Steph & Ian’s Glittering Willis Tower Wedding
Steph and Ian dreamt of sharing their magic, glimmering love on top of the world. And since not just any height would do, the couple exchanged vows at one of the highest points in Chicago, the 99th floor of Willis Tower.
Steph drew inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which beautifully repairs broken pottery with gold. Her personal resilience was reflected in the golden accents of her custom dress and self-made veil, both of which shimmered in the candlelight. As a competitive sailor and licensed captain, Steph incorporated her captain’s hat and small anchor details into her dress and cathedral veil.
Ian, a Customs and Border Protection officer, brought his own brand of creativity to the wedding. A nod to his profession, he designed a “Tonight’s Most Wanted” seating map, featuring custom, cheeky mugshots of each guest.
The couple enjoys unique whiskies and rum, so instead of bouquets, the bridal party walked down the aisle with their favorite cocktails. Similarly, the flower man tossed Liquid IVs instead of petals to ensure guests had a recovery plan after the party.
As Steph walked down the aisle, she carried a bridal bouquet of black calla lilies, wrapped in her late grandmother’s rosary and set within a cholla cactus skeleton. The cholla cactus detail symbolizes the beginning of the couple’s relationship, as they fell in love on a trip to Joshua Tree, where Ian was injured by a cholla cactus and Steph ran to his aid.
Soaring over 1,350 feet above Chicago, the wedding guests enjoyed dancing, drinking and views of Chicago all evening. As the night went on, Steph and Ian’s love soared above the clouds, illuminated by the golden lights of Chicago below.
Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER Soda Fountain Photo
VENUE Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower 99th Floor)
FLORAL Fifty Flowers
BRIDE’S GOWN Stylish Bride Atelier
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR Formally Modern Tuxedo
HAIR & MAKEUP Pin Me Up Chicago
CATERING Jewell Events Catering
SWEETS Molly’s Cupcakes
ENTERTAINMENT Innocenti Strings
