These two know how to party. I had the pleasure of meeting Ario at another wedding a few years ago, and I distinctly remember the groom throwing a glass full of water over his shoulder instead of the garter (much to the surprise of the guys standing behind him!). It turns out this was all Ario’s idea, so I was sure his wedding would have some of the same fun and surprises (hopefully with Lena’s approval). They had their ceremony at the charming Wicker Park Lutheran church, followed by a picture-perfect afternoon for photos around Humboldt park (we got so lucky with the most gorgeous blue skies!). When we rolled up to Stan Mansion the real party began, everyone was feeling festive and ready to get down on the dance floor. Ario had a little something up his sleeve, Persian dancing with a cameo from the groom! Ario wowed us all with some serious jumps while everyone laughed and cheered. And then DJ Margo kicked it up a notch with her “Booty House-Mix” and it was time for Lena to show off her moves too! This day couldn’t have been more enjoyable.
One of the flower girls made Lena a “wedding picture”.
Rambo was watching the bride get ready (and trying not to drool).
The maid of honor can’t be afraid to help wherever needed!
The veil made it official.
Lena and her dad were ready to take the walk down the aisle to see Ario!
Married!
Gorgeous!
Persian dance party!
Wow!
Lena and Ario… may you always be the life of the party and may all your days together be as fun as this one!
Second photographer: Jamie Hartley
Hair: Erin Nelson from Fix Hair Studio
Makeup: brides own (I used to be a makeup artist)
Florist: Flor Del Monte (decorator was Art of Imagination, they did the draping, lighting, etc)
Ceremony location: Wicker Park Lutheran Church
Reception location: Stan Mansion
Event Planner: none (although we received a lot of advice from our friend Jolene Sullivan who is a wedding planner)
Officiant: Pastor Paul Kopka (interim pastor at Wicker Park Lutheran)
Cake: Small cake from Alliance Bakery (delicious product, not cheap) cupcakes from Casa Girl cupcakes (delicious product, great price)
Caterer: D’Absolut catering and events (Chris and Natalie Constantine are the owners and REALLY great to deal with)
Dress: Alfred Angelo, puchased at Evas bridals on harlem (men’s warehouse for commercial style tuxedos)
Accessories: vintage estate jewelry, Badgley Mischka shoes
DJ/Band: Margot from Style Matters
First Dance: “My greatest inspiration” Teddy Pendergrass
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Lena: Walking down the aisle, persian dance, late night booty house dancing
Ario: Group dance and the rush to the dance floor
What was your favorite detail?
Lena: My dress, manzanita centerpeices
Ario: agreed; we also received lots of comments on how beautiful and historic Stan Mansion is
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Lena: Persian dance surprise
Ario: song remix: LENA TABRIZI
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Lena: Do not get valet from the KO valet. Also get a sweetheart table because that is the only time you’ll get alone with each other all night.
Ario: I thought our timing for the entire day was great. I wish there could have been more time to allow us to greet all our guests as we only made it to half the tables during dinner. Thankfully our social gathering the Friday before the wedding REALLY helped us get additional face time with the family and out of towners. Keep your vendors as minimal and as lean as possible because it is a lot of hard work to coordinate at the very end. **The best decision I made was to take off one week before the wedding and 3 days off after the wedding. The was key in getting A LOT of last minute items done
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Lena: Nope
Ario: I’d do it all over just so I can marry Lena again 🙂
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Lena: We are going to Thailand next year when I pass the NCLEX
Ario: We might also try to take a short weekend trip to New Buffalo/Four Winds in the meantime to get away and laugh and remember our big day