THE COUPLE Katie White and Jess Norman were together 10 years before getting engaged on a family trip to Florida. Katie was expecting a proposal—she’d even designed her own ring—but Jess was still able to make it a sweet surprise on a morning bike ride. “A casual bike ride was the last place I thought it would happen!” Katie says.
THE DETAILS The couple was adamant about having a venue with outdoor space that flowed with the indoor. They brought an Italian vibe to Chicago, incorporating details like lemons sprinkled throughout the decor, blue-tile linens and abundant greenery that transformed the white tent.
THE PARTY A live band ensured the dance floor was packed and everyone had a great time. Katie’s birthday landed the day after the wedding, so they rang it in at midnight during their afterparty at Howl at the Moon. “The afterparty turned into a birthday party, and the celebrations continued,” Katie says. “This will be my favorite weekend every year now!”
THE LIST
Wedding Planner Megan Estrada, NSWE Events, nsweevents.com
Bride’s Dress NEWHITE, Belle Atelier, bellebridalatelier.com
Bride’s Headpiece Toni Federici, Belle Atelier, bellebridalatelier.com
Bride’s Jewelry Lelet NY, leletny.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Antonette White Artistry, antonettewhite.com
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Tuxes The Black Tux, theblacktux.com
Rings Hers: Barbara Parker Fine Jewelry, barbaraparkerfinejewelry.com; His: Cartier, cartier.com
Florals & Decor Life in Bloom, lifeinbloomchicago.com
Invitations Mi-Te Printing, miteprint.com
Linens BBJ La Tavola, bbjlatavola.com
Entertainment The Chicago Players, Gold Coast Events, goldcoasteventschicago.com
Lighting MDM Entertainment, mdmentertainment.com
Photo Booth Pixster, pixsterchicago.com
Accommodations The Langham, Chicago, langhamhotels.com
Photography by: Alex Ferreri
