What do you get when two art teachers get married?  A wedding that’s super modern, and of course full of art!  Christine and Brett met on a night that, in her words “wasn’t supposed to happen”.  His band almost didn’t play, and she almost didn’t go out, but somehow the pieces fell into place, they met, and the rest is history.  Brett proposed to her at the Art Institute of Chicago, and they had their reception at the Intercontinental O’Hare because of all the amazing artwork the hotel features.  A huge thanks to I Luv Photo for their beautiful images, and to Christine for sharing all the details of their day!

Who, What, Where ~ Ceremony- Holy Family Parish. Reception- Intercontinental O’Hare Rosemont. Photography- I Luv Photo. Video-  Delack Media Group.  Flowers, chairs and drapery- M&M Special Events. Wedding coordinator-  Anticipation Events.  Cake- Take the Cake. Cake Topper- Le Petit Oisseau (Etsy).  Invitations and Tuxedos- Formally Modern. Photo Booth-  Shutterbooth. Trolley-  Chicago Trolley Company. Bridesmaids dresses-  VIP Occasions in Elmhurst. Hair-  Alibegovic Zvjezdana. Make-Up-  Stephanie Negrete. Tree Print-  Fancy Prints (Etsy).

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From the bride, Christine…

We dated long distance between Chicago and St. Louis, where I was teaching, for three of the four years together. Then while I was home for Thanksgiving break in 2010, Brett organized a surprise scavenger hunt through the Art Institute of Chicago. After the last gallery he sent me to, he was waiting in the middle of the Grand Staircase and dropped to one knee and proposed.  We knew we wanted our wedding to be colorful, modern, artistic, and to represent who we are as a couple. We were inspired to use our own photos in the cocktail space, and enlarged Luis and Clarissa’s beautiful engagement photos of us that included shots of us throwing colored powder at each other, and reading art books together.

There were a lot of DIY projects we did for the wedding.  I made “Smiling Stones” made of polymer clay to hold the place cards.  The smiling stone idea came from using extra clay from lessons with the students to make smiley faces.  Our table numbers also included small Polaroid pictures of us together throughout the years.  We took many of our wedding day photos at the Art Institute and in the surrounding gardens because that was the scene of our first date, and where we were engaged.  Some special wedding highlights included a candy table, cotton candy, chocolate fountain, lumitons (16 in. foam light up glow sticks), photo booth, an original tree print we found on Etsy that our guests signed and a table with photos of our guests and their significant others.  The entire day was a blast and we wanted our guests to relax, have fun and know that they were at a wedding for Brett and Christine.

They say that nothing good comes easy and today’s engagement story fully supports the notion.  For Garrett and Ashley, there was nothing easy about their long distance relationship or the manner in which Garrett finally proposed to his bride.  Carefully planning every detail of a surprise meet up in Chicago, Garrett went the extra mile (and then some!) to ensure this was one getaway they woud never forget.  Their love and the excitement they share about the road ahead, is exquisitely portrayed by Alex + Natalie Photography.   One look at this adorable couple proves that all that hard work was worth it.  With miles no longer between them, it’s easy to see this is a love that will go the distance.  Thanks to Alex + Natalie Photography for sharing these awesome images with us and for reminding us that true love is worth a little extra effort.