Stacie and Vladik did not feel the slightest chill on their wedding day, they were so caught up in all the love that surrounded them! Not only did Stacie wear the most amazing smile from start to finish (never before have I seen a bride smile perfectly in EVERY SINGLE PHOTO!!), Vladik even indulged in some mushy moments and well as some genuine tears during the ceremony. Who knew that registering for online dating would actually lead to finding the perfect match! These two are lucky in love, and they celebrated in style. We took advantage of Chicago’s wonderful architecture and classic interiors for the portraits, no need to worry about outdoor temperatures! Beth Bernstein and her SQN Events team did a fabulous job of bringing Stacie and Vladik’s vision to life, their wedding looked gorgeous from the flowers to the bling on the centerpieces. It was such a pleasure to celebrate with these two!
Suzy and the Hairspray Revolution crew did an awesome job with hair and makeup.
I love this reaction!
Jamie met up with the guys just in time to see Vladik getting nice and smooth…
The groomsmen were getting pinned…
Time for the first look!
Union Station is always a classic…
Adorable!
A touch of Russia for their winter wedding!
The Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center was a great backdrop for these beauties…
Ketubah signing!
Mazel Tov!
Party time!
Congrats Stacie and Vladik!!
Second photographer: Jamie Hartley
Hair: Suzy at Hairspray Revolution
Makeup: Shayna Shapiro
Florist: The Flower Firm
Ceremony location: Westin Michigan Avenue
Reception location: Westin Michigan Avenue
Event Planner: Beth Bernstein at SQN Events
Officiant: Rabbi Scott Looper
Cake: Oak Mill Bakery
Caterer: The Westin
Dress: Mori Lee
DJ/Band: Rendezvous (they were freaking amazing!)
First Dance: “I Wont Give Up” by Jason Mraz
Father/daughter, Mother/son: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Stacie: The last song of the night was Piano Man. Everyone in the wedding got in a giant circle and we slow danced in the middle. Then, during the final chorus, everyone rushed to the middle of the floor to join us and we all sang along. It was pretty magical.
What was your favorite detail?
Stacie: We took dance lessons and did a little routine for our first dance. Most of the guests had no idea that we were going to perform – my grandma LOVED it.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Stacie: Our goal at the wedding was to have fun! We spent the entire cocktail hour chatting with as many guests as possible and after that, the reception was ours! We danced our hearts out and even ate most of our steaks!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Stacie: I wish I could have been less nervous/stressed out pre-wedding. I knew it would be wonderful, but I had a hard time relaxing. Fortunately, we hired the most amazing vendors who exceeded all of our (high) expectations. On top of that, 190 of our favorite people came to party with us. It was the best day of our lives.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Stacie: El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya, Mexico – some of the best food we have ever eaten!
Anything else worth mentioning?
Stacie: 1. Being husband and wife is amazing, so much better than being fiances! 2. A big thanks to Bethany (and Jamie) for spending 10 amazing hours of our wedding day with us! We think the world of you and your work – the bridal party and our families could see why!