Location: Chicago, US
Setting: Private Club in Downtown
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 145
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
Wedding theme/style: Classic Chicago with a nod to Charleston.
Molly and Ian’s wedding combined the elegance of Classic Chicago with a touch of Southern hospitality from Charleston. Their photographer, Cristina G, expertly photographed their special day, capturing the warm wedding morning, heartfelt vows exchanged in the church, lively reception, and carefully curated details.
Molly enjoyed a lovely morning with her bridesmaids on the wedding day. She looked gorgeous in a minimalist wedding dress by Elie Saab adorned with flowers, which happened to be the first dress she tried on. Her choice of Hollywood curls and a long veil decorated with voluminous flowers perfectly complemented her wedding look.
Ian opted for a classy suit paired with a sleek black bowtie, adding a touch of timeless elegance to his wedding look.
The couple’s first look was incredibly touching. Molly and Ian exchanged heartfelt words that brought tears of joy to Molly’s eyes. It was a beautiful and intimate moment between the couple before they exchanged their vows in the church.
From a young age, Molly’s mother Pam always told her that she should get married at Fourth Presbyterian Church and have her reception at The Casino Club in Chicago – both locations held a special place in their family’s hearts. Despite Pam’s passing before seeing her daughter walk down the aisle, Molly and Ian honored her memory and followed her wishes. The ceremony was filled with emotion as Ian and Molly exchanged their vows, making it a truly special moment for all.
Molly and Ian planned their wedding from their new home in Charleston, South Carolina, and aimed to infuse some Lowcountry charm into the iconic Chicago venues they had selected. Working with Katie from Designer Event Chicago and Erin Victoria Design Collective, they created the perfect fusion of Chicago and Charleston elements. The accent color of the event was “Charleston Green,” and magnolia leaves were prominently featured in the floral arrangements. Studio R Designs artfully incorporated feather and swan motifs from The Casino Club into the stationery suite, starting from the invitations and carrying through to the day-of printed materials. One of the many personalized touches Molly added to the evening was customized matchboxes placed throughout the venue, a nod to their shared collection of matches from their travels together.
Molly and Ian had a beautiful reception where their guests shared their warm wishes. The newlyweds then had their first dance together and danced with their parents. The highlight of the reception was a stunning cake that the newlyweds enjoyed with their beloved guests.
After enjoying numerous dates at Byron’s Hot Dogs, the couple expressed their desire to have a Chicago-style hot dog on their wedding day. Making this wish a reality was more challenging than expected, but their planner surprised them with a hot dog cart (complete with an umbrella!) for a late-night snack, providing the perfect end to their Chicago wedding.
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy the process and make your wedding personal to you as a couple!
PHOTOGRAPHY Cristina G | PLANNING Designer Event Chicago (Katie Goggin) | VENUE The Casino Club | FLOWERS, DECOR & LIGHTING Erin Victoria Design Collective | DRESS Elie Saab Bridal | CEREMONY Fourth Church | INVITATIONS Studio R
