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Modern industrial Chicago wedding at A New Leaf

October 12, 2017
green and white bridal bouquet

Isn’t Jessica’s green + white anemone bouquet absolutely flawless? A New Leaf, a floral shop + event space in Chicago, was behind the bouquet *and* their modern industrial event space served as a beautiful nontraditional reception venue. Not only that, but it’s the same spot our groom Mike took her on one of their very first dates. So sweet, right? Thanks to Lindsey Kay Photography for sharing their classic, elegant garden wedding with us today!

Classic chicago wedding Classic chicago wedding at A New Leaf

J’s stunning gown is Mikaella from Mira Couture… Find more bridal party fashion deets at the end of the post!

Classic chicago wedding Classic chicago wedding Classic chicago wedding at A New Leaf

Jessica explains, We have lived in Lincoln Park for 4 years. Each location we chose for our wedding was special. We know we won’t live in Chicago forever so it was really meaningful to us that our closest family and friends got to share our special part of the city with us. We had our rehearsal dinner in Old Town, down the street from the bar we met at. We got married in the neighborhood where we met, we had pictures at the parks we go to everyday, and our reception was at a place we had one of our first dates at. It was all so special for so many reasons! 

Classic chicago wedding at A New Leaf Classic chicago wedding at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at St. Michael's Church Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at St. Michael's Church

Fun fact, St. Michael’s Church in Old Town has one of the longest aisles in Chicago! It’s also within walking distance to the reception venue, and um, completely awe-inspiring. Right?!

Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at St. Michael's Church Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at St. Michael's Church Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at St. Michael's Church

Lindsey of Lindsey Kay Photography has this energy about her that just lights you up. She also has this great laugh (that’s just perfect for a photographer) so when she’s taking your picture, it helps you smile naturally because you laugh too.  She helped calm our nerves, she helped make last minute decisions, keep things organized, and make sure every last detail fell perfectly into place—she was so much more than a photographer!  

Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf

Their biggest goal was to bring 100 fam + friends together in Chicago, and show them a great time surrounded by love. Mission accomplished, for sure!

Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf Classic Chicago wedding ceremony at A New Leaf

Their love story, as told by our bride… From the moment we met—everything was just easy. I always joke that I knew I was going to marry Mike the night we met, but I think I’m serious about that! Our relationship always felt so genuine and special, I really think we were in love from day one. 

Mike had plans for an outdoor proposal the night before Thanksgiving in 2016. I had NO idea he was proposing—we never discussed rings or anything! He planned for us to go on a run after work and then propose at Diversey Harbor on our way back (a landmark that holds sentimental value to us). Chicago weather had different plans. It was sleeting and freezing out, so he had to quickly improvise and come up with plan B. The proposal couldn’t wait because my dad was expecting us to make the announcement and surprise everyone on Thanksgiving.

We had an intimate and private proposal at our apartment in Lincoln Park, followed by dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The entire weekend was so fun and memorable. We didn’t tell anyone, so every party we showed up at, everyone was shocked and thrilled, it was just celebration after celebration!

Cheers!

Photography: Lindsey Kay Photography / Ceremony Venue: St. Michael’s Church in Old Town, Chicago / Reception Venue: A New Leaf in Lincoln Park, Chicago / Florist:  A New Leaf / Hair:  Anna Jackson of Maxine Salon / Makeup: Abbey Taylor / Invitations: The American Wedding / Cake: Maddiebird Bakery / Gelato:  Black Dog Gelato / Catering: Boka Group / Rentals: Tablescapes / Reception Décor: Etsy / DJ: DJ Tsunami / Bride’s Dress: Mikaella from Mira Couture / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Veil: Lunss / Rings: Custom from Malinich Jewelers in St. John, Indiana / Earrings: Nadri from Nordstrom / Bracelet & Clutch: Bride’s Mom’s / Handkerchief: Bride’s Grandmother’s / Lipstick: YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain / Bridesmaids Dresses: ASOS, Nordstrom, & Bloomingdales / Flower Girl Dress: BHLDN / Groom’s Suit, Shoes, & Cufflinks: The Black Tux / Watch: Groom’s Grandfather’s / Ring Bearer: Black n Bianco