Tag Archives: chicago wedding

Dana and Josh’s Black Tie Wedding

Posted in Wedding Planning by

Last weekend finished off my summer weddings for this year. I attended my work friend Dana’s nuptials along with several of my dear friends I’ve met working in PR. (Luke was away at his 10-year high school reunion) Here we are looking spiffy in our black-tie attire.

Upon walking into the Four Seasons, we were met with some out of this world floral arrangements.

And the most breath-taking aisle I’ve ever seen!

This was the first Jewish wedding I’ve been to, and it was really neat experiencing all the unique traditions and customs. For instance, Dana walked down the aisle by herself and then her and Josh walked in circles around each other. Anyone know what the significance of that is?



After the ceremony we took in all the beautiful details during the cocktail hour and beginning of dinner.

Like the cake…

And the centerpieces…

My friend Molly popped a squat on the custom-made couches!

Butter-flowers. (I loved these for some reason!)

And even a custom-made dance floor…

Then their AWESOME band took the stage and got everyone dancing.

I think it’s safe to say everyone had a blast. Thanks for inviting us Dana and Josh! Mazel Tov!

Erin and Brian’s Chicago Wedding

Posted in Dating, Love, Wedding Planning by

This year’s wedding season came and went for us rather quickly. We had three weddings from March-June and now, sadly, they’re over! I really love going to weddings, but I will also enjoy not having to travel this summer.

The two most recent wedding I attended were here in Chicago for two of my girlfriends. First was Erin’s. Erin is a college friend of mine who also happens to work with Luke…she even introduced us at her birthday party three years ago!

Erin made a gorgeous, elegant and very classic bride. Her reception followed suit too! It was held at the Union League Social Club, which really embodies old-world Chicago with the dark wood, chandeliers and amazing artwork.

They had a live band that got everyone dancing…

Luke and I loved the slow songs…

My favorite part of Erin’s reception was when her father-in-law took the stage to play some traditional Irish music. Brian, Erin’s husband, and his family took center-stage to show off their Irish step dancing skills.

Everything about Erin’s wedding was gorgeous, classy and fun! – just like Erin herself :)

I must say, one special moment of the evening for me was when Erin’s mom stopped me (we’ve never met) to tell me she is a abattylife reader! That was pretty cool.

Mrs. Fitzgerald and Erin…you put on an amazing wedding! Thanks for inviting us.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a recap of the other wedding I attended recently- black tie and the Four Seasons, ooh lala!

The Deciding Factor

Posted in Wedding Planning by

A lot of people ask me why we’re getting married in Chicago vs. my hometown Toledo, Ohio. It’s WAY more expensive, harder for people to get to and not near either of our families.

The answer… I feel connected to my church here in Chicago in a way that I don’t with any in Toledo. When it came to deciding where I’d make the commitment to spend my life with Luke, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

Ever since joining St. Vincent DePaul parish three years ago, I’ve dreamt of getting married there. The magnificently beautiful church is located in the heart of Lincoln Park and in my opinion is just as breathtaking as any cathedral I’ve seen in Europe.

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Photo by Michael Kardas, Kardas Photography

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Kramer Olson Architecture

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Kramer Olson Architecture

But beyond appearances, the community at St. Vincent’s is dear to my heart as well. I’ve been lucky enough to sing in their 5:00 pm choir with other young, amazingly talented musicians.

The music we sing is a departure from the traditional church music, incorporating many different, modern styles and instruments like the bass guitar and drums.

Here’s a recording of us singing a few of my favorite songs.

“Wade in the Water”

“If Today You Hear His Voice”

I know that one of the moments I will cherish most about our wedding will be walking down the aisle in a space I feel so at home and close to God in, with the beautiful music of the choir filling the air.