Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Setting: Catholic Church, event tent
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 300
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
Wedding theme/style: Italian garden with an elegant twist.
Nicholas and Sydney’s story began thanks to fate and a little nudge from fate’s co-conspirator, Chris, Nick’s twin brother. The universe finally aligned during their Junior Year at Illinois State University, and from that moment on, Nicholas and Sydney started a journey that would redefine the meaning of love for them. The couple became inseparable after a summer spent intertwining their lives with family and friends. Their love deepened over eight months, evolving into a timeless bond. Nicholas and Sydney discovered that their moments together only grew more enchanting, setting the stage for a promise to last a lifetime.
“Until this day, our time together has not grown old or repetitive. We constantly surprise one another with our kindness and unconditional love. We complete each other and were ready to make a promise to one another forever.” – Sydney shares
While Sydney and Nick considered getting married in Italy, having everyone they loved around them on this day was more important. By doing this, they were able to be married in the Church. Nick’s parents, grandparents and other family members were married and held a reception at the Galleria Marchetti where Sydney’s parents were married 29 years ago. Both locations provided abundant sentiment and hope to have the same love they have been taught their whole life.
During the beautiful morning of her wedding, Sydney was surrounded by her friends. They had time to chat, sharing the anticipation of the upcoming day. Certainly, such friendly support was the key to a fantastic mood for the entire day.
Sydney’s vision for herself was Hollywood Glam while emphasizing timelessness in her dress. Sydney loves reading about new trends and fashion while improving her style. The sleeves of her gown were designed by her described vision and tailors. Sydney also wanted a second dress that kept the slim sleeve look and bought a dress in gold to explain her enjoyable look further. Makeup by Becky and hair by Windy City Glam were the perfect combination to achieve this look. “Becky was very involved in how I wanted to look and made sure I wasn’t shy of glamorous or breathtaking. She is the perfect mix of excellent and reliable. Windy City Glam was the epitome of Hollywood Glam waves. They are experts in a classy look.” – told the bride.
Sydney’s beloved parents and grandmother were the first to see her in her wedding dress. It was a touching moment filled with love.
The moment the bride’s maids saw the beautiful Sydney in her wedding attire was incredibly emotional! Their admiration and joy knew no bounds.
On his wedding morning, Nick also spent time surrounded by his loved ones. His groomsmen were by his side, sharing the joy of the morning with him.
For their wedding attire, Nick and his groomsmen opted for classic black suits. They looked stunningly elegant, and their timeless look complemented the wedding style perfectly.
Perhaps the most heartfelt moment was when Nick and Sydney read the letters they had written to each other, expressing their love and sentiments.
As the wedding ceremony began, Nick walked to the altar alongside his parents. When the beautiful bride walked down the aisle with her father, Nick gazed at her with eyes filled with love. It was a deeply touching moment, especially when the father lifted his daughter’s veil and entrusted her into the hands of her beloved.
When Nick and Sydney exited the church, their guests joyfully welcomed the newlyweds, showering them with white petals.
Leah Starkey Photography was the lead Photographer and Photo editor for our wedding day. She brought so much positivity and artful energy, and the guests just adored her. They felt more like friends than vendors! The vision for the wedding was to create art in photographs rather than sticking to conventional pictures, a vision beautifully realized by their photographer, Leah Starkey.
“Leah Starkey, our photographer, exceeded our expectations during our day, from intimate and overly dramatic getting-ready pictures to flash photography on the dance floor to expose the fun and love in the room. Something must be said when your photographer and artistic visions line up. These photos will forever be a memory of our time with Leah and how comfortable/memorable she made us feel throughout the process. She cared about our vision and came prepared to make sure every shot we hoped for was captured. I will forever recommend Leah for any photography needs!” – Sydney shared her impressions.
Sydney and Nick provided white paper umbrellas for their guests during cocktail hour. Their guests loved the accessory, which gave an excellent look at the venue’s outside area. Sydney could not be more thankful for her sisters and bridesmaids during this time. ‘‘We survived through 12 bridesmaid dresses before finding the right one.’’ – Sydney remembers.
Sydney received a note from Nick on their first trip as a couple saying how much he loved her – after six years, Sydney still had the note. She put on cocktail napkins Nick’s handwritten “I love you” and her “I love you” to add an intimate and special touch for their guests to look at. It made a good conversation piece! Sydney also wanted to add a special touch while welcoming her guests in – she worked with her former high school English teacher to pick out love poems and place them on mirrors. Sydney and Nick complimented the mirrors with a sign saying, “And Suddenly All Of The Love Poems Were About You.” Sydney’s Uncle Ricky also made a photo wall for them which including pictures of Sydney and Nick when they were little. A lot of family was pictured, especially the ones that were no longer with them. Sydney and Nick made a remembrance table for their loved ones they lost, but who were remembered on that day.
The couple’s attention to detail extended to every aspect, from the wedding cake’s exquisite design to the floral arrangements that adorned their tables. Fasan Florist in Bridgeport completed Sydney and Nick’s vision with long stems and color. Sydney wanted a different look for her guests’ tables, and she found different types and sizes of vases to allow loose stems to be placed in. The tables were filled with baby’s breath, votives, and taper candles. Sydney enjoys the look of random pieces and thinks it allows a unique twist to traditional wedding arrangements. It was able to express her style in interior design. Sydney and Nick’s sweetheart table consisted of tapered candles, Sydney’s bouquet, and two bridesmaid bouquets. Simple, but demonstrated a tasteful design to their intimate space. Sydney’s family has used Fasan’s services for many years, and is always a joy to work with.
An audio guestbook and Polaroid pictures allowed guests to leave lasting memories, while a remembrance table honored loved ones who were there in spirit. After the Tone- Audio Guestbook allowed guests to pick up an old phone and leave the couple a heartfelt message, they proved entertaining and enjoyable to listen to during their honeymoon. Sydney and Nick found the concept particularly appealing, as they envisioned revisiting the audio recordings every year on their anniversary. Recognizing the preciousness of life, they appreciated the opportunity to preserve the voices of their loved ones, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, ensuring that these cherished recordings would hold a special significance for them even 40+ years into the future.
Sydney and Nick brought back cherished Italian traditions, including a Limoncello bar and an impressive array of Italian cookies made by Sydney’s 89-year-old Nonna. The dessert table became a testament to family heritage and the strength of love passed down through generations.
Sydney & Nick entered the room with an EDM remix to “Sara Perche Ti Amo” and had their guest give them a warm welcome by twirling their napkins. This got the party going!
The wedding cake was designed by ECBG studio in Chicago and was made entirely how Sydney and Nick intended. The cake had four tiers, which included the flavors of almond cake, caramel buttercream filling, marble cake, cream cheese filling, lemon cake, one layer of whipped mascarpone, and one layer of vanilla pastry cream Frosting on the outside of all: vanilla buttercream.
A beautiful moment unfolded during Nick and Sydney’s first dance. Enveloped by enchanting melodies, they swayed at the center of the dance floor, captivating every guest with the love radiating from the newlyweds.
The wedding reception was filled with heartfelt congratulations for the couple. There were numerous touching memories shared, creating an atmosphere infused with a special familial warmth and love..
The father-daughter dance and mother-son dance provided a beautiful opportunity to express love to the parents who supported their children on this significant day.
While Sydney and Nick opted for an expansive bridal party, a concept that may be challenging for some to comprehend, each member held a significant place in their hearts. Their approach to friendships is characterized by genuineness and a personal connection. The success of these relationships lies in the distinct bonds they share with each individual, fostering a sense of consistency and longevity. Sydney and Nick express genuine excitement about witnessing the growth in the lives of their friends, emphasizing that these cherished connections are enduring. As they move forward, the couple is committed to maintaining the authenticity that defines their friendships.
The Blue Water Kings, a nine-piece band, added a unique twist by incorporating a horn section into EDM music, creating a concert-worthy experience that kept guests engaged.
In the evening, as the wedding came to a close, guests stepped outside to bid farewell to the newlyweds. It was a truly beautiful moment as everyone formed a tunnel, each holding a sparkler, creating a special atmosphere of a vibrant celebration.
PHOTOGRAPHER Leah Starkey | VENUE Galleria Marchetti | CAKE ECBG studio | VIDEOGRAPHY George Holden Media | MUA Mary Anna makeup | HAIR Windy city glam | FLORAL Fasan florist | MUSIC BAND Blue Water Kings band
