Couple: Marla and Trevin
Venue: Chicago Wedding at Ovation
Style/Inspiration: Laid-back lux
How you both met: We met while working for the same Chicago software company in late 2011. We became friends fairly quickly through numerous outings with mutual friends. After awhile, our feelings became more serious, and we began dating in the summer of 2013.
Your proposal: We traveled to New Orleans for Jazz Fest in 2015, and Trevin decided to surprise Marla with a proposal at the historic restaurant, Commander’s Palace, The entire staff was in on the proposal, seating us at what they called the “Most Romantic Table in America”. After dinner, the waiter gave us a tour of the entire property, ending in the owner’s private garden, where the proposal was supposed to take place. Without realizing it, Marla complained that the garden was too dark, and wanted to move to somewhere with more light, so they could take a picture. Because of this, Trevin ended up having to propose in front of a number of diners.
Style/Inspiration for your wedding: We tried to approach the style of the wedding with the theme of “laidback luxe” meaning there should be a lot of attention to detail, creating a great party for our guests, but without the fussiness of a very formal wedding. We leaned towards a cool color palette, playing up shades of green and blue found in nature. We also wanted a few fun surprises, like confetti, sprinkles, and citrus fruit.
Details that mattered to you: We really wanted our guests to have a great time, and tried to make decisions with their enjoyment in mind, rather than tradition. This especially came through in our dessert table. We chose multiple items from all our favorite bakeries in the city, so everyone can get to sample our favorites.
What you love about your dress: I tried on dozens of dresses before settling on mine. Ultimately, I chose it because it was figure flattering without being too clingy. It also had a romantic flair I was really looking for.
Vendors:
Second Shooter: Sonce Landa
Preparation: Hotel Lincoln
Ceremony and Reception: Ovation Chicago
Ceremony Coordinator: Chicago Vintage Weddings
Caterer: Multiple – Bites Asian Tapas, Smoke Daddy, Nando’s Peri-Peri
Florist: Verdant Company
Wedding Planner: Chicago Vintage Weddings
Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s along with cookies (also pies from Bang Bang Pie Shop and donuts from Firecakes)
Wedding Dress Designer: Rosa Clara Soft
Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew
Makeup/Hair: Nika Vaughn Bridal for hair/makeup, Danyel Nicole Beauty for hair
DJ/Band: DJ Larry Miller, and Ernie Adams (drummer), both of Style Matters
Jewelry: Kate Spade, Ann Taylor
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood
Purse: Diane Von Furstenburg
Hair Jewelry: A Pocket of Posies
