Christa & Scott – September 22, 2012

February 20, 2013 | Press Features

Christa and Scott were married on September 22 of last year and from start to finish, their wedding was every inch a classic and glamorous Chicago fete! From selecting the historic State and Grand Ballrooms at the Palmer House Hotel to the crisp Black Tie formal wear, this couple really created a one of a kind experience for themselves as well as their guests!

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For over a century, the Palmer House Hilton has been the Chicago meeting and event venue of choice for celebrities, politicians, and royalty and Christa and Scott’s selection of space was of no surprise to us! After all, a grand event deserves a grand setting and the rich, dazzling French style of the Palmer House suited these two perfectly. The ballrooms set the tone for the overall design of the wedding, enhancing the wedding color scheme of cream, gold, slate gray, and touches of the faintest pink. The magnificent settings also embraced the overall formal look and feel of the day, reflecting this family oriented, traditional couple. The beautiful floral, created by Alexandra Jusino of Exquisite Designs, added just the right touch of romance too!

The bride and her maids were stunning in Amsale. Christa’s gown was from Belle Vie Bridal Couture and her veil and headpiece were purchased at The Left Bank. The ladies bridesmaid gowns were from Bella Bridesmaid. The Dress Doctor used the extra fabric from the bride’s dress to create a bustia. For those who may not not know of this Italian wedding tradition, the bride carries a “purse”, also known as the bustia, with her throughout the reception to hold the cards that guests bring for safe keeping.

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Jessi Sheehan of Evolve steamed and styled each of the ladies and their gowns impeccably, while Robyn of Robyn Tornabeni Productions turned up the hair volume and Aga Kaskiewicz of Makeup by Aga glammed these gals up!

The ceremony took place at the spectacular St. Michael in Old Town. Christa’s father walked her down the aisle to J. Pachelbel’s “Cannon in D”. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Christa and Scott happily said I do!

The bride and groom began married life with a surprise butterfly release planned by the groom and maid of honor.

Then, Windy City Limousine transported all of their guests back to the Palmer House Hilton courtesy of the bride and groom, while the two newlyweds joined their wedding party for some spectacular photos around the city with the renown, Carasco Photography.

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The cocktail hour took place in the State Ballroom and featured lovely details such as butler passed hor d’oeuvres and passed champagne. Once the bridal party arrived back at the Palmer House, Christa and Scott were ready to kick off the beautiful reception! Guests were called into the Grand Ballroom by the legendary vocal styling of John Vincent singing “Come Fly With Me” – a vision that the bride had described to us as something that came to her in a dream…and a dream it was! At their seats, guests found delicious Chocolate Raspberry cake pops from the Palmer House with a tag that exclaimed, “Grazie!”.

Once everyone was settled into the Grand Ballroom, the couple danced their first dance as husband and wife to Ray Lamontagne’s “You Are The Best Thing”.

Alexandra Jusino, of Exquisite Designs, carried out the couples’ wishes to a tee, with simple arrangements of beautiful blush roses and white hydrangeas. Cake Sweet Food Chicago created a stunning 4-tiered cake that matched the couple’s invitation and printed collateral. The cake was two-toned and every other layer was white buttermilk cake with chocolate mousse and raspberry cake with white chocolate mousse!

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After heartfelt toasts and a sumptuous meal – Filet and Sea Bass – John Vincent closed his set with his own rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Kind of Town (Chicago Is)” and DJ Rock City opened up the dance floor to the “Tarantella” recognized as an Italian tradition, similar to that of the Hora.

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Later, guests were tempted by a decadent Italian style sweet table comprised of chocolate covered strawberries, miniature cannolis, tiramisu, plain and chocolate dipped biscotti, miniature cappuccino cakes, miniature cheesecake, and pistachio phyllo nests. Finally, toward the end of the night, guests were treated to one last surprise, a late night snack…butler passed into the after party, which included some of the dishes that Chicago is famous for (i.e., Chicago style hot dogs with all of the trimmings, mini Italian Beef Sandwiches, and thin crust Pizza). These two went out with a bang!

Thankfully, the whole wedding was captured by LoudByte Cinematography, and we can’t wait to see the finished film!

From the beginning of the planning process right up to the end, not only were these two impeccably organized and thoughtful about every decision they made – but they were also so intent on making their day a true celebration of their love and adoration for each other. All in all, it was the perfect fall day, and the Palmer House was exceptionally elegant. We had a blast working with the new Mr. and Mrs. Nodolf and wish them nothing but the best for their married life!

Last but not least, a big thank you to all of the wonderful vendors who made Christa & Scott’s special day that much more incredible!

Vendor List:

Planning: Michelle Durpetti Events

Ceremony: St. Michael’s

Reception: The State & Grand Ballroom at the Palmer House Hilton

Photography: Carasco Photography

Videography: LoudByte Cinematography

Floral: Exquisite Designs

Dinner Music: John Vincent

DJ: DJ Rock City

Bride’s Gown: Belle Vie Bridal Couture // Amsale

Bride’s Accessories: The Left Bank