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Welcome to the SoiréeSmith blog!
This is a journal about the weddings and events we do here in Chicago's North Shore, with some tips and a bit about life sprinkled in.
 Stay a while and please say hello!

Hi, I'm andrea.

Christmas at Cuneo

Dec 21, 2019

When the grandfather (in this case the Groom) wrote the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – it just makes sense that Christmas holds an extra special place in your heart! And what better day to get married then on his anniversary (at Christmas-time) no less.

Excited to share this stunning wedding on the first anniversary of Alexandra & Eric’s wedding day. I’m thrilled to share these stunning images as captured by Abbey Moore Photography with you today.

I first spoke with Alexandra on Christmas Eve of 2017 and from our first call, I was excited to help bring her & Eric’s wedding dreams to reality. From the first design meeting, we pulled together an inspiration mood board that started to weave together the elements of their style.

The day began at my favourite hotel in the North Shore – The Deerpath Inn. This bridal party was joyous and so excited for their friends.

The couple planned a first look and (although chilly) secured some seriously beautiful photographs by the uber-talented Abbey Moore. I love a first look for the intimacy of seeing one another on the wedding, and also for a stress-free post-ceremony experience for the couple (especially in the Winter when those daylight hours are few and far between). What do you think of a first look?

The ceremony was held at Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel at Lake Forest College. We kept it elegant and simple with wreaths and two bountiful urns (all of which was repurposed for their reception).

Those “just-married” photos capture the joy between these two perfectly. Afterward, we dashed the new Mr. & Mrs. (and bridal party off) to Cuneo Mansion to sneak in some photos before the sunset on the Winter Solstice.

The reception was held at the historic and beautiful Loyola’s Cuneo Mansion & Gardens. Guests were treated to flowing cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres and raw bar station upon arrival. Thanks to the first look the bride & groom got to enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests.

And now for my favourite details! I would like to give a big shout out to the rest of the team that made the day possible. Alex from Exquisite Designs team created the floral magic you’re about to see. We paired a luxe champagne linen from Windy City Linen with the beautiful place settings thanks to Halls Rental. Guests dined on the delicious menu provided by Catered by Design.

christmas-wedding-cuneo-mansion

Three centerpiece styles were alternated throughout the ballroom space that complemented one another brilliantly. I love incorporating different arrangement styles into the reception design, it really encourages your guest’s eyes to look around the room and take everything in.

christmas-wedding-cuneo-mansion

The wedding cake by Bent Fork Bakery was topped with a Stag & Doe (a touching nod to the tale of one Red-Nosed Reindeer named Rudolph and his significance to the Groom’s family).

bent-fork-bakery-wedding-cake

After dinner the dance floor was packed thanks to the amazing sounds & vocals from The Union Group – Matt and his band are truly one of my absolute favs to work with. Their rendition of “No Diggity” is hands down sure to get everyone on the dance floor.

I have loved looking back at this day Alexandra & Eric. Thank you again for allowing me to share a small role o]in one of your most important days. May your marriage continue to be blessed and this day always celebrated.

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

Also in case you missed it, check out this other stunning Christmas-time wedding anniversary mention from last week. Boy was I busy last December!

. . . . . . . . . .

Photography: Abbey Moore Photography / Event Day Planning & Management: SoiréeSmith / Florals: Exquisite Designs / Ceremony: Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel / Venue: Loyola’s Cuneo Mansion & Gardens / Catering: Catered By Design / Rentals: Halls Rental / Linens: Windy City Linen / Wedding cake: Bent Fork Bakery / Wedding Suite: Magnificent Milestones / Brides Gown: Martina Liana / Band: The Union Music Group / Transportation: VIP Valet Services / Videography: Zack Kravitz / Hotel Block & Getting Ready Location: The Deerpath Inn / Hair: Anna Maria Consalvo / Makeup: Mandy K Vincent

Weddings

  1. Rhiannon says:

    What a beautiful wedding! I love the bride’s fur stole and how classically elegant Alexandra was!

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