Nik + Alex
As a wedding planner, each couple you work with brings out a new sense of creativity and passion, but when it’s a family member’s turn to tie the knot, it becomes an even more special event that you want to make sure you look back on not only as a proud planner, but also as a proud sibling! After my sister Nik and their longtime girlfriend Alex officially set a date for their wedding, it was my time to step in and help create a uniquely stunning day for two of my favorite people. Early on in planning, we knew the day would be anything but traditional, so we leaned into their Halloween-eve wedding date as a fun opportunity to showcase the beauty of Chicago in the fall and the couple’s love of all things spooky!
When wedding day arrived, the Second City blessed us with perfect autumnal weather and Firehouse Chicago's vintage brownstone beauty completed the gorgeous background of oranges, greens, and soft browns – the perfect compliment to our color scheme for the evening. Makeup By Jacquee got the brides ready as the garden was prepped for an intimate ceremony and vow exchange. Nik donned a stunning black tulle gown with small celestial sparkles, a silver headpiece, sparkly Doc Martens, and a crescent pendant as an ode to their love of all things astrology while Alex opted for a bright tropical patterned dress shirt, velvet pants, and some signature Chuck Taylors.
Under the fall foliage, the two exchanged vows in the most heartwarming ceremony complete with family read poems, song performances, and a kiss to tie the knot! As Lula Cafe served guests for cocktail hour, the newlyweds slipped away to sign their marriage certificate and celebrate for the first time as The Wilson’s.
Hands down, everyone’s favorite part of the evening had to be the couple’s grand entrance into the reception. When I say it was the best I’ve ever seen, I’m not kidding! Alex entered first down Firehouse’s winding staircase where she waited for Nik to enter by sliding down the firepole. Guests were wowed by this exciting start to the evening and the tone was officially set for a night of celebrations! After dinner, toasts, and a round of The Wedding Shoe Game, Nik and Alex shared their first dance as newlyweds. Do-Rite provided delicious post-dinner donuts and a table filled with childhood favorite Halloween candy kept guests energized for the dance floor.
As a perfect end to the perfect day, Nik and Alex exited with a sparkler send off surrounded by their nearest and dearest. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience to plan a wedding for your sibling and I am so grateful to Nik and Alex for trusting me with their special day. I love you both so much and wish you all the best in married life together!
XOXO, Ari
Coordinator: Ari | Beauty: Makeup By Jacquee | Catering: Lula Cafe Events | Desserts: West Town Bakery Cake Department, Do-Rite Donuts | Photography: Vivid Bold Truth | Papergoods: Crave Design | Venue: Firehouse Chicago