Kate and Phil had such great combinations of things going on all day at their Wedding. Kate’s Wedding dress was gorgeous, and I particularly loved the touch of color in her red lipstick, especially for a Winter Wedding. We took some dramatic portraits, and also some fun, light-hearted ones. Their Ceremony was classy, but also emotional. Their reception was stunningly beautiful, and their guests TORE IT UP on the dance floor. Check out the Q&A from the Couple, where you’ll learn more about their big day! And then of course, take a look at some of my favorite photos!
Looking back, what were your favorite parts or moments of the Wedding day?
Kate – Phil and I stayed at our condo for the wedding weekend, which is where the women got ready. Although he looked terrified when he opened the door to 13 women at 8am (and when the make-up artists pulled out the airbrush guns), he hung out with us for most of the morning. While I realize that was very untraditional and wouldn’t be desirable to most brides, I loved that he spent so much time with our mothers and bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding.
Phil – Additionally, it was very nice to have access to the mezzanine level during the reception where we could go and look out on everyone on the dance floor having fun and dancing to our amazing band. The after party at Streeters was also an interesting twist to the otherwise “classy” affair.
What was your favorite piece of fashion or accessory, and where did you get it
KEA – My “Something Blue” was an antique ring belonging to my mother. I have always loved the ring and was very excited to wear it on our wedding day.
PJW – My favorite piece was not on me but rather on Kate. I thought her dress was absolutely stunning.
What was the inspiration for your decor or styling?
I’m not sure that we had an inspiration of any kind other than our desire to keep details cohesive and understated. The Murphy is so beautiful that we made a point to keep everything very simple to enable the venue to be the focal point.
Mention a funny moment here:
KEA – One of our friends wears a weave on occasion to make her hair look extra full and amazing. At one point in the night, a boy pulled it out (accidentally? intentionally? who knows), which lead to a Who Wore It Best on the dance floor that was so hilarious and absurd. One of our friends took a picture of everyone that wore it (which included friends, cousins, one uncle and one mother of the bride..) and, shockingly, we are still the only people on instagram to use #weavedownforwhat. We are so lucky to have such fun family and friends!
PJW – We had a “Wedding Crasher” moment. There were 3 people, who can be seen in some ceremony photos, who were supposed to be around the corner at the Holy Name Cathedral for a wedding. They ultimately turned and asked my boss if they were at the right wedding right before the groomsmen were about to process in. The groomsmen and I were hanging out in the lobby when the doors busted open and 2 frantic gentlemen asked us if this was the “Smith” wedding, to which we informed them they were at the wrong place.
Any advice for future Brides and Grooms?
KEA – Everyone tells you the wedding day flies by and it really does. Someone gave me the advice to take a step back every now and then and take it all in, which was great advice, but I would also add that, if there are details that are near and dear to you, seek them out so you can remember them as part of your wedding rather than just part of the planning. When we were picking the song for our first dance, we kept coming back to La Vie en rose, by Edith Piaf, but knew it was too slow for what we wanted. I decided to walk down the aisle to it instead and made a point of listening to the harpist for the walk down the aisle so I could remember that moment in its entirety and I am so happy I did.
PJW – Be sure to have someone on the catering team whose job it is to make sure that you always have a drink and something to eat. We had a gentleman follow us around all night, which enabled us to spend more time on the dance floor and talking with guests.
Did you go on Honeymoon? Tell us about it!
We left the day after the wedding for a 2 ½ week trip to South Africa and Seychelles. Our first stop was a safari in Kruger National Park where we saw the most amazing things and had the best possible experience thanks to our guide, tracker and the staff at the lodge. We then spent Christmas in Seychelles where we explored a few of the islands and relaxed on gorgeous beaches. The honeymoon ended in Cape Town with sky diving, delicious restaurants and a day trip to Stellenbosch.
Other Wedding Pros:
2nd Photographer: Nicoletta R
Lighting/Gear Assistant: Brandy B
Ceremony and Reception: The Murphy, Chicago
Catering: Paramount Events
Band: David Rothstein
Florist: Kloeckner Preferred Flowers
Dress Designer: Jenny Packham
Make Up: Nika Vaughan
Hair: Kate and Mary from the Debra Petrielli Team
Cake Designer: West Town Bakery
