A Perfect December Wedding

I don’t use “perfect” often, but it was perfect.
We had two years to plan, so I joke that it should be close to perfect 😉 Hair and makeup in the morning were very relaxing. Getting in my dress was effortless from my perspective. My mom had trouble buttoning me up in the back, but my sister came to the rescue. I then had a “first look” with my dad, where I gave him a personalized handkerchief. It was important that my mom felt special, too, so she got a personal one. I then went to exchange letters with my fiance. That was an extraordinary moment because I couldn’t see him but felt his presence. The next time I saw him was at the altar! It was fun to have the grand entrance (double doors open) and walk down with my dad at the church. I was so nervous that I would be emotional walking down the aisle, but I smiled and giggled. I didn’t realize how heavy the cathedral veil would be and how hard it would be to see out the blusher! The ceremony was exceptional since my uncle – a Catholic priest – officiated. We placed flowers in honor of Mary during the service, the Blessed Mother. While walking back from that, my veil got caught on a poinsettia and knocked it over.
I still look back on that moment and find it perfectly imperfect.
Bernard and I almost forgot to kiss at the very end of the ceremony! Thankfully he asked, “when?!” and we did it just in time for a candid photo. Bernard and I needed to spend as much time with our wedding guests, so we took just a few pictures and then announced at our cocktail hour! Thankfully we had a plate of food made up for us right before then because the rest of the evening was dancing the night away. From the special father/daughter dance to a surprise dance with my mom and 3 hours of nonstop (no joke) dancing from Gold Coast All-Stars, I didn’t leave the dance floor, and that was what I wanted. At one moment, I grabbed Bernard and went to the side of the dance floor so we could look around and take a moment: Our friends and family from across the world were in one room having fun.

Bridal and Formal made everything effortless, from the scheduling to finding dresses to try on and then narrowing the options down. There was no pressure to find “the one” that day.
I loved working with Katelyn. She asked many great questions, which helped me reflect on what I wanted for my bridal gown. Many dresses looked good on me, so she asked me some more profound, more personal questions that helped me determine which one was “the one.” Randy Fenoli was there and made it that much more special. Katelyn also made it into my Facebook video when I met Randy! The manager, Tina, was walking around with him, and she was delightful as well. I liked how she was calm and also gave excellent advice.

Wedding Location: Chicago, IL
Ceremony Location: Holy Family Catholic Church (Chicago)
Reception Location: Kimpton Gray Hotel
Bridal Gown: Randy Fenoli, Alessandra
Photography: Melody Joy Co.
Bridal Rings & Earrings: Kwait
Flowers: May Floral
Hair & Make-Up: Arch Apothecary