It is such an honor to work with an incredible family twice.  After Chris + Christine’s 2022 wedding, Christine’s sister Lisa and her boyfriend Bob got engaged and I was thrillllleeeddd when they called me!  There is something special about the Wuertz family.  

Lisa + Bob wanted a classic Chicago venue in the cozy holiday months, so they landed on the Chicago Cultural Center on December 16, 2023. We planned a wedding filled with deep greens and lots of candlelight and it was a truly magical evening. As the chill started filling the air in late 2023, they decided to add more holiday touches, bringing in lit Christmas trees to the cocktail space and the landing before Preston Bradley Hall, creating a festive atmosphere for their guests. Their card box was even a sweet “Letters to Santa” mailbox. It was such a joyful wedding day and perfect kick-off to the holiday season. Read on for alllll the cozy vibes!

Happy first anniversary to Lisa + Bob!  xo Olivia

From Olivia: Picking a favorite wedding of the year is like picking a favorite child – each one is unique, delightful, and beautiful in their own way – it’s impossible. But when I think back on my 2024 season, Andrew + Tim’s wedding stands out for a few reasons: 1. It was a quintessential Chicago summer Saturday 2. The Adler Planetarium is a setting like no other 3. It was full of JOY. 

This is also a good time to share how grateful Team OFW is for our incredible couples and their families.  We are so, so lucky to do this job and during this Thanksgiving week, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you, thank you.

Okay, back to Andrew + Tim’s wedding day: there is so much to share about this absolutely incredible day, so read on. 

Kathleen and Connor are high school sweethearts and have been together for over 15 years! So their big day was filled with nostalgia and lots and lots of love.

When they first met, Connor thought Kathleen was so cool for wearing a Motion City Soundtrack sweatshirt and the two quickly bonded over their love for the same type of music. As someone who is also a big Motion City Soundtrack fan, I knew they were going to be a fun couple! Needless to say their wedding day exceeded that expectation and it was so fun seeing them celebrated by all their loved ones.

Cheers to one year of marraige, K + C! - Kirsten

Kelsey + Michael are the type of couple you just want the best for - they are kind and a whole lot of fun, and bringing their wedding vision to life felt effortless. They got married on a foggy October afternoon at The Arbory and they leaned into bold fall colors with lush floral by Romee Willow Florals, some chic tabletop rentals and Michael’s custom plum suit by 9Tailors paired with a floral tie (!). 

They had a relatively small wedding of 60 of their closest friends and family, but I remember distinctly that they were the most FUN group I’ve ever seen - the dance floor was chock full of energy (it helps that Michael and his sister are former dancers!) until the very last second. What a night.

Happy first anniversary to Kelsey + Michael!  xo Olivia

If there was ever a true testament to true love it is Pria and Chris. Pria + Chris are not only high school sweethearts but middle school sweethearts as well. They started dating in the 7th grade and have been together for more than half of their lives. After graduating from Walter Payton Prep in the city, Pria headed to UCLA and Chris went to Vanderbilt. After college, Chris went into the Marines and Pria stayed in California to get her PhD. The two wed on a perfect crisp October day full of sunshine and blue skies.

Cheers to Pria + Chris! -Kirsten

Shanna + Andrew have a lightness and laughter in their relationship that is just infectious. It was such an honor to plan their wedding alongside them – can’t believe it’s been a year!  They had big dreams when it came to their wedding, and Chicago’s Field Museum was the perfect backdrop for their elegant evening. We worked together for the better part of the year bringing their gorgeous white, green, and blue vision to life, thanks to the brilliant Kehoe Designs. The result was a lush, grand, yet inviting summer Chicago day for these lovebirds. You have to see the incredible ceremony site and dinner in the Field Museum is pure magic!!  Huge thank you to Tim Tab for capturing their day so beautifully. 

Happy first anniversary to Shanna + Andrew!  xo Olivia

Claire + Dave were married on a bright Summer’s day at the gorgeous Wildman BT, one year ago this past week! This wedding was especially meaningful as Claire is a family friend of Noelle’s, so she was thrilled when they reached out seeking a Partial Planner for their big day. Noelle had already booked another amazing OFW couple for their chosen day, so this wedding planning process was a collaborative effort for team OFW! Noelle led planning up until the day of the event and then Katie took the reigns, on wedding day, to coordinate and insure all planning was executed flawlessly.

The day could not have been any more perfect! The sun was shining and you could genuinely tell that both Claire and Dave were more than ready to marry one another and had so much love for each other. It was so sweet to see all of the love the couple received from their family and friend’s as well. The day was filled with special moments and so so SO much joy. We hope that the last year has been filled with just as much bliss as your wedding day!

Happy Anniversary week, Claire + Dave!

- Katie + Noelle

Carrie + Will and I clicked right away. I met with them and Carrie’s mom after booking, and after the meeting, I just thought – “this is going to be fun”.  They are a fun-loving, kind, and warm pair (and it doesn’t hurt that every meeting at their cozy condo included their tiny pup, Tito!!) and it was an immense pleasure to support their wedding day dreams. 

Carrie grew up going to the University Club with her dad and so it seemed natural to host her wedding ceremony and reception in the stunning Cathedral Hall (doesn’t hurt that it looks a bit like Hogwarts!). Their ceremony was officiated by a friend and it was breathtaking.  The joy and love between these two made the entire room shimmer. The rest of the day was carried along by that wave of love, and the dance floor was a HIGHLIGHT. When both mom and daughter are named Caroline.. You can imagine the energy in the room when Rush Street Rhythm played “Sweet Caroline”.  WOW.  It is a night I remember with so much joy! 

Happy first anniversary to Carrie + Will!  xo Olivia

When I first met Casey and Robert, we just clicked right away.  There is something effortless about their connection to one another and I was drawn to it from our first meeting.  After getting to know them more, I learned so much about their relationship and the life they’ve built together - they’ve really “got a good thing going”. 

Producing their wedding was such a joy.  It was a colorful, joyful occasion coupled with an incredibly moving ceremony.  They got married at the incredible Morgan’s on Fulton - a rooftop oasis in the heart of Fulton Market.  The MoF team is just the best, and with the help of a vendor DREAM TEAM, the day was absolutely perfect. From a moving first look, to an intimate ceremony; rousing speeches and a packed dance floor, Casey + Robert were celebrated right.  It’s been a year since their gorgeous MDW wedding - I just can’t believe it. 

Happy anniversary, Casey + Robert! xo, Olivia

Both Courtney and Wonho are extremely considerate. They met in the modern way, on a dating app. Their first date was for dinner and then drinks at Cindy’s Rooftop. Their date lasted 5 hours and they have been together ever since.

For the proposal, Wonho took Courtney to Cindy’s Rooftop and showed her a dating app that he had created. When Courtney scrolled through the app, it reviewed their story and then had the question “Will you marry me?”.  She of course said yes!

Cheers, Wonho + Courtney!-Kirsten

When I think about the perfect day for a wedding, I think about Emily + Josh’s day. The sun drenched flowers in bloom, the light breeze to keep us cool, fluffy clouds and so so so many smiles, Summer in Chicago is such a gorgeous time of year, and July 15, 2023 was like no other for E + J, their family, friends, and of course, their pups! After having been together since high school, you could truly feel the love in the air all day at the Morton Arboretum. 

I first met Emily at the Geneva Bridal Stroll, and we connected right away when she told me her vision for her wedding. Crazy to think that was 2 years ago! What came from a year of planning meetings, floral chats, and coffee talks was a seriously stunning event with touches of their love story  in every corner. 

Congratulations, Emily + Josh! I had the best time dreaming up this beauty with you!

XO, Noelle

Meryl + Rocky are two of the most thoughtful people that I have met and their friends and families were just as thoughtful. They wed on a beautiful September day at the stunning Morgan’s on Fulton. I know that your future will be just as bright as your wedding day!

All the best to Meryl + Rocky! - Kirsten

Jackie + Richard were wed at Revel Motor Row on July 22, 2023 (6 months ago!) and their wedding was one for the BOOKS.  They navigated the planning process through a series of cross country moves and job changes and they pulled off a flawless and FUN evening for their guests.  We had the ultimate dream team of vendors (scroll on to see the full list) and it was an honor to work with them, the couple, and their families to coordinate a stunning, fast-paced evening, chock full of dancing, live music, and elegant decor from Revel Decor. They capped off their evening with some late night snacks and a silent disco in the courtyard (!).

Can’t believe it’s already been 6 months - congratulations to Jackie + Richard! - Olivia

Anisha + Nick met while they were both students at the University of Illinois and have been dating for years. They had a small intimate ceremony in 2021 but threw not one but two big celebrations on their one-year anniversary on November 12, 2022. The couple wanted to incorporate both Anisha + Nick's heritage by having Hindu and Christian ceremonies. The day had two ceremonies, two cocktail hours, two outfit changes, and one heck of a celebration. 

Congratulations, Anisha + Nick! - Kirsten

Kate + Jonny's story is one for the books. The couple met years ago while they were both working in Chicago. Kate who is originally from the suburbs and Jonny who is from England became fast friends. Although their romantic relationship didn't blossom right away, fast forward a few years and they were inseparable, so much so that when Jonny moved back to England, Kate was right there with him in 2019. Once they got engaged they knew Chicago was the right place to hold their wedding, but they wanted to incorporate both their lives from Chicago and London into their special day.

Congratulations, Kate + Jonny! - Kirsten

I cannot believe that it has been a full year since we celebrated Morgan + Dave! The day started with torrential downpours that had the entire vendor team a little nervous, but by the time the ceremony rolled around, the sun was breaking through over the breathtaking Manhattan skyline as they were married by their dear friend on The Bordone’s rooftop terrace. I watched their ceremony in pure awe as the skyline literally glittered in the post-rain sunshine - it was just meant to be.

So much love to the Formans; happy anniversary! - Olivia

The day Kevin and Brandon got married was a picture perfect fall day in Chicago. The sun was beaming, there was not a cloud in the sky, and you could just feel that it was going to be a special day. These two have so much love for one another, but also have amazing friends and family that love and support them as well; this really shined through on their wedding day.

I knew from the moment I met Kevin and Brandon (and found out that their first dance song was a remixed version of my favorite Beyonce song) that I was going to love working with them. I am so honored that the two of them entrusted me to help make their special day all that they had dreamed it would be.

They were incredibly organized, detail oriented and thoughtful of each and every guest that was attending. PLUS, they did not disappoint with their entertainment. A live band, Filipiniana dancers, a salsa lesson AND an incredibly choreographed first dance! This was such a fun wedding to be involved with and it was so special to see everyone having a truly magical time celebrating Kevin and Brandon!

Cheers to many more incredible memories, you two! - Katie

Sarah and Ryan are one of those couples that when you meet them you know it is going to be a good time. When I first met Sarah, she explained that her and Ryan's romance was comparable to that of a Harry met Sally whirlwind type of love.

They met many years back in Chicago's comedy scene doing stand-up comedy together. They went on one date and ended up going their separate ways. Since they both were heavily involved in the comedy scene, they had many mutual friends and saw each other from time to time.

Fast forward to February 2021 when they were hanging out with a mutual friend who strategically decided to give them some alone time. They immediately hit it off, got engaged 7 months later, bought a condo, and tied the knot on a beautiful October day in 2022. With such a supportive and fun-loving community, these two will have a lifetime of love and laughter to come!

Big congratulations, you two! - Kirsten

I started working with Joely + Nick in the summer of 2021, and from the beginning, they knew that they wanted a classic Chicago wedding that also catered to the needs of their guests. We landed on the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, a historic venue situated right on Michigan Avenue, across the street from Chicago’s famous Millennium Park. Guests stayed at the hotel, walked just a few steps to their rehearsal dinner, and enjoyed the evening’s festivities on the hotel’s 8th floor. We designed a classic color palette that was modern but still timeless, capturing the theme of their wedding day. Oh, and the stationery! Nicole from Emery Ann Design (https://emeryanndesign.com/) pulled inspiration straight from the venue for a seamless design experience. 

On a personal note, I felt right at home with these two (and Joely’s amazing mom and planning partner, Crystal!), and it was an absolute joy to be part of their planning and wedding day. They lit up the night with their happiness and every detail was just perfect. 

So, so happy for Mr. & Mrs. Boskovich! - Olivia

I had the distinct pleasure to work with Christine, Chris, and her mom to plan a timeless wedding on the edge of spring in Chicago. They were wed at the stunning St. James Chapel in the heart of Chicago, and traveled to the West Loop for a fantastic party at The Fairlie. We were lucky to get the absolute dream team on their wedding day, including Sally O’Donnell Photography, Hearty Boys, Atmosphere Events Group, and The Party Faithful band from the Beatmix family. The bride chose a chic gown from Jenny Yoo, and her hair and makeup from Erin Ahern Beauty and Julia Simone Beauty were pure perfection (those hollywood waves!!!) I was also honored to build their design with them from the ground up (more on that later!), and it was so wonderful to see it all come to life.

Their wedding day was a crisp March day in Chicago with lots of sun. From the moving ceremony and the kindest wedding party, to the delicious meal and packed dance floor, Chris + Christine’s day was one of my favorites.

Congratulations to the Jacques! - Olivia

We had the fortunate opportunity to partner with Wish Upon a Wedding to plan Carlos and Lisette’s special day. Wish Upon a Wedding is a nonprofit organization that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing serious illness or life-altering health circumstances. Wedding industry professionals donate their services and time to create an unforgettable day.

Lisette was diagnosed with a rare form of jaw cancer a few years ago. This came as a complete shock. With this news, Lisette and Carlos decided they wanted to celebrate their love with their two children, Carlos Jr, and Sofia, along with 50 of their closest family friends. It was a beautiful day and such a great way to celebrate the love these two share for one another and their family!

Cheers to Lisette and Carlos! - Kirsten

Rachel + Davis first met in high school! However, after high school, they both ended up going to different colleges 3 hours away from each other. It wasn’t until one night their senior year in college that their paths crossed again. As fate had it, Davis and Rachel ended up at the same bar in Rachel’s college town. The two ended up chatting all night! Despite the long distance between their two colleges, they decided it was worth starting a new relationship. After graduating, they both were offered jobs in Chicago where they were focused on growing their careers and relationship. Not only did they fall more in love with each other, they fell in love with the city.  After Davis proposed, they knew they wanted to have a classy Chicago wedding showcasing all the city has to offer to many of their out-of-town guests.

Big congrats to Rachel and Davis! - Kirsten

WOW.  Where do I even begin with Alyssa + Patrick.  Throughout their planning process, it became clear that they are a resilient couple with a deep, deep love for each other and their life together.  Alyssa, Patrick, Joann, and I started planning in the summer of 2018 for a 2020 Memorial Day wedding… and we all know what happened next.  This couple rescheduled their wedding four times over the course of the next two years.  On June 17, 2022, they were finally able to celebrate with friends and family (including the groom’s family from England when the borders finally opened!) and boy, was it worth the wait!!  The joy in the room was palpable, and tears were shed on (more than) a few occasions.  Not only that, but the couple has a keen design eye and everything was curated - from their welcome table of Pimm’s, to an escort card display of luggage tags and table numbers highlighting their travels together, to an incredible end of night outfit change - which made it a guest experience for the books. 

All in all, we worked together for four years to create an unforgettable evening to celebrate this couple, and it was worth every second.  I want to extend a humongous thank you to their vendor team (check the whole list out at the bottom of this post) for sticking with us through the reschedules and working so hard to create a perfect night for A+P.  On a personal note, this couple (and their people) made me feel like family and I am so grateful to be in their orbit. 

Congrats, you two. xo Olivia

Wow, what a trip down memory lane. I worked with Jen + Jesse during COVID to plan their May 2021 wedding and they were a dream: calm, flexible, and just plain happy to get married. They chose the glorious Morgan’s on Fulton for it’s rooftop, just in time for the venue to install a fabulous glass enclosure that could be opened / closed as needed. We were the first wedding in the new space — what a joy to see it all come together! Due to COVID restrictions, they chose to welcome their guests to the rooftop for their ceremony, with each guest finding their dining seat to watch to ceremony. They had spectacular floral, delicious food, and such a loving group of people surrounding them. Although it’s been over a year and a half since their wedding, I look back on it fondly — this was, and is, a couple worth celebrating.

Congratulations to the Condies! - Olivia

When COVID hit, Lauren + Peter quickly reimagined their wedding day.  They already had The Joinery booked and were planning a June 2020 wedding, but as time went on and COVID lingered, they decided to move their date to fall 2021 and get creative with the typical wedding routine. They got married by a friend before traveling to Chicago to celebrate and hosted a weekend full of events.  The weekend culminated with a Sunday daytime event with a limited guest count, opting for speeches on the patio, lunch served by Big Delicious Planet on feasting tables in the middle of the room, and a fun floral workshop led by Brian of Fleur.  It was a picturesque September day full of sunshine and warm breezes, and although it wasn’t the couple’s original vision, it was beautiful and just so relaxed.

Huge congratulations to the Brodys! - Olivia

Allison + Mike were married on a warm September day at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright Emil Bach House surrounded by 60 of their closest friends and family. They chose the Emil Bach House for it’s architecture and intimate setting, of course, but also for its proximity to their Chicago home. It is situated in their neighborhood, cozy Rogers Park, and couples who wed there can rent the home (and its next door neighbor, The Lang House), for the weekend to create an intimate home base for their closest people.

So many elements of their wedding day were beautifully crafted by the couple. Their ceremony was officiated by Liz of Liz Rae & Co and it was deeply humbling to witness. Also, Allison is a true creative and she and I worked together to create a full wedding day design plan that went from the stationery to the linens to the floral by InFlorEscence to the color of their signature cocktails.

It was one of my favorite weddings of 2021, and I am just so thrilled to (finally) share it. Congratulations, Allison + Mike! - Olivia

Patty + Mark are one of those couples that are just meant to be. There is a quiet, kind, and deep love between these two. But, it is clear that they also know how to have an incredibly good time! Their wedding day, just a year ago, was on a cozy December day in Chicago, full of rich colors, a dreamy first look, moving tears, and a surprise band appearance by Patty’s dad at their reception. The day was made extra special when much of Mark’s large Irish family, who he hadn’t seen in over a year, traveled to Chicago to be with Patty + Mark on their wedding day. It was a pleasure to work with them and a dream team of vendors, and I am just so happy to relive their wedding day through these images!

Congrats to the Boyles! - Olivia

Haley + Drew’s wedding was an extra special on for OFW, as Haley is one of our amazing assistants! Knowing Haley, it was going to be a stunner, and boy was it.

2022 was truly the year of the backyard wedding, and we loved coordinating every moment of D + M’s incredible party on Danielle’s family property. Good people, good food, and good spirits: all it really takes to put together an incredible evening. For this one we had all that and more, with some showers and a sophisticated edge to it too.

If there were ever two people who were meant to be it would be Brittany and Will. Brittany and Will are high school sweethearts who have been together for nearly a decade. They grew up together, went away to school together, and came back to Chicago together to start their professional careers. At their rehearsal, Will told me that he originally had the intention of proposing in March of 2020 and since that wasn’t feasible, he proposed the first chance he could in Summer 2020. Their wedding was a family affair and their wedding party included Will’s six sisters, their significant others, Brittany’s brother, and cousins who felt more like siblings. To say the day was magical is an understatement and I am so happy I was able to be a part of it.