Stefanie and Andrew- Chicago Wedding at Holy Family Parish and reception at Prairie Production

Stefanie and Andrew were married at Holy Family Parish in the warm glow of summer’s light coming through gorgeous stain glass windows.  At their reception, the white linen tables were covered with center pieces garnished with mint and rosemary and adorned with pictures of the couple from countries across the World.  At first glance, guests might have thought these were photoshopped postcards where the couple pasted smiling poses in picturesque scenes from Italy, France, Morocco, South Africa.  These images were real though.

The couple met while working at American Airlines, where they spent weekends getting to know each other as they got to know new cultures.  In fact, their first date was in PuertaVallarta.  Stefanie said, “we spontaneously decided to travel there one weekend with anothercouple. After only four months of dating, we took a week-long trip together toBolivia and Peru, and traveled through the Andes, Lake Titicaca, and Macchu Picchu. It was one of our most amazing experiences together.”

They’ve spent the last four years traveling to over 50 countries! It’s not surprising to hear that Andrew proposed to Stefanie on Ecuador’s foreign soil.  The self-described “silly” couple has recently settled into a more stationary routine, though no less remarkable.  They each just completed their masters degree from University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. Now they’re both done, I suspect they’ll be back in the air soon enough.

Shout-outs:

Florist: Asrai Garden
Venue: Prairie Productions
Caterer: Hearty Boys

I’m in love with Stefanie’s flair.  She chose white and shades of grey for her wedding colors.  These shoes were a nice pop!

Stefanie’s makeup artist is also her close childhood friend.  To keep from succumbing to a flood of tears, she uses the “touch the nose” tactic. 


Kate and Tj’s sky high wedding

Kate and Tj’s wedding was a day filled with tears, laughter, and sky high views.  They were married at St. Alphonsus Church, a stone’s throw from the bride and groom’s home.  Kate and her ladies got ready at the J.W. Marriott downtown with catered Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwich’s (the brides favorite).  Once the groom and groomsmen were button and tied, they walked the short distance to the church where the couple said their i-do’s.  From there they continued the celebration from the 63rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).  The view was to-die-for, and the party was kickin’.  Thank you so so much Kate and Tj for having me be part of your wedding.  It was a huge honor! 

Kate and Tj's wedding at St. Alphonsus Church in Chicago, IL. Photography by Maggie Rife




Shout Outs!

My awesome second, Tom Root!  Check out his stuff at HERE.

Cake/Venue-Joe Flynn Metropolitan Club- Joe.Flynn@ourclub.com
DJ-Fig Media-Hafeez1 Sarumi-Hafeez@figgy.net
Florist-Barb at Swaby Florist- www.swabyflower.com/
Dress-Crystal Bride in Geneva, IL www.crystalbride.com/
Hair Stylist- Antonette White- antonette.white@gmail.com

Lindsay and Matt Married at Howes Memorial Chapel in Evanston

Lindsay and Matt’s wedding was full of International flair and cultural tradition. Their love for travel and learning was expressed through their details.   Guests arriving to the wedding, picked up small blue programs that looked just like a passports.  They were charmed during the ceremony by a guitarist playing one of Lindsay’s favorite acoustic melodies. Family and friends were introduced to a Afrocentric marriage tradition during the Yoruba tasting ritual, representing  four elements of marriage.  The ceremony shows that despite hardships within a marriage, represented as sour, bitter, and spicy, there is sweetness overall.

At the reception, a collection of Brazilian musicians created drum heavy beats for guests to dance too. Above the sambaing crowd, hung rows of white Mexican paper decorations, and  behind the dance floor, a dessert table was covered with an assortment of Italian cookies.  Chiwara figurines, a tradition of the Bambara people of Mali were the cake toppers.  Lindsay’s father hand carved the pair of antelope that represent renewal, abundance, and teamwork.

Lindsay and Matt brought their love for culture and travel to their wedding.  It was truly a distinct, unforgettable experience.  Congratulations to you both!

Also, quick shout out to my second Tom Root.  Thanks for all your help!

Cake: Janet Lee, Flour Cake & Pastry –flourcakeandpastry.com/
Makeup/Hair: Angelica Rivera, Tigerlilie Salon-www.tigerlilie.com/
Musicians:
Luciano Antonio–www.lucianoantonio.com/
Felipe Fraga-www.felipefraga.com
Geraldo de Oliveira-www.geraldodeoliveira.com/
Reception: Campagnola www.campagnolarestaurant.com
Second: Tom Root www.tomroot.blogspot.com