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A Modern Wedding Dressed in Vintage Clothes: Katie & Evan
The fact that this wedding was held at an historic house, in one of my favourite cities in the whole entire world and the guests were given local honey as favours are just three reasons I am so in love with this wedding.
Katie and Evan held their wedding celebrations at Glessner House in Chicago Illinois, after looking through the gorgeous photography and reading Katie’s story I think you will find it hard to believe that the couple found this venue by accident. Some might say it was even fate! They totally fell in love with the location, so much so, they used the house and much of its history to shape the theme of their day describing the day as a ‘modern wedding dressed in vintage clothes’.
What makes this wedding even more special is the involvement of family and friends as Katie and Evan wanted their family to not only be present but part of the day, there were also extra special little touches such as the idea of blessing stones, inspired by the couples Reverend – Anne, otherwise known as the ‘Rev for Whatev’ – I think we can all agree that has to be the coolest name for a reverend EVER!
Here is Katie to tell you more…
“We accidentally found the Glessner House. While initially mapping out another potential venue, the Glessner House came up on the map. After doing a little bit of internet research and checking it out in person, we were smitten. We loved the mix of old and quaint with modern conveniences all colored by the very real story of the Glessner family. The way the house was immaculately preserved learnt a real sense of authenticity and the fact that we got to spend much of our special day outdoors—our ceremony was in a small park next to the Glessner House and our reception in the home’s courtyard— sealed the deal.
It was really important to us that all of those we loved—our friends and family—be not only present but part of our special day. Evan’s sister—a pastry chef—made (and traveled hundreds of miles with!) cupcakes for our guests. I have never seen so much “wedding cake” actually eaten at a wedding! My parents helped us to imagine and build so many special touches—from the table we used at our ceremony, to a cupcake stand to decorations throughout the ceremony and reception. Evan’s friends from college—Cary, Rusty and Zack—provided music for the ceremony. Wrapped up in the details of the day, it wasn’t until I came around the corner of the Glessner House that I actually thought about the music and hearing them sing and play just made me feel very much “in the moment.” Later, Evan’s long-time friend, Eric, kept the party going late into the night with his DJ-ing.
As we are in an interfaith union, we didn’t want it to feel “too Catholic” or “too Jewish,” but just right. Reverend Anne—our “Rev for Whatev”—was the perfect choice. She made us feel so special, and helped us to personalize our day. By the day of our wedding, it felt like we had known her for years! With Rev. Anne’s help, we came up with the idea of blessing stones. Upon arriving for our ceremony, our guests were offered a stone (Evan and I had collected them from various beach trips), which they returned to us at one point in the ceremony while offering their blessings for our marriage and life together. This worked in lieu of a “receiving line,” as each guest passed by us we were able to say hello to each one—many of whom had traveled many miles to be with us. We were so touched and so overwhelmed to be surrounded by so much love!
As we planned our wedding and learned more about the Glessner House, we really warmed to the idea of putting our modern wedding in some “vintage clothes.” Our caterers helped us by serving drinks in mason jars with colorful paper straws and our floral centerpieces were to designed to look like they were cut “fresh from the garden” and tied with a hair ribbon. We also read up on the Glessner family and learned that Mrs. Glessner was a rather accomplished bee keeper. Fitting, we thought, then to send our guests off with a sweet pot of honey—this honey produced by the Chicago Honey Co-op. Six months later people are still telling us how it’s the best honey they have ever had!
We were also so lucky to find our photographer, Brian. It was really important to us that we have the opportunity to take some photos with the Chicago skyline in view, but we were concerned that a major summer concert was going to foil our plans. Brian found the most perfect spot and we are so happy with the memories he captured for us throughout our special day!”
Super Suppliers – Venue: Glessner House// Officiant: Rev for Whatev// Photographer: Brian Morrison// Catering: D’Absolute// Lighting: Art of Imagination// Music: Cary Kanno, Zach Coulter and Rusty Bass-Ehler// Bride’s dress, groom’s suit and bridesmaids dresses: JCrew// Favors: Chicago Honey Co-Op//
It looks as though Katie and Evan had such a blast with their family and friends on their wedding day, I also think it is clear to see that the relationships they built whilst planning their wedding is something I think this couple will cherish forever.
My favourite photo has to be the couple with the Chicago skyline in view, I am so glad Brian managed to pull this off for them. It makes me want to go back to Chicago so if anyone wants to take me in their suitcase???
Much Bespoke Love
Emily x
Such an adorable couple together, the splashes of purple really stand out beautifully throughout the shots.
Love the photograph crouched in the windows!