Franki and Andrew made wedding planning easy! They are both down to earth, so enjoyable to be around, positive, fun, and just cared about getting married! When we first connected, Franki wanted to have a small intimate ceremony in Napa at a winery and Andrew wanted to have a large celebration with all of his friends and family. They were able to compromise and held their ceremony at Saint Michael's in Old Town and their reception at Chicago Winery. The day felt intimate with all of their favorite people!

xoxo Kirsten

All photos courtesy of Mandelette Photography.

They had the most perfect late spring day. It was 80 degrees, with no humidity, and full of sunshine. They wanted to keep the day as authentic to themselves as possible. They started by taking their daily morning walk together to grab a cup of coffee. After they were able to enjoy the slow morning together, Andrew headed back to their condo in Lincoln Park while Franki got ready at the Ritz Carlton. They opted to not have a wedding party but had their closest people getting ready with them.

Once everyone was glammed up, it was time for the ceremony! Franki and Andrew had a traditional catholic ceremony held at the stunning St Michael's Church in Old Town.

After the ceremony, guests were shuttled down to Chicago Winery while Franki and Andrew capitalized on some solo time and headed down to the river for photos!

Once Franki & Andrew arrived at Chicago Winery, they were able to take a few photos in the barrel room, something that is so unique to the venue. They transitioned upstairs and were able to get a sneak peek of the space before any of their guests and then headed in and enjoyed cocktail hour with their friends and family.

Since the weather was so perfect, Chicago Winery was able to open all of the windows in their cocktail hour space to let the cool breeze in. It felt like guests were outside without dealing with the outside elements. Guests enjoyed Chicago Winery's signature wine, espresso martinis, as well as their amazing antipasti and seafood stations during cocktail hour. The food and drinks were as good as they looked! Sarlas Music provided lovely background music.

Dinner was family style where guests were able to enjoy numerous options. One of the most important parts of the day was the dessert grazing board that Chicago Winery displayed with ECBG sweets and cake. It was impressive to say the least!