When the wedding color palette is citrus meets melted-popsicle, you know we’re on board! Today’s wedding is colorful, quirky and oh-so Chicago.
Longtime GWS reader, Allison, and her fiancé Dan are both graphic designers. With that said, their appreciation for art + design runs deep! Here, Allison shares some insight: While planning our wedding, we knew that we wanted the day to be a colorful and laid back celebration of our love. Instead of having the traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen beside us, we opted to have just our siblings instead. It was also so important to us that all of the wedding day details – large and small – reflected us as a couple.
Such colorful, authentic vibes! When coming up with a wedding theme/vibe, A + D show that it’s all about how you want your guests to feel on the day! From there, and with coordination assistance from The Simply Elegant Group, it was much easier to focus planning efforts. In this case, a laid-back, colorful, balloon-filled party from start to finish at Ovation Chicago!
Anna Zajac Weddings captured this quirky, rad day:
Modern Details
Fine Day Press brilliantly brings modern wedding design with the stationery. How about those sweet ribbons?!
Gorgeous Bride in the City
Confetti-Filled First Look – Surprise!
Oh Happy Day Party Shop bringing the colorful confetti fun with this surprise balloon POP!
Colorful Chicago Couple
Whoa, Allison looks like a bridal beauty in this modern ballgown from BHLDN! Her shiny gold belt is a must-have add.
Total citrus meets melted-popsicle color palette right here! Persephone Floral Atelier captures that beautifully in the bridal bouquet, and all the whimsical wedding floral.
Modern Wedding Venue
A + D got married in a beautiful + modern industrial loft space in Chicago. Since most of Allison’s family is from out of town, it was important to them that the venue highlighted the overall look + feel they felt was most characteristic of Chicago.
Still so into neon signs at weddings – especially when they’re fun + personalized!
Colorful Carnations at this Chicago Ceremony
We love the colorful strung carnations! This ceremony setup is absolutely lovely. Just follow the flowers!
Processional: Instrumental version of “Do You Realize?” by the Flaming Lips
Recessional: Instrumental version of “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles
First Dance: “Heart Like a Levee” by Hiss Golden Messenger
Yay!
I knew that I would probably start crying immediately upon seeing Dan at our first look. In order to lighten up the mood a bit (and to help add an extra element of surprise), I thought it would be fun to take a large confetti balloon and pop it as Dan turned around. He was surprised alright!! The moment was absolutely priceless and helped add a touch of fun, laughter + color to the special moment. Immediately after the ceremony, we hopped in a car and snuck off to take some photos together around the neighborhood and alongside some railroad tracks overlooking the city. It was so nice to be able to sneak away briefly and soak in those first few moments as husband and wife together uninterrupted.
Dapper Dan rocking this navy suit from Charles Tyrwhitt, and that floral tie! Love it.
DIY Balloon Installation with So Much Color!
The colorful balloon installations were created by the Allison, Dan + their families the night before! With YouTube, you can pull off just about anything 🙂
His + Her Cocktails
Just the cutest quirky details like these personalized straws from Dixie & Twine!
Laid-Back Wedding Reception
A + D incorporated some fun food items such as lobster rolls for Allison’s east coast family + mini Chicago-style hotdogs; along with donuts from their favorite local donut shop, so out-of-town family could enjoy hometown faves.
Colorful Sprinkles + Cheers to the Newlyweds!
This sprinkles moment is necessary.
First and foremost – breathe! Soak in this wonderful time of being engaged and live in the moment. It is so easy to get caught up in and overwhelmed by the items on your to-do list – just know that you’ve got this! If something doesn’t go exactly as planned on the big day, no one except for you + your partner will probably ever know – and your guests will still have an incredible time!
Thanks A + D for all this colorful inspiration, and congratulations from GWS!
photography: Anna Zajac Weddings // venue name: Ovation Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA // planning: The Simply Elegant Group (Day of Coordination) // florals: Persephone Floral Atelier // wedding dress: Bhldn ‘Majestic’ // hairpiece: Lia Terni (tiara, belt, earrings) // bride’s shoes: Coclico // bride’s ring: Steve Quick Jeweler // hair stylist: Hair By Michelle K // makeup artist: Victoria Anne Makeup // groom attire: Charles Tyrwhitt // groom’s shoes: Cole Haan // groom’s ring: Steve Quick Jeweler // paper goods: Fine Day Press // handmade details: Personalized Straws // catering: Hearty Boys // cake: Hearty Boys // desserts: Firecakes Donuts // music: Style Matters // officiant: Tad Grover // photo booth: Ovation Chicago // confetti balloon: Oh Happy Day Party Shop // neon sign: Narwall // cake toppers: Sketch Inc. // getting ready location: The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast