Julie+Ashton's Galleria Marchetti Wedding

Julie+Ashton's proposal story: After 5 years as best friends and 2 years of dating, they knew the next step was inevitable.

Ashton had been planning an engagement for some time, in fact, he had asked Julie's father for her hand in marriage at Thanksgiving and so a Christmas Engagement was top of mind (especially for her). Shortly after New Year’s, Julie was getting antsy. Surprisingly, it was a random, bitter cold Wednesday in February when it finally happened. Julie came home to the lights out, votive candles in the shape of a heart with a tiny little box in the middle of the family room. Julie said, "Is this it???"  Ashton said, "YES, it is." She cried and knelt to the ground. He quickly did the same and said, since we're both on our knees, "Julie Kuhn, will you spend the rest of your life with me?" She screamed "YES!" The two sat there a while and stared at her new bling. After admiring, they shared smiles and toasted to their new life with a bit champagne. Shortly after, a limo picked them up with champagne (yes, more) and strawberries to whisk them away to  Perrenial Virant (a fancy restaurant) and then the two shared (you guessed it, more champagne!) also champagne at the J Parker at the Lincoln Hotel. The hotel now has a special place in their heart. The steward allowed them to go outside to take pictures on the rooftop despite the freezing temp, but it made for some fabulous images. All in all, the night was an incredible one. Full of love and compassion, and they were so excited to start planning the wedding of their (ok, mostly Julie's) dreams.

Fast forward to the wedding day this May, we met up with Julie as she got ready at the Westin in River North. Her hair was done by Kara Osborn, with makeup by Holly & Chris of Chicago Bridal Hair and Makeup. Julie's gown was by Matthew Christopher, purchased at Volles of Lake Zurich. She looked amazing in her fitted wedding gown! Shoes by Badgley Mischka and also custom Converse shoes!  Bridesmaids dresses by Donna Morgan. Men's attire was from the Michael Kors Collection at Black Tie Tuxes in Lincoln Park. After getting ready we took photos of Julie and Ashton seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. The Bride presented her Groom with a pair of custom Converse Chucks. Adorable! We then went to St. Alphonsus Church, where their beautiful ceremony took place.  Following the ceremony we took the newlyweds around town for more photographs before the reception at Galleria Marchetti. The reception was fun and lively, with the bride changing into her own custom Chucks for dancing. The band,Arlen Music- Skyline Band was great, and kept everyone moving. Cinematic moments of the day were captured by REM Photography. Thank you to Sarah Misicka, the wedding planner for all her hard work, Galleria Marchetti for great venue and food, and Amy Beck for the awesome wedding cake!

Congrats Julie+Ashton!