There are few love stories as touching as that of Sarah and Spencer, who met in college through mutual friends and built a strong foundation of friendship and romance. After years together, Spencer knew Sarah was the one he wanted to spend his life with. He planned a proposal that would be just as unforgettable as their love story—a cold January night on Michigan Avenue that ended in a snowy walk around Millennium Park. With the majestic Buckingham Fountain as their backdrop, Spencer dropped to one knee and asked Sarah to marry him. It was a moment straight out of a romance novel and set the tone for the journey leading up to their wedding day.
Once engaged, Sarah and Spencer jumped into the planning process. Knowing that they wanted their wedding to be a flawless and stress-free experience for themselves, their families, and friends, they decided early on to hire a wedding planner. They selected Wedicity Wedding Day Detailing to bring their vision to life and manage the day’s intricate details. The couple had already begun to feel overwhelmed by the logistics and options involved, but Wedicity’s expertise and guidance soon put them at ease.
“Tionna was so thorough, detailed, and friendly during our first meeting that we didn’t feel the need to look at any other options,” Sarah shared. Hiring a wedding planner proved to be the best decision, allowing Sarah and Spencer to enjoy the planning process rather than getting bogged down by it. Knowing they had an experienced planner in their corner meant they could focus on the joy of the upcoming celebration rather than the stress.
The Perfect Venues: St. Clement Parish & Hotel Allegro
Choosing a venue that reflected their classic, timeless style was essential to Sarah and Spencer. They selected the beautiful St. Clement Parish in Lincoln Park for their ceremony. This stunning church provided the elegance and reverence they desired for their vows, with its intricate architecture and warm ambiance setting the stage for a truly special moment.
For their reception, they booked the chic Hotel Allegro in downtown Chicago. Known for its art deco-inspired interiors and sophisticated vibe, Hotel Allegro was the ideal setting for their vision of an elegant, yet lively celebration. The couple wanted their guests to experience the best of Chicago’s unique charm, and Hotel Allegro delivered. The warm, inviting atmosphere, coupled with gorgeous floral arrangements and refined decor, created an enchanting environment where their loved ones could celebrate in style.
A Day Full of Special Moments
From the moment the wedding day began, there was a feeling of excitement and joy. Sarah and her bridal party enjoyed a relaxing morning together, getting ready with the help of Fearless & Bella for hair and makeup, who ensured each bridesmaid looked radiant and photo-ready. Sarah’s choice of a classic bridal gown from Bijou Bridal perfectly complemented her timeless wedding style, while Spencer looked dapper in a tailored tuxedo.
The couple chose to do a “First Look” before the ceremony, an intimate moment captured beautifully by Photography By Lauryn. This private moment, away from the excitement of the ceremony and reception, allowed Sarah and Spencer to enjoy each other’s company and soak in the gravity of the day. "It’s hard to choose just one favorite memory,” Sarah admitted, “but having a quiet moment alone with Spencer before everything began was incredibly special to us.”
As guests gathered at St. Clement Parish, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by the warmth and love of family and friends. The atmosphere was both serene and joyful as Sarah and Spencer officially became husband and wife.
A Stunning Reception at Hotel Allegro
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to Hotel Allegro for the reception, where they were greeted with an elegant setup of tables adorned with lush florals by Ipomea Floral Design. Each table was thoughtfully decorated with classic white and blue elements that matched the couple’s vision of understated elegance. Personalized touches, such as custom paper goods by Linalulu Paperie, added an extra layer of charm to the decor.
The reception began with a cocktail hour, where friends and family mingled and celebrated the newlyweds. One of Sarah and Spencer’s favorite details was the moment they shared before joining the party. Wedicity arranged for them to have a private tasting of their appetizers and cocktails, giving them a few quiet minutes to savor their first moments as a married couple. “We had a moment to ourselves before we went to the cocktail hour, and it was a wonderful way to take everything in,” Spencer shared.
As the reception continued, guests were treated to a delicious dinner catered by Hotel Allegro, followed by an exquisite cake from West Town Bakery. The cake’s design reflected the wedding’s color palette, with white and blue accents that tied together the reception’s decor. Guests also enjoyed a late-night snack of Garrett Popcorn—a beloved Chicago treat that added a local touch and delighted guests as they danced the night away.
Unforgettable Entertainment & Special Touches
Music was central to Sarah and Spencer’s celebration, and they worked closely with Rolling Sound Entertainment to ensure that the soundtrack of the night matched the upbeat and joyful atmosphere they envisioned. The couple wanted their guests to enjoy every moment on the dance floor, and Rolling Sound Entertainment delivered with a fantastic mix that had everyone, from grandparents to friends, dancing with abandon.
In addition to the main entertainment, the couple arranged for transportation from Aries Charter to ensure that their guests could get to and from the reception safely and comfortably. For accommodations, they reserved rooms at The Hoxton Hotel for out-of-town guests, offering them a stylish and convenient place to stay near the heart of Chicago.
Tips for Future Couples
When asked if they had any advice for couples beginning their wedding planning journey, Sarah and Spencer shared some wise insights. “There are so many options out there, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Rely on your planner and vendors for recommendations; they know what works,” Sarah advised. The couple found comfort in knowing that their guests wouldn’t see every option they had considered; they would only experience the day they had thoughtfully planned.
Their last piece of advice was a reminder to focus on the big picture. “It’s just one day. Things might not go perfectly, but at the end of it all, you will be married,” Spencer added. This perspective kept them grounded throughout the process and allowed them to focus on what truly mattered.
The Vendor Dream Team
Sarah and Spencer’s dream wedding would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of their amazing vendor team. From Wedicity’s seamless planning to the exquisite decor, every detail came together beautifully thanks to this talented group:
Ceremony Venue: St. Clement Parish
Reception Venue: Hotel Allegro
Photographer: Photography By Lauryn
Fashion: Bijou Bridal
Beauty: Fearless & Bella
Florals: Ipomea Floral Design
Cake: West Town Bakery
Stationery: Linalulu Paperie
From beginning to end, Sarah and Spencer’s wedding day was a true celebration of love, family, and the city they hold dear. With timeless elegance and heartfelt moments, their day was everything they dreamed of and more. Cheers to the newlyweds and their happily ever after!
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