How do you celebrate over 30 years together? Well, if you are Bill and Bill, you plan an epic weekend in Chicago for your friends and family members from all over the world! Today, Bridget is sharing the story of Bill and Bill’s gorgeous Chicago Cultural Center wedding along with snippets of their style guide and inspiration behind this stunning day. Take it away, Bridget!
From Bridget: From the very start, Bill and Bill’s focus was bringing everyone together to celebrate alongside them and experience the magic that happens during the summer in Chicago.
The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most iconic venues in the city, it also has a special connection to Bill and Bill. After 30 years together, they have many wonderful memories and adventures that served as inspiration, being able to incorporate special details into their day – like the Cultural Center as their venue, was important. As the original Chicago Public Library, what we know today as the Chicago Cultural Center has a history with literature and so does Bill C. The organization in which he is involved focuses on literacy cultivation in Central America, another reason this backdrop was fitting for the couple.
Bill & Bill kicked off the weekend with an intimate brunch at Cindy’s for their wedding party, introducing everyone to Chicago with the restaurant’s breathtaking views. From there, guests were treated to an evening of Latin-inspired music at River Roast, where they dined and enjoyed the talents of Jim Perona.
Style Guide Photo Credits: T&S Photography, Mademoiselle Fiona Photography via Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, A Fabulous Fete, Stoffer Photography, Courtney Ingraham
The day of the wedding was one of those perfect, city summer days. After getting ready and having an obligatory tequila shot for good luck with their wedding party, they hit the city to capture these moments and take some photos.
As a planner, one of my favorite moments of any ceremony is sending the couple down the aisle and it’s even more special if they can ascend a grand staircase into a stunning room and walk beneath a Tiffany glass dome! We had a little fun with Revel Decor and adding some modern twists to a very classic space. Bill and Bill walked down a grey aisle runner and said their personal vows, in English and Spanish, among lush greenery arrangements surrounded by their family and friends.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited into G.A.R. Rotunda for cocktail hour. Keeping with the literary details, an original card catalog chest kept the escort cards, which were mocked up to resemble book tickets. Paramount Events created Latin-influenced passed bites as guests mingled.
Revel Decor wowed guests with their transformation of Preston Bradley Hall for the reception. Bill and Bill wanted a menu reflecting their travels and a dining experience of a five-star restaurant. Paramount Events more than exceeded their expectations with a creative menu featuring classic Chicago staples with international influences.
Guests danced the evening away to the lively and always entertaining Front of House Band underneath the gorgeous dome. The festivities did not stop there! Following the reception, guests headed over to the Chicago Athletic Association for some late night bites and cocktails in the Game Room.
No Chicago wedding weekend would be complete without a farewell brunch in the heart of Millenium Park at Park Grill. The signature Windy City send-off was the best way to bid farewell to their guests, beneath the Bean with the skyline surrounding them.
Vendors: Photography: Katie Kett, Venue: Chicago Cultural Center, Floral/Decor: Revel Decor, Catering: Paramount Events, Entertainment: Arlen Music Productions (Front of House), Dessert: Elysia Root Cakes, Transportation: Signature Transportation Group