Tell us a little about yourselves!
We met the old fashioned way - on Tinder. We have been together in Chicago for 6.5 years. We are both creatives - Taylor, a developer in commercial Real Estate and Interior Designer and Patrick, a Creative Director who oversees the content creation for the McDonalds Happy Meal App. We really love design and creating.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
We chose Chicago, because it’s where we live and we love the city. Plus summer in Chicago cannot be beat. Our ceremony and reception were both held at Viceroy Chicago. After touring a lot of spaces throughout the city, we decided we really wanted a boutique hotel that could hold our ceremony and reception and would also play host to our out-of-town guests. The Viceroy is a gem of a hotel in the Gold Coast that is very design centric, and we were very attracted to that. The food is wonderful, and the staff is very detail oriented so we knew our guests would be taken care of. The main ballroom opens to a large terrace, and we really wanted that extension to the outdoors. Our goal was to create an urban garden where we could have a big party. Plus, we were able to do a progression through various parts of the hotel which allowed everyone to experience the coolest spaces – The Clubhouse, Lakeview Terrace, and the Cedar Ballroom.
How many guests did you have?
125
What was your budget?
We went way over - lol!
Tell us about your outfits.
We definitely wanted outfits that were different and had some color (such as pink pocket squares). We also didn’t want to match. Because it was a summer wedding, we went with lighter fabrics. Our outfits definitely felt black tie, but they had a spin that was all our own.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
Having a summer wedding and the ability to use the Lakeview Terrace at The Viceroy, we wanted the wedding to have the look and feel of a city garden. Bottom line is we wanted a big garden party that included our ceremony. Our venue served that up and was the perfect backdrop in the heart of the Gold Coast. Nailing the venue was key for us and set the tone for the rest of the wedding. We also wanted to find a wedding planner who would make us feel relaxed on our wedding day – Samantha from Shannon Gail Events was that person. I think it’s important to find a planner that makes you feel at ease when you meet them because that’ll help you enjoy your big day. Our photographer Tova Studios was amazing and captured some amazing shots that we’ll always look at and remind us of how much fun we had that day. Alisha is so talented.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
As much as we love summer in Chicago, it brings a lot of traffic. We decided to have a champagne reception prior to the ceremony to give everyone a hot minute to enjoy themselves and socialize.
We had a string quartet, Parkwest Strings, play during that champagne reception and the ceremony and it was bliss to have the music playing. They also played 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' as we walked down the aisle with our parents. It was a favorite of Patrick’s late father.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Make a budget and then plan to go over it.
On the day of your wedding, chances are that something won’t go right. Just go with it – it adds to the charm and makes it your special day. We were supposed to get married on the terrace but the weather didn’t cooperate. We ended up making a game day decision to move it inside.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Honestly all of our vendor were awesome – all of them. One of our highlights was when the party got started. Matt Roan, our DJ, had a set that had everyone on the dance floor.
Photographer : Tova Studios - Alisha Siegel @tova.studios | Ceremony + Reception Location :
Viceroy Chicago @viceroychicago. | Celebrant : Michael Brogan @brogaroid | Entertainment : Parkwest Strings + DJ Matt Roan @mattroan | Planner : Samantha Helmig from Shannon Gail Events @shannongailevents |. Rentals : Tablescapes Event Rentals @tablescapeschgo | Flora : Cassandra Vack from Anthony Gowder Designs @anthonygowderdesigns. | Hair : John Vargo @jvargo4206. | Stationery : Paper Source @papersource | Linens : BBJ La Tavola @bbjlatavola | Signage : Matt Witt from HM Witt + Co | Cocktail Welcome Reception Venue : Nomi Art Gallery @parkhyattchicago. | Taylor's Outfit : Custom Tuxedo Jacket + Pants by Suit Supply @suitsupply, Isaia @isaia Bow Tie, OTAA @otaa.brothers Cuff Links + Pocket Square | Patrick's Outfit : Mr. Turk @mrturk Tuxedo Pants, Suit Supply @suitsupply Bow Tie , OTAA @otaa.brothers Pocket Square + Cuff Links | Engagement Rings : Hakimi Gem Imports Chicago @hakimigem | Wedding Rings : Cartier @cartier (Taylor) + Hakimi Gem Imports (Patrick) @hakimigem. | Shoes : Rubinacci x Todd Snyder (Taylor) @toddsnyder + Baudoin + Lange (Patrick) @baudoinlange | Taylor's Watch : Omega @omega + Family Signet Ring |Patrick's Watch : Cartier @cartier. | Groomsmen Attire : Suit Supply @suitsupply + Hall Madden @hallmadden | Personal Styling : Louis Bisceglie, Stylist for Groom’s Mother @justlou0987
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