RaSheila & Ryan’s School Sweetheart Wedding
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Chicago, IL
May 27, 2017
Images by Miss Motley Photography
RaSheila and Ryan knew there were three things they wanted to incorporate into their big day—books, Chicago and Mizzou, where they came together during their long-distance relationship. The bride donned a mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline. With her bejeweled headband and delicate bouquet of blush peonies and white roses, she looked nothing short of a fairytale princess. The couple loved the vintage element of books, which made for gorgeous detail throughout their décor, from the library catalog escort cards tucked neatly into rustic alphabetized drawers, to a scattered page aisle runner that led to the whimsical book arch under which they exchanged their vows. Pretty blush bridesmaids were the perfect complement to navy groomsmen—a striking, polished contrast to the background of an industrial bridge and the Chicago skyline where the blissful couple took photos after they wed.
“[Alyssa] coordinated everything to perfection! Everyone kept asking me on my wedding day why I was so calm, honestly it was because I had complete trust in my wedding planner that I knew if anything went wrong she would have it resolved without me even knowing.” -RaSheila
At the reception, guests were greeted by gold and navy tables, accompanied by Karen Daudelin Custom Floral Design’s towering floral arrangements filled with plush white hydrangeas, roses and greenery. Sarah Kathleen Events designed a gorgeous king’s table, where two chairs donning signs that read “Mizzou Sweethearts” awaited the newly-wed couple. Bittersweet Bakery created a white and gold tiered cake, working in a navy Chicago skyline. The cake topper bride and groom sported Mizzou jerseys that matched the actual jerseys that were laid out for guests to sign. Speeches, dancing and a cigar bar wrapped up the couple’s enchanted day.
Words of Wisdom from the Couple
“Hire a videographer! I was on the fence about if I really needed one, since I had such an amazing photographer. So glad I did! You miss so much on your wedding day and it is such a good way to see all the little things. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve watched my highlight film alone.”
