When I first met Danielle + Will, I knew instantly their day was going to be so much fun to help them plan. I immediately related to their intense work life paired with the love of spending time with each other whenever they can. Danielle’s mom joked that if she was going to find someone, it was going to be through work, and sure enough that’s where their story began. A semi-Covid couple, D+W had their first date at the Bottom Lounge (a Chicago staple) in the West Loop shortly after, the pandemic began, and Will moved to Danielle’s parents with her in the south (a bit of a culture shock for an east coaster), where they stayed until they purchased their home on the west side of the city, got engaged during a much needed spa day, and started planning their forever.

Together, we created an event that was so true to their love, and just a really stunning evening spent with their favorite people. I also had the pleasure of planning their rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Oakville Grill and Cellar, and a special day-of pre-wedding lunch at Punchbowl Social for their guests, not pictured in this blog but both so true to them and really incredible, trust me!

These two are funny, cute, whip smart, and really perfect for each other, and it was an absolute pleasure and honor to be part of their wildly beautiful wedding weekend.

Congratulations on one year of marriage, Danielle + Will! I hope it was filled with bliss!

All photos courtesy of Colette Marie Photography.

The day started at 167 Events where Danielle was surrounded by childhood friends, family, and so so so much love. 167 Events offers a full buyout option of the space, so we were able to get in nice and early for Rare Birds Beauty to start working their magic on all these beautiful ladies!

Danielle’s details were so perfectly captured by Collette from Collette Marie Photography. Filled with family heirlooms and the most rich colors and textures for our winter wonderland vibe. Her Minted invitation suite was such a fun collaboration to create, and the touches of pearls throughout the day were the perfect touch. Her dress was originally a sleeveless sheath, but Ette Tailor brought the halter dress of her dreams to life with a full custom remodel of her gown, with a stunning custom blusher veil to match. The red velvet shoes were SUCH a vibe!

Will got ready with his guys at their home, put on their sharp Suit Shop looks, and made their way over to 167 Events, where D shared a sweet first look with her girls and her parents before their first look, overlooking the city in a sun drenched stretch of windows. Their excitement was palpable, and happy tears were shed all around the room (me included!)

Pre-ceremony bridal party portraits were taken throughout the amazing 167 Event spaces, including the terrace overlooking The Willis Tower, while we finished setting up their ceremony space on the other side of the main room.

The always incredible team at Life in Bloom brought in stunning winter hues and organic elements to the altar area. The sun slowly set through the windows as Danielle walked down the aisle to a solo violin, surrounded by candles and so, so, SO much love. Danielle’s hometown preacher presided over the ceremony, as we watched them tie the knot.

The Brashers are MARRIED!

Cocktail hour was filled with incredible food from the 167 team, flowing cocktails, and lush florals, along with a cozy indoor firepit to keep the moody vibes going. Where there once stood the ceremony space was now a full, floor to ceiling windowed reception space. Velvet linens, tons of candles, a chic dance floor, and beautiful blooms set the stage for the dinner party of D+W’s dreams to begin!

Cakes (yes, cakes, check out Will’s amazing banana shaped groom’s cake from ECBG Cake Studio!) were cut, speeches given, and delicious family-style dinner served.

Special dances had guests shouting out in joy - especially when Will joined Danielle and her dad for their “alligator” dance which consisted of them on their backs, wiggling on the floor. Truly, the silliest and sweetest moment. D+W danced to a song written and recorded by a family friend, and everyone looked on as they swayed into the evening together.

For after dinner delights, our fave photobooth Fotio joined for the party, as well as an expresso martini ice luge, and a custom temp tattoo bar. Danielle and I spent so many emails and calls dreaming up a fun, interactive element and when we landed on this, we couldn’t WAIT for it. The tattoos were designed by Danielle’s sister and all have special meanings to D+W’s lives. It was so fun to see guests getting “tatted” all night.

Don’t even get me started on how lit their dance floor was. DJ Max Davis kept the vibes high all night long (along with some late night pizza) to top off the best day ever.