Couple: Erin and Steve
Venue: Chicago Drake Hotel Wedding
Style/Inspiration: Black tie, chic hotel wedding.

How you both met: Erin and Steve met on the first day of law school at DePaul University College of Law. For the entirety of their 1L year, Erin and Steve were in all of the same classes together. Their friendship ensued after Erin, new to the city, had made a comment about how people in law school had been less than friendly. And Steve without hesitation stated that he would be her friend. Shortly after, Steve began saving a seat next to him in class (Erin is always rushing in just in the nick of time). Then they began studying together and hanging out outside of class. Eventually, you wouldn’t see Steve without Erin by his side or vise versa.

Although Erin had a hunch that Steve had a crush on her, their relationship was a solid friendship.  About halfway through their first semester, Steve finally got the nerve to ask Erin out on a formal date. He decided to take her to the Signature Room at the John Hancock building (a must have experience in Chicago), after discovering that she had never been there. However, Steve had failed to disclose that he had a fear of heights. For those who are not familiar with the Signature Room, it is located on the 95th floor and enclosed by floor to ceiling windows! Despite this, the date was a great success and the last first date for both Erin and Steve.

Your proposal: After both surviving law school and passing the IL Bar Exam, our couple decided it was time to start a new chapter in their lives together. On a sunny morning in early spring, Erin and Steve went on a walk to their “Gnome Garden.” (This garden is actually called the North Rose Garden and is located in Grant Park.) The Gnome Garden served as a peaceful escape whenever Erin and Steve needed a break from the library at DePaul. Or, wanted to have a picnic on a sunny weekend afternoon.

Full of happy memories, Steve thought it would be the perfect place to propose. Likewise, Erin had been secretly hoping that Steve would pop the question there! Down on one knee, Steve asked Erin to be his wife. Erin, normally cool, calm and composed, began crying hysterically and struggled to speak through the tears. Steve, patient and optimistic, asked again. Without a doubt in her mind, Erin said YES!

Style/Inspiration for your wedding: The wedding is black tie optional (a formal affair, timeless, classic, elegant and sophisticated (with a sense of tradition). Grace Kelly has been an inspiration to me.

What you love about your dress: It’s a classic silhouette with a little something interesting. Unique but still traditional.

Vendors:

Preparation and Reception: The Drake Hotel
Ceremony: St. James Chapel
Florist: The Flower Firm: Krystal Burchett
Wedding Planner: Melissa Phillips
Cake: Cake Chicago
Wedding Dress Designer: Hailey Paige
Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna Morgan
Makeup/Hair: Kate Johnson Artistry
DJ/Band: Style Matters
Jewelry: Nadri
Shoes: Kate Spade
Hair Jewelry: Nina