Couple: Jenn and Dan
Venue: Chicago Westin Hotel Wedding
Style/Inspiration: Travel themed, city wedding.

How you both met: Back in 2009, I had an intern working for me, who turned out to become a wonderful friend. She was moving to Arizona and I decided to plan a surprise going away party for her. I had met a few of her college friends, but she always spoke of her friend Dan, who works alot! Which meant he was never able to hang out with us. While planning her party, I wanted to get as many friends as possible to surprise her, so I sent the elusive Dan a message and invited him out. When she and I showed up, I was finally able to meet him in person. And from that point on we have been together!

Your proposal: We decided to take a weekend trip down to New Orleans, which I had been to before, but Dan had not. It was the middle of February, during a long, arduous winter and we couldn’t wait to get away from the snow! The day started out beautiful, 70 degrees and sunny (I actually came home with a sunburn!) So, we decided to take a walk around the French Quarter. After having coffee and beignets at Café du Monde we strolled along the Mississippi.Then, back into the quarter to sit and enjoy the city in Jackson Square Park. We sat on a bench and relaxed, something that we hadn’t done in months!

All of a sudden, Dan slipped off the bench and was down on one knee with a box! I really don’t remember much after that, aside from telling him to “shut up” and “what are you doing?”. The one thing I do remember is the feeling of delight knowing that he wanted to spend his life with me!

Style/Inspiration for your wedding: For our Chicago Westin Hotel wedding, we have a lot of love for travel and for our own beautiful city that brought us together. So, we have many touches of each throughout our wedding.

What you love about your dress: The back details immediately drew me to it. Plus, it was free! Writing for a dress designer’s blog allowed me to pick any dress from their line.

Vendors:

Preparation, Ceremony and Reception: The Westin Hotel, Chicago
Florist: A Stem Above
Wedding Planner: Amanda Papko; AP Signature Events
Cake: Oak Mill Bakery
Wedding Dress Designer: David Tutera
Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG
Makeup/Hair: Makeup: Jessica Quirini; Hair: Danielle Keller, Dual Attraction
DJ/Band: The DJ Firm
Shoes: Jimmy Choo