed each seat.

Caitlin selected a custom wedding gown and, staying true to Irish tradition, pinned the christening cap her mother gifted her in the gown’s layers. The bride also paid homage to her Irish heritage with a specially made blue, gray and green tartan — which was seen throughout the wedding in subtle ways — pocket squares for the groomsmen, shawls for the bridesmaids and ribbons on floral wreaths for the couple’s two dogs.

Between delicious food and a custom cigar bar, everyone was filled with good spirits. Caitlin even surprised Jim with a groom’s cake featuring a 3D version of their two beloved dogs! The live band kicked up the tempo, keeping everyone on the dance floor. If guests weren’t on the dance floor, then they were enjoying late-night cheeseburgers, fries and shakes. After the last dance, Caitlin and Jim went for a walk in Millennium Park as husband and wife, accompanied, of course, by their dogs, Knight and Maverick.

NUMBER OF WEDDING GUESTS: 173