Your Wedding Advice - StrictlyWeddings.com Blog

Chicago Featured Wedding: Sweethearts Forever

Many thanks to Chicago photographer Jai Girard for sharing these beautiful photos. They are so Jai … we just love her style.

Chris and I are high school sweethearts who dated for ten years before getting married. On a romantic trip to Las Vegas, Chris popped the question at the Venetian hotel. He took me by surprise when he brought a huge assortment of pastries up to our room, with one special box put aside. Inside? A chocolate torte (my favorite!) with a diamond ring.

As Ohio natives who have lived in Chicago for some time, we wanted our guests to enjoy the glamour and excitement of a Chicago wedding. We began planning an intimate wedding, selecting the Ritz Carlton hotel as an elegant backdrop for the reception. I did not use a wedding planner – who needs one when they’ve been dreaming of their wedding and all the details for this many years?

The ceremony was held at Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue. Afterwards, guests gathered in the Terrace of the Ritz Carlton for cocktails and the Dining Room for dinner. I wanted the wedding to embody modern elegance and romance, with a touch of sparkle. Jessica Griffin from Botanicals was able to meld my ideas into beautiful floral creations, which accented the rooms’ natural sophistication. Her selections far exceeded my expectations. One of the most unique elements of our wedding was the all-vegetarian fare. As a vegetarian couple, it meant a great deal to us to serve vegetarian food. Ours was the first such wedding hosted at the Ritz and they did a fabulous job! The festivities began with house-made deep-dish pizzas to keep with the Chicago theme. Chef created unique and delicious entrees and an ice cream sundae station (along with wedding cake) were served as sweet treats later in the night.

We will be forever indebted to our wonderful photographer, Jai Girard, who not only captured precious moments, but did so with exquisite elegance and beauty. We will treasure the images for years to come. A thank you to our family and friends is also in order – it would not have been the same without them!

Bridal Gown: Kenneth Pool with Swarovski crystal buttons added down the back. I tried on over 100 gowns before I found this one!
Headpiece & Shoes:  the Left Bank
Photographer: Jai Girard
Wedding Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago
Wedding Reception: The Ritz Carlton, Chicago
Florist:  Botanicals
Bridal Party Hair: Ginger Damato
Bridal Party Makeup: Wendy Woodside, Wendy City Faces
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Bella Bridesmaid
Music: Cagen Music, Incognito
Cake: Sarah’s Pastries & Candies

7 Comments on “Chicago Featured Wedding: Sweethearts Forever”

• Rachael October 11th, 2011 9:55 pm

  Kay, thank you so much for featuring our wedding! It is such an honor! It’s a wonderful way to share our memories with friends and family-

• Don Cagen September 28th, 2011 10:29 am

  Just took another look at these STUNNING photos by Jai Girard, Jai you are a master!
  Our band “incognito” had the honor of playing for Rachael and Chris. A great time was had by all!
  Don Cagen
  Cagen Music

• Don September 21st, 2011 7:07 pm

  All had a blast! Thank you for allowing us to be
  a part of your special memories!

• Becky September 21st, 2011 7:04 pm

  It was our honour to play at this Beautiful Wedding! Our
  best to them both!

• wendy woodside September 16th, 2011 9:39 pm

  stuning bride inside and out!! it was a joy as ususalto spend the day with all of the party as jai took pics … ladies INVEST in a pro artist as myself your face will look amazing all day and night– thats what you want the pictures of !!

• Joan September 16th, 2011 7:42 pm

  So Pretty-congrats to the Bride and Groom…

• Celina September 16th, 2011 6:47 pm

  Kay, you have such beautiful Weddings on your site!! Beautiful Bride!!

Leave a Reply