Woah, you guys! Caroline and Paul’s Chicago wedding is exploding with elegance. Their planners at Parties Etc. and florist Exquisite Designs helped the couple achieve their French Countryside vision with details like mother of pearl flatware, French blue toile tablecloths, copper serving pieces, and blue and white delft vases. And we have to give a shout-out to the incredible tudor-style interior of The Glen View Club Golf. Wow! Lucky for us they enlisted the major talents of Amanda Hein Photography to capture it all!
What made the wedding special and unique?
Above all else, it was our incredibly generous and loving family and friends who made our wedding special, and without a doubt, the best day of our lives. From the very beginning, Paul and I had a very specific vision for our big day. We both love the simple elegance of French country style, which was our inspiration. With the help of our gifted wedding planner and florist, Paul and I were able to hand select the elements to complete the look: from the mother of pearl flatware, French blue toile tablecloths, and copper serving pieces, to the blue and white delft vases, and antique wooden crates. To us, it was the thoughtful, little details that made our wedding unique.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I was lucky enough to find my dress at Belle Vie Bridal Couture on Oak Street in Chicago just blocks away from the place Paul and I now call home. It was love at first sight with this dress, and while I went through the motions and tried other options later that day, I knew I was already spoken for. I chose a Rivini gown with silk crepe, making it light as air and easy to dance in, and French Chantilly lace, adding some whimsy.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
As true foodies, we like to cook and we especially love to eat good food. Paul and I wanted to show our passion for good food and drink to each and every one of our guests from start to finish. What that meant to us was adding personal touches to the delivery and presentation. Before guests trickled into the main dining room and found their seats, charcuterie platters with cheese, dried meats, crostini, and summer fruit were placed at every table so that no one would go hungry before dinner was served. Atop every place setting, and underneath a sprig of fresh rosemary, guests found “Le Menu” with a message “Bon Appétit” secured by a mini clothespin. For a farewell gift and sweet treat, our guests left with packages of French macaroons adorned by a note saying “Merci” tied with jute twine.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Far and away the most memorable part of my day was the moment I first saw Paul at the altar. We wanted a traditional church wedding, and did not choose to do a first look, so there was a lot of anticipation building up to that moment. I remember my father escorting me behind the last pew and Clair de Lune began to play. We turned right and as I took my first step down the aisle I looked up to see Paul’s face. I had never seen him smile so big!
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Paul and I met in one of the most unlikely places–a crowded city bar–a place generally not conducive to finding one’s soulmate. At the time we were strangers and it all seemed like pure dumb luck, but we now look back on that night knowing that our meeting was anything but random chance. Paul proposed to me on a beach in the north Chicago suburbs. It was fall, all the leaves had changed color, and as the sun was setting, Paul asked me to marry him. It was perfect. Paul then told me that we were going to have a quiet dinner alone at our favorite restaurant. When we arrived I was overwhelmed with emotion to see our parents and closest friends, some of whom had flown across the country to be there, all to surprise me and celebrate our joy.
Photographer: Amanda Hein Photography // Wedding Consultant: Parties Etc. // Floral Décor: Exquisite Designs // Venue: The Glen View Club Golf IL // Tablescapes: Tablescapes // Tabletoppers: Tabletoppers Linen // Stationery: The Charm Studio // Band: Chicago Groove Collection // Rentals: Halls Rental // Church: Christ Church Winnetka IL // Trolley: Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. // Limo: Windy City Limo
