One of our favorite features of real weddings is when we get a chance to hear about the story and love behind the images. So today, we’re especially excited to pair up absolutely gorgeous images by our fave Clary Photo, alongside an exquisitely elegant bride, named Whitney, and her dapper husband, Andrew. Lady Grey approves of it all, particularly that top hat. Are you ready for pretty + sweet? Read on, darlings!
Andrew and I met at work (oops!) when we were both in a management training program for the same financial institution. We were always friendly, but really got to know each other when Andrew moved just down the street from me in Chicago (he still denies that it was on purpose). We kept seeing each other on the highway as we both commuted to the office each day, which made us decide to start carpooling. Let me tell you, when you spend 3 hours a day trapped in a car with someone, you really get to know them fast! I remember thinking, wow, this is a great man. I guess he felt I was pretty special too, because we soon started dating and I remember so clearly knowing that this was completely different and more special than anything I’d ever felt.
We got engaged about 2 years after we began dating. Andrew asked me to marry him in the same spot where we first said, “I love you.” We had always kept that place in our hearts, so it was really the perfect place to commit to our future. It was private and magical and so amazing!
The most personal element of our wedding, for me, was my bridal look. I’ve always loved getting dressed and have had a huge appreciation for style from an early age. Selecting the most significant gown I’d ever wear was a very big deal! I had the most wonderful experience at Vera Wang Chicago. When I put on the gown I would eventually buy, my mother told me I looked like my grandmother in it, and the decision was made! I was also lucky to wear a pair of my maternal grandmother’s earrings, and my paternal grandmother’s garter that she wore on her wedding day. I felt like I was carrying the most important women in my life, past & present, with me the entire day. It made everything feel more special.
When planning our wedding, I made sure the overall vision was cohesive in every aspect of the day – the church, the reception venue, decor, florals, transportation, and of course, the fashion! We went for a very classic look with vintage elements and it was present in every part of our day. My love for vintage started with my late maternal grandmother, was passed on to my mother, and finally to me. Hosting our reception in a space that is essentially a massive antique store felt perfect. Architectural Artifacts is such a unique place – our guests really enjoyed exploring the space!
My husband and I infused little bits of our personalities into various elements of the day. We served a signature cocktail that combined a drink we love with a bit of the bubbly – the champagne old fashioned! It was a hit.
I’m not sure how to make this sound classy but, we love to party! Therefore, we selected a venue that had a massive dance floor in the middle of the room – you literally had to go onto it to get anywhere else! We wanted everyone to celebrate our special moment, and then really cut loose. It was quite effective!
It’s hard to choose just one memorable moment from our day. I was very anxious waiting to walk down the aisle, but seeing Andrew when the doors opened calmed me immediately. I kept my eyes only on him and it truly felt like walking toward my future.
We surprised our parents during the wedding by presenting them with flowers and taking a moment to tell them how much they meant to us. That was so special and quite emotional, as you would expect!
Exiting the church and seeing all of the people we love the most supporting us and our love for each other was almost overwhelming. I will never forget how blissfully happy and fortunate I felt, and Andrew felt the same way too.
Finally, spending a good three hours tearing up the dance floor was perhaps the most fun I’ve ever had in my life!
Vendors: Photography: Clary Photo // Save the Dates: DIY // Invitations and Programs: The Aerialist Press // Calligraphy: Krystle Ansari // Musicians: Quartet Parapluie // Bride’s Dress: Vera Wang Chicago // Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage // Bride’s shoes: Fendi // Bridesmaid Jewelry: Vintage // Hair: Brian Kalz, Frankie // Make-up: Jean Ramos, Agnes Buda // Groom and Groomsmen tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse // Transportation: The Trolley Car & Bus Co. // Church: Bethany United Church of Christ Chicago // Flowers: StemLine, Creative // Venue: Architectural Artifacts // Catering: Catered Productions // Rentals: Hall’s Rental // Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery // DJ: Cage and Aquarium // Day of Coordination: Camille Victoria Weddings