Madelyn + Michael’s Winter Wedding at Café Brauer in Lincoln Park Zoo

Madelyn and Michael know how to throw a party! There was so much energy and just breathless fun going on. From the incredibly touching Ceremony through the absolute rager of a party, we loved this pre-pandemic celebration. Here are some words and photos to go along!

Q+A with Madelyn and Michael:

1) Looking back, what were some of your favorite parts or moments of the Wedding day?
Michael: The moments I had alone with Madelyn to share and appreciate the moment.
Madelyn: There are so many! but I’ll stick to the top 3…
3. Getting dressed and being all glammed up for taking photos with Victoria. It was immensely special to feel my best on a special day and be surrounded by the ones I loved.
2. When we got to share our vows together. I am SO GLAD that Victoria and the Sprung Photo team were there to capture the beauty of the venue as well as the beautiful moments I got to share with Michael. Seeing the photos still brings a smile to my face, and tears to my eyes.
1. THE. PARTY!!!! Being able to celebrate, dance, and eat incredible food with people who mean the world to me? Uh… yes please! I don’t think I’ve had a night that fun in my LIFE!

2) What was your favorite piece of fashion or accessory, and where did you get it?
Michael: Shoes
Madelyn: My favorite piece of fashion/accessory I wore would be impossible to pick. My earrings were from my mother, my bracelets were from a woman who is basically my second mother and my dress is the only piece of clothing that ever made me feel like a princess! How could I pick!? However, the experience of buying my dress was pretty amazing. I got it from Winnie Couture downtown. The women I worked with were extremely kind and helpful, and I honestly had to tell them very little in order for them to pick out the perfect dress for me.

3) What was the inspiration for your decor or styling?
Michael: Earth tones and not loud.
Madelyn: As far as inspiration for our color choices we wanted to keep the venue feeling cozy and wintery. The flowers were darker tones with burgundies, blues and greens, while the bridesmaid dresses were cooler blues. We kinda started with the navy for the suits and thought about what colors would match in winter. As far as the actual decor though, we worked with Grace Ha-Kim from Vale of Enna… and did she BLOW my mind! Grace is an absolute GENIUS at her craft and she literally created a fairytale for our wedding. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

4) Mention a funny moment here:
Michael: Coming back from pictures and everyone looking at us through the window that was captured by you.
Madelyn: I think one of the funniest moments of the night was when everyone was on the dance floor and my cousin slid along the floor on his belly in order to be a human “surfboard” for my brother in law. It was incredibly hilarious and one of the millions of reasons I’ll party with my family any day!

5) Any wedding advice for engaged couples?
Michael: It’s one of the only parties where you know everyone and they are there for you. It’s your day to live!
Madelyn: No matter what happens, all you are going to remember are the good things. We had some hiccups throughout the day that honestly took up too much of my brain space. Enjoy the day for what it is, a celebration for you. And make sure to take minutes throughout the night to just be together and check in. The entire event goes by faster than you could possibly imagine, and you don’t want to miss a second!

6) Tell us about the honeymoon plans!
Iceland is calling our name!!!! As soon as this pandemic is over, we are loading off and shipping out in search of the Northern Lights!

7) What was it like working with Sprung Photo?
Michael: More than I could have imagined. Victoria put the pieces together without coaching or micromanaging. Truly exceeded my expectations.
Madelyn: We could not have been luckier than we were with our photography team. Victoria is incredibly professional and extremely kind. So, if you are a nervous wreck like me, having Victoria’s steady guidance and flexibility will honest to god keep you sane! But the really cool thing is, is that her entire team was the same way. They function like the most well-oiled machine that could basically finish each other’s sentences/thoughts. It was incredible. Plus… they’re a TON of fun. Can’t thank you guys enough.