Thursday, October 28, 2010

Emily & Ryan's Wedding

The weekend before last we traveled to Chicago for Emily and Ryan's wedding. Brian was a groomsman in the wedding. He and Ryan met in college and have been good friends ever since. 

The first time I met Ryan and Emily was in LA when we met up to see the Cubs play the Dodgers. Ryan was one of the first friends of Brian's from Iowa that I got to meet. I was releaved to know Brian had nice, normal friends who were also insanely passionate about sports (specifically the Iowa Hawkeyes)


The four of us get along really well. Although we live far away, we've had the opportunity see them quite a few times: once to visit them last summer and then we hosted them here in CA last fall.  

During our visits Emily and I would talk, among other things, about friends, parties and weddings. From those conversations alone I knew their wedding would be fabulous. During his toast, Emily's father mentioned that in their family when they think of "wedding" they think of the movie Father of the Bride. He went on to say that if you're looking for Franck (the wedding planner), look at Emily she's our wedding planner. I loved the reference to the movie and it was a sweet statement, because she really did plan a fabulous wedding. It was classy with well coordinated details, tons of family and friends and A LOT of fun!


The Hyde's ~ October 16
Chicago, IL

Highlights:
Gorgeous church, beautiful bride and groom and adorable flower girl and ring bearer.



After the ceremony the wedding party drove around Chicago to get pictures. I was lucky enough to be invited to ride along with them, so much fun! This was the first stops and one of my favorite pictures of the couple. Roscoe Village is where they live.




Next stop was the lake front, with a view of the city skyline. I snuck behind the photographer to get this shot of the whole group. I love how the green flowers pop against the navy dresses. And well, I also love the view of the city in the background - so pretty!

a few of my favorite pictures of the group: 1. Amazing shot of Emily. Not only does she look stunning in front of the skyline, the light wind was perfect for a flowing vail shot! 2. i LOVED the bridesmaids dresses and especially shoes. They were a perfect combination of classy and cute. 3. I also loved how sharp the guy looked in their matching suits. Really an all around good looking wedding party! 4. Last but certainly not least, B's herky belt buckle made it in the wedding. I love that the photograph snagged a photo of it!

click to enlarge  

The maid of honor made this for the back of the limo. This is Emily and Ryan's dog, Archie. His sign says "JUST HITCHED HAWKEYES" 

The happy couple celebrating on the way to the reception. Cheering and a fist pump for the hawkeyes victory and their wedding, of course!!



a few of my favorite details from the reception: 1. the place cards were little tags pinned onto white pumpkins. i loved the subtle incorporation of fall  2.more pumpkins and how cute is that personalized round box cake in the background? I'm not sure if it was a gift or made by the bride but I know it must be inspired by Paper Source!   3. Each champagne glass was filled with bubbly and ready for the toast. Sweet addition, a strawberry on the side!  4. Continuing with the elements of fall, each guest received a caramel apple to take home (sorry the picture is so dark. take my word for it, they were delicious!)


click to enlarge

From the Save the Date to the invitations to the programs and menu cards, all of the paper were coordinated and very well done. Come to find out, one of Emily's good friends is a graphic designer and made them all. Shown here is the menu card in the background, although blurred, you can see the table number uses the same circular design.


Here is Emily and her Kappa sisters doing their tradition for weddings. Although I couldn't hear all the words, it was sweet. I must say it was much classier than singing to John Cougar at the top of your lungs, per the (beta iota) Theta wedding tradition. 

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day! We were so happy to be able to make the trip out for their festivities. Here's to many happy years of marriage, Hawkeye victories and continued friendship!! 

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