Erin & Andy – November 3, 2012

November 14, 2013

Erin & Andy were married November 3 of 2012. From start to finish this wedding was every inch the classic and glamorous Palmer House Chicago wedding. From selecting the historic Empire Room at the Palmer House Hotel to the crisp Black Tie formalwear this couple really created a one of a kind experience for themselves as well as their guests. Dating as far back 1933, the Empire Room has always had rich, dazzling French Empire style including gold leaf moldings, huge ornate drapes, a grand chandelier and the gorgeous French tables and chairs. This iconic ballroom set the tone for the overall design of the wedding, starting with the wedding colors of ivory, emerald green, gold and blush tones as well as the overall traditional and formal look and feel – all meant to compliment and enhance the grandness of the space as well as reflect this family oriented, traditional and happy couple. The bride was stunning in her Monique Lhuillier gown!

The ceremony took place at Old St. Patrick’s church, built more than 150 years go, this church is another historical icon here in Chicago. Immediately following the ceremony, the bride and groom greeted their guests (who were waiting on the steps outside the church) alongside the bride’s two sisters who were proudly holding a “Just Married!” banner they had created for the occasion.

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Guests were all transported to the Palmer House Hilton courtesy of the bride & groom while they joined their wedding party for some fun photos in the City with the very talented Timothy Whaley Photography. The cocktail hour featured lovely details such as butler passed hor d’oeuvres, a pianist and a lovely homage to the families of both the bride and groom with photos of loved ones in beautifully gilded frames on display adjacent to the escort card table, which completed the “Chicago Glamour” idea by featuring it’s famous city skyline. Upon being called into the reception, guests were greeted by formally dressed staff of the hotel (complete with white gloves!) flanking the steps to the grand entrance of the ballroom and holding champagne bottles (this is a long standing tradition of the Empire room that couples can opt for). At the base of the stairs was a poster, created by the bride’s mother which included a gorgeous shot of the couple from their engagement session and was fashioned to resemble the “One Night Only!” promotional posters once an integral part of the shows that took place in the very space they were about to enter…To help guests find their tables, this couple chose to go a very unique route, researching all the famous performers that the Empire Room was known for in its hey day, including Phyllis Diller and Frank Sinatra among many others. The tables were then named in honor of these performers and guests were able to see the dates that each performer had been in the very space they were celebrating this fabulous wedding! Once guests were seated, they were treated to the trademark (and delicious) Palmer House brownie that comes complete with a small placard detailing the history of the famous hotel.

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Anthony Gowder Designs created lush and lavish floral designs, varying in heights and glittering with candle light that added to the warm glow in the room. After heartfelt toasts and a sumptuous meal, guests were treated to a wedding cake from the fabulously talented “Cake: sweet food Chicago” and a sweets display including cookies that were all baked with care by the bride’s family – a long standing tradition – and began to dance the night away! Towards the end of the evening guests were treated to one last surprise – a late night snack including some of the dishes that Chicago is famous for (Chicago style hot dogs, pizza, etc).

 

Vendor List: 

Ceremony: Old St. Patricks Church

Reception: The Empire Room at the Palmer House Hilton

Photography: Timothy Whaley Associates

Floral: Anthony Gowder Designs

Printed Programs: Erickson Design

Escort Cards: Magnificent Milestones

DJ: Toast & Jam 

Bride & Bridal Party Hair: Steven Papageorge Salon

Bride & Bridal Party Makeup: Epoch Studio Salon

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