Brent’s bold teal tux was inspired by the couple’s home decor.
A YEAR TO THE DAY after getting engaged in Lake Geneva, Christine Janda and Brent Edelcup said “I do” beneath the Tiffany dome at Chicago Cultural Center. But, it wasn’t just any wedding: When the bride is an accomplished wedding planner and designer, no stone goes unturned.
The event took guests on a journey, one the bride calls a “crescendo of color.” It was both literal—the palette evolved from pastels in the ceremony to deeper hues at cocktail hour to jewel tones for the reception—and figurative. “During the ceremony, I wanted the sentiment and emotion to shine,” Christine says. “We got married underneath a chuppah for Brent’s culture and had orchids for my Thai heritage. By the reception, we wanted it to be a party filled with love and energy. Full color was important to us, and a different energy as it was in an entirely different room.” (While most couples keep all events in the esteemed Preston Bradley Hall, Christine and Brent took advantage of the venue’s many unique spaces.)
Following a surprise second line into cocktail hour—an homage to a trip the couple took to New Orleans— and an Asian-influenced dinner, the party moved into a dancing space recreated to look like the bar where Brent and Christine met, Innjoy. “We had glammed up Jell-O shots in honor of Innjoy, and recreated its neon sign [but] called it ‘Edelcup.’” After an emotional final dance to “Crazy in Love”—with the couple’s family circled around—the party moved to the place it all began, the actual Innjoy.
“The theme throughout was love and togetherness,” Christine says. “We are told our wedding was the most emotional one people have been to. It just exuded feeling and warmth.”
The ceremony was held beneath the famed Tiffany dome.
the bride wore a Daalarna mini for the reception.
A floral print was carried through design, from invitations and programs to the stage surround.
Each escort card was hand calligraphed and featured a keepsake tassel.
Christine selected each berry bridesmaid’s dress, and the ‘flower man’ wore a blush tuxedo jacket.
The List
Venue Chicago Cultural Center, chicago.gov
Wedding Planners & Florals Christine Janda & Katy Krantz, Christine Janda Design & Events, christinejanda.com
Bride’s Gowns Ceremony: Netta BenShabu; Reception: Daalarna; Both: Mira Couture, miracouture.com
Bride’s Shoes Loeffler Randall, loefflerrandall.com
Bride’s Jewelry Earrings: Shashi, Revolve, revolve.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup The Bridal Beauty Team, thebridalbeautyteam.com
Groom’s Tux Nicholas Joseph, customsuitsyou.com
Rings Hers: designed by groom; His: Elite Fine Jewelers, elitefinejewelers.com
Groomsmen’s Tuxes The Black Tux, theblacktux.com; Bow Ties: Mandujour, mandujour.com
Bridesmaids’ Gifts Averie, shopaverie.com
Officiant Jim Rehnberg, Rent-a-Rev, rentarev.com
Chuppah BBJ La Tavola Atelier, bbjlatavola.com/atelier
Invitations LBrown Design & Paperie, lbrowndesignpaperie.com
Catering Paramount Events, paramounteventschicago.com
Cake Alliance Bakery, alliancebakery.com
Sweets Spin-Spun, spin-spun.com
Lighting Elegant Event Lighting, eelchicago.com
Bar & Rentals 1440 Event Design, 1440eventdesign.com
Entertainment Band: Sway Chicago, Biosatt Custom Productions, biossat.com; DJ: Matt Roan, djmattroan.com
Transportation Way to Go Trolley & Bus Rental, wtglimo.com; V.I.P. Valet Services, vipvaletservices.com
Photo Booth Snapbooth Chicago, snapboothchicago.com
Photography by: Olivia Leigh Photographie
