A Chicago wedding – Eeeeek! Catherine and Tommy met in 2016 at a football game. “Basically from that day on we were together! He told my friend a week after we met that he was going to marry me. So pretty much love at first sight!” AWWWW!
On the 24th October 2020, Catherine and Tommy tied the knot with their small church ceremony in Chicago, ILS, USA. Catherine chose a beautiful white long-sleeved Italian silk mini dress. It had a huge train (which we LOVE!) by Sophie et Voila named ‘Dune’. She finished off the look with a veil and some jewelled cream crepe mules by Manolo Blahnik. Here is how this chic Chicago wedding went.
Catherine, how and when did you get engaged?
We got engaged in May at home. Quiet and private, just what we both wanted! We didn’t tell anyone for a day or so just to have it between us, it was super special.
What was your vision for the wedding?
We have both always wanted a super small wedding so planning it during covid kind of worked out! It was important to our parents and grandparents that we get married in a church which I am happy that we did.
What was the hardest part of the planning process?
I think for me it was stressing about the dress. I am so so so particular about what I wear. I actually had another dress but decided that I hated it 3 weeks before the ceremony. I went to Belle Atelier and Giselle pulled this and it worked perfectly! She made a few tweaks and it was good to go. It went with the shoes and veil I had already purchased too! Once I had the vision it all came together perfectly. Down to the little pearl clutch.
What was the easiest part of the planning process?
The venue. We worked with Boko here in Chicago and they were wonderful and made everything so easy.
What kind of ceremony did you have?
Catholic (not a full mass)
How did you decide on the theme/colour scheme of your wedding?
I wanted to make it super easy for everyone so I told people to just wear black or navy. I didn’t want people to feel like they needed to buy something new. I really wanted my look to be classic but also different, the dress was perfect.
How did you choose your wedding photographer?
Our church actually had a list of photographers that they approve. So we had to pick from that list. I looked at the websites and had a call with him and it was a really easy conversation so I knew it would work out!
How did you personalize your wedding to reflect who you are as a couple?
I think the fact that it was a super laid back and quick and easy was very telling of who we are as a couple. Neither of us like the spotlight so it was great that it was super small and intimate.
What was your experience in searching for your dress?
I had actually already purchased another dress but it ended up not being perfect enough. I had taken it to Giselle at BA to do some alterations. We both decided it was not the look for me, then she pulled the Sophie gown and it was amazing.
How did you know it was THE dress?
It checked all of my boxes. I loved the dramatic sleeves and that it was short. I felt like it was casual enough in a way for a 10 person wedding but also fabulous and unique!
What other accessories did you wear?
Pearl earrings that I borrowed from my sisters friend, Manolo Blahnik Maysale mules, a veil picked out from Belle Atelier
What advice would you give to brides in search of their dress?
Get something that is true to your style and comfortable! You want to look like yourself and feel confident and at ease
Where was the brides bouquet from?
All of our flowers were done by Black Rabbit flower shop in Chicago. They did an amazing job, could not recommend them enough!
Thoughts from your Husband when he first saw you in the dress?
He said I looked so beautiful and was tearing up it was adorable. I was a little nervous that he wouldn’t like my dress because he doesn’t like puffy sleeves but he LOVED it, it was a total relief!
What did your Husband wear?
A custom suit from BLVDier in Chicago. Boots from Paul Evans.
Any signature drinks?
We had a champagne toast with Berlucchi champagne – very distant family winery in Italy
What are your three most memorable memories of the day?
I loved walking down the aisle towards Tommy and saying our vows. We also wrote each other letters to open up the morning of the ceremony which was super special, we will have them forever.
Wedding dress: The Dune gown, Sophie et Voila
Dress bought at Belle Atelier, Chicago
Bridal shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Bridal bag: Modus Operandi
Grooms attire: https://www.blvdier.com
Make-up: https://www.instagram.com/alisaradoi/?hl=en
Ceremony location: https://www.oldstpats.org
Reception Venue: Old Spats
Cake: https://www.insCjtagram.com/meg_galus/?hl=en
