Bistro Chic Wedding in Chicago: Diana + Jack’s Magical Day

Diana and Jack’s wedding was a perfect blend of sophisticated charm and effortless fun, with a design that took inspiration from the chic + vibrant energy of a French bistro. Taking place in the heart of Chicago, their day was filled with thoughtful details, bold colors, and an unforgettable celebration that reflected their unique style and love for one another.

We were beyond thrilled to work with a couple like Diana and Jack, who weren’t afraid to play with color and texture, opting for vibrant jewel tones, sleek black velvet linens, and the most fun chairs to tie the whole look together. From start to finish, this wedding was a dream to design alongside the incredibly talented Flowerchild team in Chicago.

A French-Inspired Design with Modern Sophistication

From the very beginning, Diana knew exactly what she wanted for her big day—a wedding with French bistro chic vibes, rich in jewel tones and sophisticated textures. We started with the bold, black velvet linens, which added a sleek and sexy foundation for the décor. Jewel-toned florals in emeralds, deep purples, and rich reds beautifully contrasted the dark linens, creating a truly show-stopping look. Diana worked with Smitten Boutique to craft her gorgeous invitations and all of her day-of materials including gorgeous custom-made matches! 

The fun didn’t stop there! Diana was all about those statement chairs, and they added just the right pop of personality to the reception space. Working with Flowerchild was a delight, as their team perfectly captured the essence of the day through floral arrangements that were both modern and timeless. We were able to include a few of the venue’s original red velvet booths (it was formerly a French restaurant), adding another layer of fun and dimension to the floor plan. 

A Ceremony at the Iconic St. James Chapel

Diana and Jack’s love story unfolded in one of Chicago’s most beautiful settings—the iconic St. James Chapel, just a few blocks from their host hotel, the Four Seasons. The stunning architecture and timeless elegance of the chapel provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s heartfelt vows. After the ceremony, guests were whisked away by trolley to continue the celebration at one of Chicago’s newest venues.

The Reception: A Celebration at The Wellesley in Chicago’s Gold Coast

The celebration moved to The Wellsley, a chic new venue located in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the smooth sounds of a curated jazz playlist, crafted by the bride herself in collaboration with DJ Brent Rolland of Fig Media. It set the tone for the evening—relaxed, yet incredibly stylish.

Boka Catering, the culinary geniuses behind some of Chicago’s most iconic restaurants, delivered a mouthwatering dinner menu that was close to the couple’s hearts. Guests enjoyed a version of the salad from Diana and Jack’s favorite New York Italian spot, followed by a perfectly executed steak frites—a dish the couple loves to indulge in when dining out together. The food was a beautiful reflection of the couple’s love for good meals shared with loved ones.

Dessert, Dancing, and a Speakeasy Vibe

The cake, crafted by Pistores Cakes, was a work of art, adorned with the most delicate sugar flowers. As guests savored their dessert, servers presented them with an invitation to head upstairs, where the night transformed into an unforgettable speakeasy-inspired party. The second floor of The Wellesley was a vibrant hub of music and dancing, with bongo drums and a saxophone accompanying DJ Brent Rolland as he played all of Diana and Jack’s favorite hits. It was a high-energy, jazzy celebration that lasted late into the night. Upon arrival on the second floor, guests were greeted with a gourmet coffee station and Italian cookies from the bride’s family’s favorite bakery honoring her Italian heritage. As guests danced the night away, the bride underwent an outfit change, mini “blizzards” were passed as a late night snack and light up cowboy hats were passed for guests to make the dance floor one for the books! 

Old Hollywood Glam with a Modern Twist

Diana’s bridal look was nothing short of ethereal. She wore a stunning gown from the iconic designer Ines DiSanto, perfectly channeling old Hollywood glam with her entire look. From the sleek hairstyle to her timeless beauty choices, she brought a classic elegance that paired beautifully with the chic, modern design of the wedding. She topped the look off with a gorgeous pair of earrings from Verstolo which is an incredible resource for brides + grooms interested in renting gorgeous jewelry pieces for their big day! 

A Thoughtful Celebration to Remember

Working with Diana and Jack was an absolute joy. This couple was so intentional with every detail they chose, creating a day that was uniquely theirs. From the bistro chic design to the personal touches in the menu, music, and décor, everything about their wedding reflected their personalities and love for one another.

We are so honored to have been a part of Diana and Jack’s special day, and we know that they, along with their guests, will cherish the memories of this beautiful celebration for years to come!

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Planning: Michelle Durpetti Events // Photography: Collin Pierson Photography // Social content: Amorella Events // Hotel: Four Seasons Chicago // Venue: The Wellsley // Catering: Boka Catering // Floral: @flowerchild_floraldesign // Chairs: Nuage Design Inc // Linens: BBJ // Rentals: Hall’s Rental // Invitations, day of printed items: Smitten Boutique // Entertainment: Fig Media // Cake: Pistores Cakes // Dress:  Ines Di Santo, Ultimate Bride // Hair:  Tricia Clarke Bridal // Makeup: Faby G Makeup // Select accessories: Verstolo // Transportation: Pontarelli, Chicago Trolley