Jason+Matthew's Café Brauer Wedding

The Proposal: Jason+Matthew met eleven years ago, in 2004 when the prospects of a wedding were unimaginable because of the social and legal realities for the LGBTQ community at the time. As marriage equality has progressed in the past several years, the couple had discussed the topic of marriage on many occasions, and expressed their desire to marry when they were ready.  During a romantic dinner in September of 2012, they had a heart to heart conversation during which they made the decision to pursue a wedding- to officially,legally, and publicly have their love recognized. 

The Wedding: The day started at the InterContinental Chicago and was planned by Anthony Navarro. The Grooms wore Slim Fit J.Crew Ludlow Italian Wool Suits. Their tie and pocket squares were from The Tie Bar. The wedding party wore Bar III Suits, Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, bow ties from The Tie Bar, while the dresses were silk chiffon by J.Crew. Jason and Matthew's hair was by Aniko Salon and Spa.  After the couple was finished getting ready we headed out to their waiting family and friends so they could get a first look at the handsome love birds. Then it was time to head outside for photos with the wedding party before heading to Café Brauer for the ceremony and reception. The beautiful florals were by Kloeckner Preferred Flowers, stationary and invitations by Wedding Paper Divas, seating and signage from Sizemore Selectives, and wedding bands by Jan Dee. The ceremony was emotional and beautiful as the couple wed surrounded by all the special people in their lives. The reception was lively with cuisine by Tigerlily Events, cake by Alliance Bakery, and chocolate pretzel stix by Cybee Stix. The evenings' entertainment was provided by the great Toast & Jam DJs, and a photo booth from Photo Booth Time.
Congrats Jason and Matthew!

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Hilary+Drew's W Hotel Wedding

The Story of Hilary+Drew: The couple met on a birthright trip in Israel. They rode a camel together, and their relationship progressed naturally from there. Fast forward to Drew and Hilary talking about getting married. Drew had told Hilary that it would not be any time soon because of medical school. Drew had gone over to Hilary’s parent’s house one night after work and asked her mother and father if He could marry their daughter. Emily and Randy could not have been more thrilled. Drew also found out that night that Randy proposed on Valentine’s Day. Drew thought he would do the same thing.

On Valentine’s Day, Drew and Hilary had planned to eat at Hubbard Inn. Hubbard Inn was the place where Drew first told Hilary that he loved her. Drew came over after work and they got ready to go to dinner. Drew gave Hilary a ring pop as a joke before they left for dinner and Hilary was NOT HAPPY! They had a very nice dinner at Hubbard Inn and they even sat at a table right by Ed from The Bachelor. When they finished their meal, Drew had mentioned that he was tired and wanted to head back to her apartment. Hilary was hoping they would stay out for a little bit longer, but understood that Drew had to be at the hospital very early in the morning. When Hilary opened the door to her apartment she immediately heard their favorite song playing in the apartment (Good Life by One Republic). All of the lights were turned off and there were candles and red roses strewn down the hallway leading into Hilary’s room. When they got to her room, there were even more roses and bigger candles (fake candles of course, so the house wouldn’t burn down.). On Hilary’s bed was a picture of them at Hubbard Inn on the night that Drew told Hilary that he loved her and the ring was right next to it in a box( Ring by Sidney Garber). Drew got down on one knee and asked Hilary to marry him. Hilary was so shocked and kept saying, “Is this for real? Is this really happening? Hilary could not have been happier to say, “Yes” to her perfect man. Hilary later found out that Drew’s brother, Steve, had set up the apartment while Hilary and Drew were at dinner. Never has a trick made someone so happy.

For their wedding Hilary and Drew chose to keep it simple and elegant. The entire wedding was to take place at the W Hotel. Hilary's planner, Nancy Eisenberg, did a great job keeping the day on track. The girls got ready in a beautiful suite, with hair and makeup by One Bridal Salon. Florals by Richard Remiard looked and smelled great. The bride wore a stunning gown by Monique Lhuillier, with shoes by Badgley Mischka, and accessories by BHLDN.  The bridesmaids also looked great in their Monique Lhuillier dresses, with accessories from Macy's by Givenchy.  The Groom wore a tux by Theory, and the Groomsmen wore Vera Wang Men's tuxes. After the days ceremonies, we went out to take some beautiful photographs around iconic Chicago locations. Returning for the reception, the bride and groom cut their cake by Alliance Bakery, danced the Horah to entertainment provided by Indigo, and the day's cinematic moments were captured by http://www.turningpointcinema.com/ . Late in the evening we took the couple out for a few more portraits to end the wonderful wedding night.

Congrats Hilary and Drew!