KATE LERMAN still fondly remembers the first thing John Reavey messaged her on Tinder: Do you get free cake as a wedding planner? “I knew we would get along,” she says now, laughing. “Who doesn’t love free cake?”
In late 2019, Kate—wedding planner and owner of sister brands Cygnet Events and Design and Arcana Vintage Rentals—found John on one knee in their hotel while on vacation in Japan; just two months later, they tied the knot in front of seven guests at South Shore Cultural Center. “It’s one of my favorite hidden gems in the city,” the bride says of the venue. Post-ceremony, the couple celebrated with a 65-guest reception at CV Atelier, Kate’s own wedding venue that John helped create.
The bride opted for a color palette of bright winter white and Wedgwood blue with accents of celadon and lilac—inspired by her love for chinoiserie—and even designed her own wallpaper for the space. “I wanted a very crisp, romantic, traditional look that was punched up with unexpected elements,” she says.
In lieu of dancing and speeches, the newlyweds enjoyed intimate conversations with all of their guests. There was one traditional element, though: Of course, they needed a cake. The carrot with cream cheese and pistachio with lychee rose buttercream confection was on prominent display as a nod to their beginning as a couple.
The invitation suite featured blind letterpress, die-cut shapes and a custom liner. Photographed by True Grace Photography
The ceremony setup. Photographed by True Grace Photography
Arrangements had all-white florals. Photographed by True Grace Photography
A chic bar sign. Photographed by True Grace Photography
The cake was a work of art, with architectural motifs pulled from the venue and sugar tassels that moved. Photographed by True Grace Photography
John’s boutonniere. Photographed by True Grace Photography
Venue Ceremony: South Shore Cultural Center, chicagoparkdistrict.com;
Reception: CV Atelier, chicagovintageweddings.com/event-space
Wedding Planner & Rentals Kate Reavey, Cygnet Events and Design, cygneteventsanddesign.com
Bride’s Gown Neta Dover, Mira Couture, miracouture.com
Bride’s Veil Lena Rom, lenarom.com
Bride’s Shoes Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Renee Feldman Salon, reneefeldmansalon.com; Makeup: Shannon O’Brien, shannonobrienmua.com
Groom’s Tux & Shoes Formally Modern Tuxedo, formallymodern.com
Rings Brilliant Earth, brilliantearth.com
Florals Splendor of Eden, splendorofeden.com
Catering Northern Fork, northernfork.com
Cake Flourish Cake Design, flourishcakedesign.com
Invitations Steracle Press, steracle.com
Calligraphy Emily Rose Ink, emilyroseink.com
Rentals Arcana Vintage Rentals, arcanarentals.com
Linens Windy City Linen, windycitylinen.com
Lighting Atmosphere Events Group, aegproduction.com
Photography by: True Grace Photography
