More from Jaimie & Jason’s gorgeous Chicago wedding…! (In case you missed it, find Part 1 here!)
“It was extremely meaningful to me that my uncle performed our ceremony. He and my aunt have always been pivotal role models in my life. I’ve always cherished the romance of their relationship and it seemed so fitting to the both of us that my Uncle Paul give us away. Many were moved and shared with us afterward that his sermon reminded them of how to best keep the love alive in their relationships.”
“My sister’s gift to us was her handmade wedding programs. In addition to incorporating navy and emerald, she picked up champagne (which was the color of the sash I wore) and the script/font we used on all paper products (invitations, menu boards, etc.). She handmade nearly 100 invitations. I personally am not an artistic/crafty person. The only thing ‘crafty’ I contributed was wrapping our guest favors. After picking out the wrapping paper, Renee and I spent countless hours wrapping over 100 gift boxes and tying ribbons.”
“As guests entered The Apartment, the third level at A New Leaf, they were greeted with a cocktail reception featuring our specialty cocktails Romance (champagne, rose water, raspberry dusted glasses), Lemon Kiss (ginger lemonade with or without vodka) and Hearts on Fire (pomegranate martinis with lemon twists). We and our guests had the most fun on the dance floor. It was packed all night long. The best part was seeing all the smiling faces of our family and friends as they belted out tunes from Stevie Wonder to Madonna.” Doesn’t this party just look like a blast?
Jaimie’s advice for couples planning: “I would recommend that you meet and interview each of the vendors under consideration as a couple to ensure that they are an ideal fit. We couldn’t have been happier with our selections, but we spent the time upfront, meeting with each vendor at least two times, to make sure we had a personal connection with each of them and that they understood their part in helping to replicate our vision for the day. It is important to share with your vendors the the flow of the day, the ‘feeling’ you’re trying to create for your guests and especially allow them to see you as a couple interact. This helps them get an idea of your energy together and be in a position to relate that to your guests via their craftsmanship. One of the biggest compliments we received was that our wedding was ‘very much a reflection of the both of us.’”
“Another piece of advice I have is to set a budget upfront and prioritizing what was most important to us helped when making final decisions. If there is an element (or two) of the day, be it your attire, menu, entertainment, floral, decor, photographer etc., that is extremely important to you, go for it! During our planning process we heard many horror stories of those that had regrets because they didn’t get the band they wanted or the chair covers that matched the linen, etc…those are memories you don’t want to have. Thankfully, Jason and I took our yearlong engagement to save for the day of our dreams. We look back to our wedding day and can’t think of anything we would have done differently. It was everything we had wished it to be…and that was due to planning and not skimping on the things that were most important to us.”
Love this practical planning advice! Truly, some of the best ideas we’ve heard. Jaimie & Jason, we love your style! Here’s to a lifetime full of this kind of joy!
Tags: chicago wedding, engagement photography, heirloom wedding, illinois wedding, real midwest wedding, wedding photography