Jessie & Garrett | Chicago Wedding at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Jessie & Garrett | Chicago Wedding at the Lincoln Park Zoo

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How darling is that first look – doesn’t the bride have the greatest smile?! This beautiful Chicago wedding from Olivia Leigh Photographie is just full of sweet moments like this.

From the couple: “We fell in love with the magical, fairy tale feeling of Cafe Brauer [in Lincoln Park]. We both envisioned getting married with lots of twinkle lights, and imagined floating candles suspended from the domed ceiling. There is something incredibly romantic about the space, which is the feeling we were going for.”

“We had, what we are calling, a Jewish-style wedding. Jessie’s brother officiated, which was very special. Although there was no rabbi, the ceremony still felt inspired by Jessie’s Jewish background. It was important to Jessie to include certain traditions, but we also made sure that everything we did reflected our interfaith and egalitarian beliefs. So, for example, traditionally a Jewish bride circles her husband seven times to demonstrate her loyalty and obedience. In our wedding, Jessie circled Garrett three times, Garrett circles Jessie three times, and the bride and groom made one circle together, holding hands.”

Jessie surprised Garrett with late night sno-cones!

SEE THE FULL GALLERY FOR MORE DETAILS FROM THIS CHICAGO WEDDING.

 

What inspired you when you were planning your wedding?  First and foremost we were inspired by Cafe Brauer itself. The beautiful arts-and-crafts details, the many shades of green, and the gorgeous views of Lincoln Park. After we settled on Cafe Brauer, we really designed the wedding around the space. The next important decision was the dress. Once I settled on my perfect dress, that also helped set the tone for the event.

What was your favorite moment or part of the day?  Reading our vows to each other was definitely the highlight for both of us. We also loved sneaking away from the cocktail hour early to hide in the gallery above before our big entrance, and watching our guests enter the main hall and start dancing like crazy to the band. It was special to be together watching everyone having so much fun.

What was the best advice you received as a bride?  We were given five dance lessons by Garrett’s brother and sister-in-law. They told us it would be great time to spend together, doing something fun (and useful). They were right! We loved our bi-weekly lessons leading up to the wedding, and were so proud of our “performance” for our first dance.

What advice do you have for other brides?  Enjoy the planning! The actual wedding goes by in a flash. It’s everything leading up to the big day, all the special moments with your mother, your friends, and your husband-to-be, that make the celebration last.

Photographer: Olivia Leigh Photographie / Venue: Cafe Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois / Event Planner: Meghan Andalman, Lovebird Weddings and Events / Dress: Bijou from Amsale via Belle Vie Bridal Couture / Shoes: Bettye Muller via BHLDN / Earrings: Dana Rebecca Designs / Tuxedo: Vera Wang Black / Stationery: Designers' Fine Press / Floral Designer: HMR Designs / Rentals: BBJ Linens / Catering: Blue Plate / Cake: Toni Patisserie / Grooms cake: Sweet Ali's 

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