I was beyond excited for Annie & Mike’s wedding day! After their killer Chicago Engagement session and discussing wedding plans with Annie, I could not wait to document this day. They have been together for quite some time and are some of the last of their friend group to tie the knot. Because of that, they knew they had to throw a great party.

When I asked Annie about the theme of their wedding, she replied: “Our theme was photos and fun. We had photos throughout the venue, a photo slideshow and photo escort cards. I tie so many memories to photos and get so much joy seeing them, old and new. Also, we have been to many weddings so we knew we wanted a venue that was fun and little edgy, like we feel we are. We knew it would be a fun space for lots of dancing, partying and fun and it fulfilled our requirements and exceeded them even.”

I started the day at Annie & Mike’s condo where Annie and her girls were getting ready.

 

The Vendors

 

Photography : Nicole Defilippis // Second : Mari

 

Ceremony : St. Hedwig Catholic Church || Reception : Lacuna Artist Loft

Caterer : Food For Thought || Desserts : Stan’s Donuts  || DJ : Toast & Jam

Bride’s Dress : Pronovias from Dimitra’s Bridal Couture || The Tuxes : Formally Modern

Hair & Makeup : Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry || Florals : DIY by Moms, family and friends

 

The Music

 

Wedding Party Intros : The Weeknd – I Can’t Feel My Face

Bride & Groom Intros : Michael Jackson-Bad

First Dance : Ray LaMontagne – You Are the Best Thing

Father/Daughter Dance : Paul Simon – Father Daughter Song

Mother/Son Dance : Van Morrison – Days Like These

 

From Annie & Mike

 

What was the theme of your wedding? How would you best describe it?

Our theme was photos and fun. We had photos throughout the venue, a photo slideshow and photo escort cards. I tie so many memories to photos and get so much joy seeing them, old and new. Also, we have been to many weddings so we knew we wanted a venue that was fun and little edgy, like we feel we are. We knew it would be a fun space for lots of dancing, partying and fun and it fulfilled our requirements and exceeded them even.

Favorite/Most Memorable Moment of the day?

The dance floor was packed all night, we barely left once the music got popping. We love dancing and so I know our guests expected that and helped us keep it rocking all night. The ceremony was also so special, for a traditional Catholic wedding there was lots of laughs and it was a very lighthearted ceremony. Catholic traditions and the sacrament of marriage was important for me but I also wanted the ceremony to be true to the couple we are and I think it was.

Funniest moment of the day?

There were soooo many! We laughed with our enormous and wild wedding party all day long. All the speeches were perfection, the dancing to Michael Jackson got lots of laughs but overall we were just laughing and smiling until our faces hurt.

Favorite Song you danced to at the reception? 

Drake-Hotline Bling–played twice at the end because we couldn’t get enough!

Any advice for couples currently planning their wedding?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, everyone says it and its impossible to avoid so its almost not worth saying it. Eat your dessert!!!! We didn’t even see our dessert and definitely didn’t eat any of it which I’m sad I missed.

Honeymoon plans?

We went to Maui and Kaua’i for 10 days following our wedding, it was amazing!

What’s the best part of being married so far?

Relaxing 

 

Annie & Mike, we were beyond thrilled to be there to document your wedding day! Not only was your wedding beyond beautiful, your friends and family were so much fun to be around. It was so great to see a couple out on the dance floor all night long and to see the huge smiles on all your guests face. Your day was absolute perfection! Congratulations!! Wishing you many years of love and happiness!!