Katie+Nick's Romantic Medinah Country Club Wedding

The Proposal: Katie and Nick have a very typical love story….oh, except they met in Uganda.  After years of owning his own business in South Africa, Nick decided to take a leap of faith and head to Uganda. Fortunately, Katie was also en route to Uganda to conduct her Master’s research project. However, Nick was living the life in the capital city Kampala, and she was in a small town with very limited resources. About 3 weeks into Katie's trip, her girlfriend decided that they were in serious need of a warm shower, cocktails and “American” food for the weekend. So the two girls headed to Kampala. After dinner, Katie's friend convinced her to go to Club Iguana….whatever you are imagining, its probably worse. The girls were the only two “mzungus” (aka foreigners) at the bar until two “mzungu” hunks rolled in. A couple “sokkies” (South African dance) and conversations with that accent later, and Katie was impressed. Katie and Nick met a few more time after that before she went back to the U.S. to complete school. However both of them knew after the 2^nd day spent together that they had each met the one.  

Flash forward 10 months, two trips to Africa, two trips to the US, and hours upon hours on Skype. Nick came to the US again for Katie's graduation and to help her get ready to move to Uganda. After travelling California for a week, they went back to Chicago to see her family. Nick, being a traditional guy, also wanted to Katie's Dad for her hand in marriage in person. Although, Katie wasn’t 100% sure it was happening on that trip, she definitely had her suspicions. So when it was the last day of the trip and no ring, she was getting nervous! The couple decided to spend a night in downtown Chicago for their last night in town. They went for a fancy dinner and Katie took Nick to some of her favorite parts of the city. Nick of course was looking for the perfect place to propose that whole night! Turns out Katie's favorite places weren’t the most romantic... So after the epic date, they headed back to the hotel where Nick popped down on one knee and shazzam!

The Wedding Day: Started with the girls getting ready at the Lynfred Winery. The wedding day was planned by Christine Stone, with videography by Jason Pittman, and florals by Oh My! Floral. Katie's makeup was done by Christine Swain, and updo by Michael at Rockstar Salon. Her gown was Carolina Herrera, with bridal shoes by Badgley Mischka from BHLDN. The Bridesmaid's wore dresses from BHLDN, while the Groom and Groomsmen wore Calvin Klein. After final preparations we left the winery for Holy Ghost Parish where the ceremony was to take place.

Nick and Katie recited vows to each other and exchanged wedding bands from Benard’s Jewelry Design, Durban South Africa. The newlyweds exited the church to a cloud of bubbles and well wishes. Then we were off to Medinah Country Club for photographs on the grounds, followed by the reception inside the club. The couple's reception had a romantic dinner party feel that felt warm and inviting in the grand ballroom space. Catering was taken care of in house by Medinah, with the wedding cake by Toni Patisserie, and the evenings entertainment was by the Blue Water Kings Band who kept everyone dancing long into the night. 

Congrats Katie and Nick!