It doesn’t get much better than this. Elizabeth and Michael are extremely smart and creative, and they figured out how to combine all of their favorite things into one day. From the beauty and tradition of the Greek Orthodox ceremony, to the mesmerizing fire spinners, and on to the vegan menu provided by local farms and prepared by Pure Kitchen, wrapped up with the wild and crazy Ouzo covered dance floor. They had it all, and when they look at each other you can see that they really do have it all. There is a wonderful love and thirst for adventure between them, I couldn’t have been more pleased to witness such a tremendous day and celebrate with such an unique couple. Congrats Liz and Mike, and thank you for putting together an awesome wedding! (Some of my favorite vendors were a part of this wedding: An Urban Affair– Marcia and Ellen kept everything running so smooth, Pure Kitchen– delicious as always!, Toast and Jam– Erica kept the dance floor rockin)
A little more hairspray.
Have you ever seen such a happy bride?
Meanwhile, Jamie paid a visit to the groom’s room.
They were finishing up lunch and putting on their shoes.
Mike smoothed down his hair.
Time for the first look.
Mike was excited to see his bride.
He reenacted his surprised face for Liz.
A woman passing by stopped to wave at them.
Mike was distracted.
It was really hot out so we went to Union Station to enjoy the architecture and air conditioning.
Mike didn’t like sitting so far away from Liz.
Such a ham!
The groom’s peeps.
Liz and her ladies were having fun too.
Patriotic.
Love this!
Now for the ceremony!
Liz’s sister was sure to get the rings on tight.
The kiss!
The reception was held at the amazing Zhou B. Center.
They named their tables after some of their favorite places (and some of mine too, I love Wormhole coffee and Big Star tacos!).
The dining room was transformed by Art of Imagination and Cattelya floral.
Pure Kitchen provided a delicious menu, using local farms and purveyors.
The guests were brought outside for a wonderful performance by the Pyrotechniq fire dancers.
What a team!
The Zhou B. logo (and a weird portrait of me).
I climbed a 13 foot ladder to photograph everyone before they sat for dinner, kinda scary.
Art of Imagination!
No age limit on the dance floor.
Greek dancing = money flying through the air!
She’s like the wind.
Toast and Jam was partying.
A party isn’t a party until someone does the worm.
Saxophone serenade.
Time to break out the ouzo.
Liz proved that it wasn’t just a boy’s game.
Not all attempts were successful.
The last song.
Congrats Liz and Mike, what a fabulous wedding!
Hair and Makeup: Beauty On Call (Hair), Susan Hood (Makeup)
Florist: Juliet Tan, Cattelya
Ceremony location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Reception location: Zhou B Art Center
Event Planner: Marcia Hemphill, An Urban Affair
Cake: InterUrban
Caterer: Pure Kitchen Chicago
Dress: Jim Hjelm (from Gigi’s Closet)
DJ/Band: Erica, Toast and Jam DJ’s
Special performance: Fire dancers, Pyrotechniq
First Dance: Never Had Noboday Like You (M. Ward with Zooey Deschanel)
Father/Daughter: In My Life (The Beatles)
Mother/Son: In My Life (The Beatles)
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day? Liz and Mike: There were a few, besides the obvious one of getting married itself: “first meeting” on the staircase at the Westin, firespinning performances, entering to the Underdog and going through the crowd to take the group photo, Damon serenading us with his sax, the ouzo floor dance , and Mike and singing group friends serenade during the after party.
What was your favorite detail? Liz and Mike: The flowers were STUNNING; when we first saw the upstairs with the flowers and floating candles on the long tables.
Funniest memory from your wedding day? Liz and Mike: That there were organized odds and betting on who was going to hurl first; nephew doing the worm under the limbo pole/tie
Any advice for future brides/grooms? Liz and Mike: Pursue your vision but get a planner who will both listen to your ideas and help get it done.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything? Liz and Mike: No, the only real disappointments were people who couldn’t make it to the wedding due to births.
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Liz and Mike: Tanzania!