Couple: Taylor and Jon
Venue: Elawa Farms Wedding
Style/Inspiration: Organic, outdoor garden wedding!
How you both met: Jon and I met August of our senior year at Carthage College. Little hangouts, turned into best friends, which eventually evolved into a relationship. When Jon would pick me up in his hail storm damaged Dodge he would hand me his mini iPod, and tell me to pick a song. Jon’s oldies, reggae and classic rock saturated his iPod and I had few songs to pick for my Ke$ha and Snoop Dogg twerking self. After scrolling all the way through, I would constantly end up back at the top of the playlist, “Accidentally In Love” by the Counting Crows. Whenever I hear that song it takes me back to our butterfly filled first dates, and I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together.
Your proposal: After a long birthday weekend of festivities including a concert and dinner in the city, I thought that maybe the chances of a birthday proposal had expired. Monday, my actual birthday, Jon came to my house to cook me dinner. After dinner he said he had a special dessert. And when he walked towards me with apple pie shots (what we drank our first night out together) with a candle in it I noticed something extra shiny. Jon got down on one knee and popped the question. I sat and stared in shock, bummed I hadn’t spent a little more time primping that night.
Style/Inspiration for your wedding: Because Elawa is such an amazing, and beautiful location we really wanted the place to be our inspiration. Our hotel bags have hints of Elawa farmers market, it inspired our menu (very fresh and seasonal. Also, the history of Elawa is on the back of our programs. There is not an overwhelming amount of flowers since we are surrounded by wildlife and gardens.
Details that mattered to you: All of them. Jon and I have been dating for about 6 years. Since the beginning of our relationship we joked about our dreams, and how we would plan the best party, I mean wedding, of all time. Jon dreamed of a wedding on Halloween. With everyone dressing up, nice cool temperatures, and an ice cream cake proudly displayed on the dance floor. We have had the best time being a part of every little detail. Even making the wedding signs, shopping for the hotel bags, and concocting a signature cocktail. So excited to see our dream wedding come together!
What you love about your dress: It’s beautiful and elegant! A lot of small details in the lace and the buttons going down the entire back. I was looking for something I wouldn’t laugh at when we look back at pictures in 20 years!!
Vendors:
Preparation: Residents Inn, Mettawa IL
Ceremony and Reception: Elawa Farms, Lake Forest IL
Venue Coordinator: Natalie Moore
Caterer: Food for Thought
Florist: Anthony Gowder Designs
Wedding Planner: Stephanie Cook
Cake: Three Tarts Bakery
Wedding Dress Designer: Monique Lhullier
Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhullier
Makeup/Hair: Niki Possemato & Meghan Finley
DJ/Band: Maggie Speaks
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
