ALTHOUGH THEY’RE FROM NEIGHBORING TOWNS and went to high school together, Amanda Franklin and Jack Nicholson didn’t connect until 10 years later when they exchanged phone numbers at their school reunion. “We went on a date the following weekend,” Amanda says, “and the rest is history.” Jack proposed during a family photo shoot in Hilton Head, and the couple quickly began planning.
Amanda, a bridal stylist at esteemed Chicago salon Ultimate Bride, is no stranger to the process. “Working in the bridal industry, and also getting married during the height of wedding season, I had very little time to commit to planning my own wedding,” she says. Thanks to planner Carly Carynski of LOLA Event Productions, even rain, two ripped veils and other small fires didn’t stop the day from being picture-perfect. “Carly kept me calm and was instrumental in helping through the planning process and the day of the wedding.”
About one year after the engagement, Amanda and Jack walked down the aisle at the stunning Galleria Marchetti in an elegant ceremony reminiscent of a chic garden party. Naturally, Amanda donned three stunning looks: A fall 2023 Elie Saab ceremony gown, Monique Lhuillier’s Ballad dress for the reception (both purchased at Ultimate Bride), and a customized Reign gown by Chicago designer Sarah Varca for her late-night look.
“Writing and speaking our own personal vows to each other was such a special moment,” Amanda shares. “We will cherish those words forever.” Another moment they won’t soon forget? Dancing the night away. “We had a pretty epic dance circle with some breakdancing and even a backflip by my brother,” the bride says. And the late-night delivery from Giordano’s (Jack’s favorite) was a hit, keeping guests fueled for the rest of the night.
The List
Venue & Catering Galleria Marchetti, galleriamarchetti.com
Wedding Planner Carly Carynski, LOLA Event Productions, lolaeventproductions.com
Bride’s Gowns Ceremony: Elie Saab; Reception: Monique Lhuillier; Both: Ultimate Bride, ultimatebride.com; Afterparty: Varca, varcabridal.com
Bride’s Shoes Jimmy Choo, us.jimmychoo.com
Bride’s Jewelry Jennifer Behr & Maria Elena Headpieces, Ultimate Bride, ultimatebride.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Bianca Sansosti Artistry, biancasansosti.com
Groom’s Tux Indochino, indochino.com
Rings James Allen, jamesallen.com
Bridesmaids’ Dresses Hayley Paige Occasions & Jenny Yoo, Bella Bridesmaids, bellabridesmaids.com
Groomsmens’ Tuxes The Black Tux, theblacktux.com
Florals & Decor Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, phillips-flowers.com
Cake Bittersweet Pastry Shop, bittersweetpastry.com
Invitations & Escort Cards Steracle Press, steracle.com
Entertainment Final Say, Maggie Speaks, maggiespeaks.com
Lighting & Production MDM Entertainment, mdmentertainment.com
Accommodations InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, icchicagohotel.com
Transportation Premier Trolley, premiertrolleygroup.com
Videographer Wild Light Films, wildlight.film
Photography by: Tim Tab Studios
