Some love stories are best described as serendipitous, beginning in the most unexpected places. Lauren and Nate's story started with a classic "a man walks into a bar" scenario—but it wasn’t just any bar; it was the exact place Lauren happened to be that evening in Wrigley. That night set the stage for a relationship that would grow and flourish. Fast forward to a warm summer evening in July 2018, when Nate asked Lauren the most important question of his life, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Lauren and Nate share the kind of bond that everyone can see and feel. There’s an ease between them that only true soulmates possess. Nate looks at Lauren with adoration in every glance, while Lauren is drawn in by his playful spirit, sense of humor, and his gift for making everyone around him feel cherished—especially her. Together, they are a picture of joy, laughter, and love.
A Perfect Fall Day at Hotel Zachary
Lauren and Nate's wedding day was a bright fall day, cool and crisp with a golden sun illuminating every moment. For this special day, they turned to the expert team at Wedicity to bring their vision to life, ensuring every detail was meticulously planned for a seamless celebration.
The day began with both the bride and groom getting ready at the elegant Hotel Zachary, located right across from the historic Wrigley Field. Given that their love story began in Wrigley, it was only fitting that they share their first look in this meaningful spot. As Lauren and Nate saw each other for the first time on their wedding day, standing in the heart of where it all began, their smiles lit up the entire area.
Rockwell on the River – The Ideal Venue
The ceremony and reception took place at the breathtaking Rockwell on the River, a newly opened event venue that beautifully blends industrial charm with modern elegance. The exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and riverside views created the perfect setting for a romantic, timeless wedding. Surrounded by friends and family, Lauren and Nate exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony officiated by a close friend, making the moment even more personal and unforgettable.
Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from the floral arrangements by Flowers For Dreams to the ambient lighting that transformed the space. The ceremony decor mirrored the soft, natural tones of fall with greenery and earthy hues that complemented the venue’s rustic yet polished aesthetic.
Champagne Escort Cards with a Twist
One of the most unique elements of Lauren and Nate’s wedding was the creative spin on the traditional escort card. Rather than the usual cards, guests were guided to their seats with glasses of champagne adorned with copper nameplate tags that doubled as personalized keepsake keychains. Each tag displayed the guest’s name and table number, allowing them to sip and be seated—a stylish and memorable touch that added a layer of elegance and fun to the reception.
This personal touch not only served as a guide to the seating arrangements but also as a thoughtful memento for each guest to take home. Designed by Paper Love Club, the champagne escort cards perfectly set the tone for the rest of the evening’s festivities.
Elegant Reception Decor
The reception decor at Rockwell on the River was nothing short of enchanting. Soft pink table linens set the foundation, while each table was dressed with lush greenery and vibrant fall flowers. A variety of candle types—lanterns, pillar candles, and taper candles—added a warm, romantic glow, creating different heights and textures for visual interest without overpowering the simplicity and sophistication of the decor.
String lights draped over the dance floor by Art of Imagination gave the room a magical touch, illuminating the evening as guests gathered to celebrate Lauren and Nate. The combination of rustic charm and refined elegance created an atmosphere that felt both inviting and luxurious.
Dance the Night Away with Blue Water Kings Band
No celebration is complete without music, and Lauren and Nate's reception featured the incredible sounds of the Blue Water Kings Band. From classic love songs to upbeat dance hits, the band kept the energy high and the dance floor packed throughout the evening. The couple’s friends and family joined together, laughing and dancing, celebrating the newlyweds with an infectious joy that filled the room.
The reception ended with a fun Chicago-inspired twist—a late-night Garret Popcorn snack, a tribute to Lauren and Nate's hometown roots. The sweet and savory treat was a perfect way to keep the energy alive as the couple and their guests danced into the night.
A Thoughtful Ambiance and Personalized Touches
Lauren and Nate’s wedding aesthetic perfectly captured the spirit of the couple. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with elements that reflected the couple’s style and story. The ambiance at Rockwell on the River was both elegant and inviting, with each detail chosen to create a timeless experience. The use of soft blush tones and warm lighting throughout the room enhanced the venue’s rustic-industrial vibe, while the floral arrangements added pops of natural color.
The couple’s personal touches were present in every aspect of the wedding, from the custom signage to the unique escort cards, making their guests feel included in the love story they’ve built together. Lauren and Nate’s wedding was a reflection of their love—authentic, joyful, and filled with special moments that honored their journey together.
Wedding Planning with Wedicity
For Lauren and Nate, hiring a wedding planner was an essential step in bringing their dream day to life without the stress of handling everything themselves. Working with Wedicity, they felt confident that every detail was handled, allowing them to fully enjoy each moment. The team at Wedicity helped them navigate the planning process, offering creative ideas and handling logistics with expertise and care.
Lauren and Nate shared, “Tionna was so thorough, detailed, and friendly during our first meeting that we didn't need to look at any other options.” The guidance provided by Wedicity made all the difference, giving Lauren and Nate the peace of mind they needed to relax and immerse themselves in the experience.
Advice for Newly Engaged Couples
Reflecting on their journey, Lauren and Nate offered some valuable advice for newly engaged couples: “There are a lot of options! It helps to rely on your planner or other vendors you've booked for recommendations. It also helped us to remember that our guests would not know the many options we looked at; they would simply enjoy the day as we planned it! Lastly, it is just one day—things might not go perfectly, but at the end of it all, you will be married!”
Their words of wisdom serve as a reminder to focus on the bigger picture and savor each moment of the wedding journey.
Vendor Dream Team:
Planner: Wedicity
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Rockwell on the River
Photographer: Artistrie Co.
Beauty: Debra Petrielli
Florals: Flowers For Dreams
Draping & Lighting: Art of Imagination
Cake: Sweet Mandy B's
Band: Blue Water Kings
Stationery: All She Wrote & Paper Love Club
Lauren and Nate’s wedding was an unforgettable celebration of love, filled with personal touches, stunning decor, and cherished moments that will remain in their hearts forever. With a dedicated team of vendors, a well-thought-out plan, and a meaningful venue, they created the wedding day of their dreams—a day that was, without a doubt, worth the wait.
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