While Cara was working out at the gym, the last thing on her mind was romance. She was caught off guard when Hugo asked her out, in fact a little frustrated that a guy was noticing her in such a sweaty state. Who knew that this handsome Frenchman would be proposing to her in Ireland a few years later?!
They make a stunning pair, and Cara was absolutely gorgeous on her wedding day (in fact, some of the vendors and I were in a discussion of which hollywood actress she most resembled. We settled on Natalie Portman, but I think Cara has her beat!). Hugo and Cara are sweet and tender, they make each other blush easily, and it’s obvious to any observer that they share a lovely affection for one another. Their wedding was perfectly tasteful, with a gorgeous church ceremony, beautiful details (Anthony Navarro of Livin’ It Up Events did an amazing job!) and delicious food (as always, Pure Kitchen Catering rocks!). The rain outside didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, in fact our indoor photo location turned out to be just right. Then the evening was topped off with a crazy impromptu dance party on the top floor!
Hugo’s description of Cara: Smart, Supportive, Challenging, Beautiful, Witty
Cara’s description of Hugo: Inspiring, Supportive, Silly, Thoughtful, Handsome
Cara looked breathtaking!
This priest was beyond excited to announce the couple!
They have traveled the world together, so it was only fitting that their guest book was a globe. What a great idea!
Congrats Cara and Hugo!!
Second Photographer: Jamie Hartley
Hair and makeup: Pretty Windy City
Florist: Juliet Tan Floral Design
Ceremony location: Saint Hedwig Catholic Parish
Reception location: The Kitchen Chicago
Event Planner: Anthony Navarro / Livin’ it up Events
Officiant: Rev. Tomasz Wojciechowski
Cake: Swirlz Cupcakes
Caterer: Pure Kitchen Catering
Invitations/Stationary: Angelique Ink calligraphy/Jazzy Rain letterpress
Accessories: Vintage pearl necklace, BHLDN veil, mother’s earrings, Christian Louboutin shoes
Suit/Men’s accessories: Hugo Boss Suit and Bow Tie, Ferragamo Shoes, Brooks Brother Shirt, Tag Heuer Watch
DJ/Band: Matt @ Okyne Media Lab
First Dance: The way you look tonight by Frank Sinatra
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Cara/Hugo: At the end of the night, realizing that, after almost a decade of being together, we were actually married!
What was your favorite detail?
Cara/Hugo: The loft/balcony area at Kitchen Chicago.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Cara/Hugo: The hotel confused us with another couple so, at the end of the night, we came back to our suite to find a bottle of champagne and a congratulatory note… to Casey and Scottie. We were pretty champagne-d out by that point in any case.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Cara/Hugo: Don’t stress – it will all work out and be over in a flash.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Cara/Hugo: Any time spent worrying that it wouldn’t all come together.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Cara/Hugo: Peru (Amazon, Machu Picchu, Lima)
Pre-wedding info (a little history):
How did you meet? (How long have you known each other?)
Cara/Hugo: The gym at college (Northwestern University)! About 9.5 years.
When did you know he/she was “the one”?
Hugo: When I realized that home was wherever Cara was.
Cara: When, after living apart and in different countries for more than five years, I realized that I was still excited to see him at the airport, and still sad every time he left.
Describe the proposal.
Hugo proposed to Cara in March 2011, while they were on a roadtrip through Ireland. On their way from Dublin to Galway, they stopped for high tea at Dromoland Castle, a castle operating as a hotel where Cara had spent New Year’s Eve with her family nearly fifteen years earlier. During that stay, 11-year-old Cara had decided that, someday, she wanted to get married by a small pond located behind the castle. When Cara showed Hugo that pond on their post-tea stroll around the castle grounds, he knelt down at that exact spot and asked her to marry him. She said yes.