From Samantha: It was a Tuesday evening in August when I first met Dawn and Nick to discuss their Chicago Athletic Association Wedding.  We bonded over a couple of beers and I was completely encapsulated by their love story, engagement story, and relationship in general.  We clicked right away, and I just knew it was a match made in heaven, not to mention we have the same breed of dog!

When it came time to begin styling this wedding, I had my work cut out for me – these two are SO.COOL.  They explained the feeling they wanted their wedding to give, and told me everything about their likes and dislikes.  They wanted to play off the rich wood and romantic vibe of the hotel, and wanted everything to be 100% unique. We enlisted the help of the talented team at Exquisite Designs to help us pull off this lush yet down-to-earth party.

On October 13th, 2018, Dawn and Nick utilized every nook and cranny of Chicago Athletic Association!  Guests ascended the wooden staircase to the ceremony in the Madison Ballroom. This was one of the most sentimental ceremonies I’ve ever seen – presided over by the one and only Jarrod Gaither.   Post-ceremony, guests headed down to the Game Room for cocktail hour where they were able to eat, drink and played bocce until their hearts were content! Oh..and three words: BEER CHEESE FOUNTAIN!  After cocktails, everyone made their way up to the White City Ballroom overlooking Michigan Avenue. As the elevator doors opened, they were surprised by their own self portraits perched onto a boxwood wall seating chart (Dawn and Nick asked for a self portrait with their RSVPs).  Party goers rounded the corner to the ballroom and were greeted by a mixture of round tables dressed in navy and wooden farm tables. Each table was dripping with deep burgundy, rich purple, red flowers, and a ton, I mean A TON of flickering candles.

After dancing the night away to Entourage’s amazing music, Dawn and Nick snuck out to Millenium park with Cristina G and Imagination Designers for Cristina’s iconic champagne spray photo.  After getting completely SOAKED in champagne, we nailed the shot. I think everyone involved would agree that their day was absolutely amazing and you could feel the outpouring of love and respect the entire time.  My personal favorite touch was the family photos, personal achievements, and love notes that we had styled in the existing shelving unit outside of the ballroom – it was the sweetest glimpse into the sweetest relationship.  

Vendors: Event Coordination: Shannon Gail Weddings – Samantha | Venue: Chicago Athletic Association | Cocktail Hour: Game Room | Photography: Cristina G Photography | Videography: Imagination Designers | Paper Products: Steracle Press | Decor: Exquisite Designs | Band: Entourage – Arlen Music Productions | Officiant: Jarrod Gaither  | Photobooth: Grin & Bear Booth | Hair and Makeup: Pin Me Up | Transportation: Chicago Trolley & Double Decker | Cake: Cake Chicago