SARA HARDY & ANDRÉS BAÑUELOS
August 5, 2023
The Old Post Office
Photographed by Arielle Gallione
THE COUPLE Sara Hardy and Andrés Bañuelos had been classmates throughout middle and high school, but it wasn’t until their 10-year reunion—which neither had even planned to attend— that they hit it off. Two years later, Andrés proposed in Italy.
THE DETAILS Their summer wedding fused the couple’s love of Chicago with their respective cultures. They picked a grand, historic venue: The Old Post Office. “We wanted to highlight the architectural beauty of our venue while incorporating both our Japanese and Mexican heritages,” Sara says. “The flowers included odes to both of our cultures: cherry blossoms and roses to represent my Japanese roots, and dahlias and anthuriums to represent Andrés’ Mexican heritage.”
THE PARTY Dinner, likewise, paid homage to their roots. “The salmon dish had an Asian flavor profile, while the beef and veggies were Mexican-inspired,” Sara says. The newlyweds changed into second looks—Sara’s a custom feather mini dress—and surprised guests with a choreographed salsa and merengue first dance, then opened up the floor. The festive affair ended with late-night churros and a bus ride to their favorite neighborhood spot, Easy Bar.
Sara carried a bouquet of all white and ivory roses, wrapped with her grandfather’s gold tie and grandmother’s brooch.
Sara’s wedding band features baguettes from her mother’s and grandmother’s rings
Ikebanastyle florals were an ode to the bride’s heritage
THE LIST
Wedding Planner & Florals Christine Janda Design & Events, christinejanda.com
Bride’s Gowns Ceremony: Martina Liana, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, bellabianca.com; Reception: custom
Bride’s Shoes Jimmy Choo, Saks Fifth Avenue, saks.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup The Bridal Beauty Team, thebridalbeautyteam.com
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Tuxes The Black Tux, theblacktux.com
Rings Merry Richards Jewelers, merryrichardsjewelers.com
Invitations LBrown Design & Paperie, lbrowndesignpaperie.com
Catering Paramount Events, paramounteventschicago.com
Cake Alliance Bakery, alliancebakery.com
Dance Lessons Ballroom Dance Chicago, ballroomdancechicago.com
Entertainment DJ Chicago, dj-chicago.com
Photo Booth Pixster, pixsterchicago.com
Transportation Way To Go Trolley & Bus Rental, wtglimo.com; Windy City Limousine, windycitylimos.com
Accommodations InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, icchicagohotel.com
Videographer Vanilla Video, vanillavideo.com
Photography by: Arielle Gallione
