The Journal

A Christmas Wedding in Chicago

filed under:

Weddings

Hi, I'm Sofia Bianco, a photographer and brand content creator based on the Amalfi Coast. So glad you're here.

Is there anything more beautiful than a wedding at Christmas time? I think not! I cannot wait for you to see the beauty (as captured by Elena Bazini) of this beautiful December Chicago wedding.

So excited to share this stunning wedding with you today. Sending huge first anniversary wishes to Rachel + Aaron today. 365 days ago I had the privilege of working with the kindest (and most stylish) couple. While I had no role in the design process on this one …sometimes you hit the “Wedding Management” Lottery, and a couple with an eye style and even more importantly, for details find you to ensure their day goes exactly as they envisioned!

The bridal party was the calmest I’ve yet to experience when arriving on a wedding day. It was quite literally serene. And her sister made all three of the bridal party bouquets.

The ceremony was at Saint James Chapel. The outside of the church blends into the city but the inside is where this church shines with it’s striking white buttresses put the focus on the stunning altar. Rachel & David went with the traditional first reveal when they met one another at the altar. So romantic!

Have you seen a more gorgeous bride and groom? Seriously though.

chicago-bride-and-groom

Remember when I talked about the “details”

The reception was held at The Racquet Club of Chicago, one of Chicago’s oldest private clubs located in the heart of Chicago’s residential Gold Coast neighbourhood. Guests were treated to flowing cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres and oyster station upon arrival. The residential feel of the cocktail space gave an intimate holiday feel.

And now for my favourite details! It is now time to give a big shout out to the rest of the team that made the day possible. Natalie from HMR Designs and her team created the magic you’re about to see. Luxe champagne linens from BBJ, and the paper details all from Mite Print. Lastly, Melissa at the Racquet Club ensured the 3-course wine pairing dinner menu went off perfectly.

Three long tables of guest seating were immaculately filled with red pillar candles, lush green garland, personalized menu cards, and a roaring fire set the scene for a beautiful dining atmosphere and experience.

The night ended back in the cocktail space to tunes spun by one of the Groom’s friends. I love the way Elena captured these black and whites of the first dance.

Cheers to planning a perfect and stunning wedding day!

Rachel & Aaron, it was such a joy and privilege to be a small part of your special day. May your marriage be forever as lovely and timeless as the day that your first started your journey as husband and wife.

And to all of my readers, tell me what is your favorite detail from this charming affair? Mine remains the coordinating fabric detail in the invitations on and the kids (Rachel’s dress is a close second – few could pull that off as beautifully as her)!

The vendor team is listed below for all of the people that helped make this wedding possible!

. . . . . . . . . .

Photography: Elena Bazini / Event Day Planning & Management: SoiréeSmith / Florals: HMR Designs / Venue and catering: The Racquet Club of Chicago  / Linens: BBJ / Ceremony: St. James Chapel / Wedding cake: Defloured Bakery / Wedding Invitations, Ceremony Programs & Menu Cards: Mite Print/ Brides Gown: J’Aton Couture from Dimitra’s Bridal Couture / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin Bridesmaid’s gowns: various labels / Escort Ornaments: Vintage by the bride

Hi, I'm Sofia Bianco, a photographer and brand content creator based on the Amalfi Coast. So glad you're here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The LATEST

Welcome to the Aperol Spritz Blog, brought to you by Sofia Bianco. Enjoy our latest work, travels and photography.

Behind the Events

MEET
THE
TEAM 

With a value-over-volume approach, SoiréeSmith takes on no more than ten weddings each year — ensuring every couple receives our full attention, steady guidance, and refined expertise. We work together on every event, giving you thoughtful direction, seamless communication, and a planning experience that feels grounded and personal.

LEARN MORE →

FAVORITE pOSTS & RESOURCES

The portrait Shoot Style guide

TIPS FOR THE BEST GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS

a few of our curated

FAVORITES

BEST ELOPEMENT LOCALES

tennic-chic elopEment inspo

SPRING BOOK LIST

AMALFI ON FILM

Free Download

The IDEAL TIMELINE GUIDE

Heirloom schlitz synth, humblebrag scenester tumblr plaid narwhal offal tofu authentic hell of umami. Williamsburg sartorial put a bird on it craft beer.