Category Archive

illinois

Two families become one at this intimate small wedding in Chicago

Two families become one at this intimate microwedding in Chicago

Dora and Joel were married in Chicago. They originally planned on getting married in Hawaii, but with one daughter about to leave for the military and another about to leave for college, they decided to move their wedding date up and do it in a new shmancy hotel in the Wicker Park neighborhood, The Robey Hotel.

They were married on the top floor with great views and a little rain. Thankfully, their brilliant smiles and Dora’s gorgeous dress kept the day shining and lovely. Immerse yourself in this intimate microwedding that blended two families…

Bringing Santa Barbara to Chicago at this vineyard-inspired wedding

Bringing Santa Barbara to Chicago at this vineyard-inspired wedding

Chloe and Hiro created a stellar Santa Barbara winery-inspired wedding right the South Loop at the fab Chicago Illuminating Company.

Think eclectic and lush florals, colorful and rich decor, a delish dessert table,a family-style meal, and 1000 paper cranes danced in the air above the dance floor — a symbol of good luck in the groom’s Japanese culture. Don’t miss the hilarious dancing shots and donut truck!

Cheers to this low-key handmade brewery wedding in Chicago

Cheers to this low-key handmade brewery wedding in Chicago

Both the ceremony and reception were very focused on family — our siblings were standing up with us on our respective sides, and our parents and siblings were at the "head" table (which was located in the middle of the room). We ditched several traditions (cake-cutting, bouquet toss, etc.) that would eat up time so we could get straight to eating and dancing.

Our getaway car was my motorcycle — my husband jumped on the back and held my dress as we rode away with cans sounding the alarm of our nuptials.

A retro drive-in meets cocktail party prom

A fabulous retro drive-in meets cocktail party prom

There wasn't a real theme for the wedding, other than "Let's Duerr It," based on our last name. It was our URL, hashtag, and was prominently displayed in large balloons on stage. One friend had made the comment that she felt like she was at a prom, "in the best possible way." We got married at an old drive-in hot dog stand called Superdawg, where we had one of our first dates. Our friends Kate and Pete chauffeured us in their '61 Lincoln Continental and the officiant was our friend Louie. The guest list was about 15 people (plus our dog, Stanley) and the ceremony lasted about five minutes.