Ellie’s gown was the inspiration behind some of the decor. “The ribbons we used for the invites, ceiling and place cards were a romantic nod to the ribbon and bows on my dress.”
“WE MET under the stars, somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,” says Ellie Goone of her love with Jordan Bender. It was 2014, and they were studying abroad on Semester at Sea, visiting 12 countries in just over 100 days. “It was such a unique way to get to know each other.” Six years later, Jordan proposed with an heirloom stone.
They said “I do” in front of 225 guests, uniting in a traditional Jewish ceremony followed by a chic reception. The theme was modern and romantic, with a touch of whimsy. “Inspired by the waves of the ocean that are part of our love story, custom curved metal panels were suspended over the dance floor as a dramatic focal point,” Ellie says. Kehoe Designs interspersed the panels with gray fringe, ribbons, crystal pendants and ivory roses. “It transformed the entire ballroom into a fairy tale.”
After dinner, the party was on. “We were dancing so hard that my dress came un-bustled,” Ellie remembers. “It ended up being a moment I’ll never forget; I was able to take a step to the side and see our guests having the best time, enjoying the celebration of our love, while my mom re-bustled it.”
For their honeymoon, they stuck with the Four Seasons—this time halfway across the world. “We stayed in an overwater villa at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, with direct access to the turquoise ocean,” Ellie says. “We were back in the middle of the Pacific, right where we originally met.”
The ballroom at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago was completely transformed for a look that was “contemporary with a touch of whimsy,” says the bride.
Bridesmaids’ gowns were by different designers but blended together seamlessly.
The escort card display.
The bride sourced hand-dyed taupe silk ribbon from Etsy to wrap around invitations.
Jordan’s mother is from New Orleans, so the couple led a traditional second line at their reception.
The List
Venue & Catering Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, fourseasons.com
Wedding Planner Reva Nathan & Associates, revanathan.com
Bride’s Gown Berta Privée, Ultimate Bride, ultimatebride.com; Afterparty: Retrofête, retrofete.com
Bride’s Shoes Aquazzura, shopbop.com; Bella Belle, bellabelleshoes.com; Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com
Bridal Stylist Gwendolyn Watson
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Renee Feldman Studio, reneefeldman.com; Makeup: Elise Brill, Leesi B., shop.leesib.com
Groom’s Tux Michael Andrews Bespoke, New York City, michaelandrews.com
Bow Tie Tier Ted Boone Groom’s Watch Cartier, cartier.com
Rings Hers: M.S. Rau, rauantiques.com; His: Tiffany & Co., tiffany.com
Bridesmaids’ Dresses Dessy, Bella Bridesmaids, bellabridesmaids.com; Galvan London, us.galvanlondon.com
Florals Kehoe Designs, kehoedesigns.com
Invitations Arzberger, arzbergerstationers.com; Ribbon: ShyMyrtle, esty.com/shop/shymyrtle
Entertainment Rendezvous, Rendezvous Music, rendezvousmusic.net; Afterparty: DJ Rock City, djrockcity.com
Lighting & Sound BlackOak Technical Productions, blackoak.tech
Transportation Infinity Transportation, infinitytransportation.com
Videographer Hunter Floyd Films, hunterfloydfilms.com
Photographer Tim Tab Studios, timtabstudios.com
Photography by: Tim Tab Studios
