Allie and Pedro have a lot to celebrate, and celebrate they did! They kept their wedding day simple, with all the right ingredients, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Her sisters helped with Allie’s makeup, the family gathered on the rooftop of the Dana hotel for photos, then off to Loft on Lake for a wonderful ceremony, followed by delicious food (provided by City Provisions), and then some crazy dancing as Erica (Toast and Jam DJ’s) rocked the party. And best of all, the love bike even made an appearance! With only 10 of these bicycles in the world, it seems fitting that such a unique, worldly, and lovable couple would choose to pedal this pink novelty into their reception. What a wonderful wedding, to be followed by another ceremony next year in Portugal (can you tell they really really love each other?! Maybe I can fit in their luggage).
Allie and her sisters have a great bond.
Mom stopped by, she was really excited to see Allie getting into her dress.
The rest of the girls were taking it easy.
Karaoke, guess who?
Jamie was out on the patio taking some photos of the city, it was very windy!
Time for hairspray.
Pedro’s dad straightened his tie while he waited to see the bride.
Pedro showed us his new cufflinks.
First look!
Sister love.
The cutest ring bearers- Pedro’s nephews visiting from Portugal.
We wandered around the West Loop for some more photos.
The bouquet was gorgeous (made by Asrai Garden).
I love this shot of their shadows.
Jamie was playing with a tilt-shift lens and caught this great accidental rainbow as we crossed the street.
They practiced pedaling the love bike behind Loft on Lake before heading back inside.
The chuppah was in place and the guests gathered for the ceremony.
The ring bearers brought up the rings.
There were wonderful readings from all of the sisters.
Mazel tov!
Cleetus was preparing delicious appetizers for the guests.
The room was transformed for dinner while everyone mingled in the front room.
Erica was readying the play list.
And then the grand entrance!
Her dad had everyone cracking up.
Hoosier Mama pies for dessert, yum!
Allison’s friend sang a special Danish song to them and everyone got teary-eyed.
Time for the Hora!
Now the parent’s turn.
Joan and her husband were gettin’ down on the dance floor. (Joan attended as a guest for a much deserved night off; Five Grain Events)
Pedro loosened his tie, time to dance!
Pedro’s parents snuck over to the love bike for a kiss.
Allison was dancing so much that the flower in her hair came apart.
Her sisters helped pick up the petals.
Congrats Allie and Pedro!
Hair and Makeup: Friend/Sisters
Florist: Asrai Garden
Ceremony location: Loft on Lake
Reception location: Loft on Lake
Caterer: City Provisions
Cake: pies from Hoosier Mama
Dress: J Crew
Accessories: Mom’s jewelry
DJ/Band: Toast and Jam DJ’s (Erica)
First Dance: “Si por acaso…” JP Simoes
Q&A with the bride:
Allison: Having a dear friend perform the ceremony, and our nephews recite a poem in English. Oh, and my bouquet-soft and beautiful.
Allison: Easy. Riding in on the love bike.
Allison: Ha, we’re doing it again in Portugal! This time we can celebrate with all of our far-away family and friends.
Allison: Tulum, Mexico