How Chicago couple, Lauren and Kyle, planned their destination wedding in less than 3 months.
The planning of this stunning Chicago Destination Wedding was a whirlwind, but Lauren and Kyle were in excellent hands with us at The Wilds. The pandemic derailed their plans to be married in Chicago, so with three months to go before the date, this couple looked to Indiana and found us! With our team of professionals at The Wilds and the best vendors in Indiana, we were able to make this Chicago couples’ dream come true. Lovers of classic romance and soft tones won’t want to miss this beautiful destination wedding.
Nothing could stop this love from being celebrated
We were honored to host Lauren and Kyle’s dream wedding day after their turbulent pandemic-related change of plans. The pair knew that we were the wedding venue for them as each space ticked their boxes of easy elegance, and that drove their design inspiration for the day.
Soft romantic tones set the mood for the day, taking their cues from our light-filled spaces and Lauren’s romantic gown from Martina Liana. The first beautiful moments of the day were with Lauren in our bridal suite.
Out of all of Lauren’s stunning outfitting choices, a truly special piece was an heirloom from her late grandmother. The Chicago bride wore her grandmother’s ring, a beautiful way to honor their relationship. She knew that her bridal look was complete with it, and it was a touching detail for herself and her father. The duo took in the joy of the day in their own first look before Lauren stepped out for the first look with her groom.
A sweet ceremony under romantic florals
Virtual consultations played a big part in Lauren and Ryan’s ceremony plans as they planned their Destination Wedding from Chicago. First, working with Pomp & Bloom, the floral accents of the day were cared for beautifully from afar. Then, Amber of Hoosier Officiant also spent time getting to know our couple. The result was a heartfelt ceremony under soft pink and blush florals that truly echoed the hearts of this beautiful pair.
Our bride reminisces on the moment that she saw it all come to fruition in the ceremony:
Still to this day, I get tears in my eyes thinking of this moment. Walking down the aisle with father, finally reaching the end of the aisle (crying of course), and seeing Kyle with the biggest smile on his face. I literally said out loud, “We made it!” We longed for this moment and there were so many times in this pandemic wedding planning process, that we thought it would get taken away from us and that we wouldn’t make it to this point.Â
Joyful portraits of this Destination Wedding Bridal Party
This bright pair have wonderful plans for their future. Shortly before their Chicago Destination Wedding, Kyle’s life-long dream of working for the Chicago Fire Department came true with his acceptance into their Academy. Lauren continues her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist, richly improving the lives of elementary students.
We asked them where they hope to see themselves in the decades to come together, to which Lauren replied:
We dated for 10 years before tying the knot, so we have already grown so much together. In married life, we are so excited to buy our first home together and (hopefully) expand the family! We have lived in different apartments all over the city of Chicago, so we are happy to finally settle down in one place. We are buying a fixer upper, so I am sure that will test our marriage. But I always say, if we can plan two weddings, in one year, in the middle of a pandemic and make it through, we can endure anything this life throws at us!
Their optimism and supportive love for one another were on show in their beautiful formal portraits by Amy Aiello Photography. In timeless and classic bridal party outfitting, their nearest supporters perfectly complimented the newlyweds. Chic tuxedos and soft rose gowns looked elegant in our sweeping wooded landscape.
Personal details for this Destination Wedding reception kept loved ones near
Lauren and Kyle’s chic personalized bar sign by Creative In Bloom says it all, this group was ready to party! For this Chicago couple, the turbulent months leading up to their wedding had culminated in a dreamy celebration. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, wonderful food, and decadent cake in our luminous Reception hall.
With our convenient in-house, free decor rentals, setting the space and making it feel special was a breeze. For couples planning their own destination wedding with us, these elements are one more item that you won’t have to worry about. Romantic lanterns and greenery set the atmosphere for an incredible party.
Lauren’s sister was unable to attend the wedding due to the pandemic, but she still had a heartfelt part to play in the day. With travel not possible for her at the time, we were able to coordinate with DJ Joe from Complete Weddings and Events to help her deliver her Maid of Honor speech from California. A virtual call-in kept her close to, and supporting her sister as she had wanted to be. It was a standout moment for all, and something we were honored to make happen.
The evening was full of dancing, inside and out! The evening was capped off with one more dance just between the newlyweds, captured in perfect glowing light, and full of the optimism of their happily-ever-after.
Some beautiful advice from the bride
Lauren has the following wedding planning advice to share with other couples getting ready to say “I do”
Finding a venue that fits your vision is important, but more importantly, you need to build a team of vendors that truly cares for you and are passionate about what they do. Every single member of our vendor team had our best interest at heart and never waivered. The desire of your team to give you the wedding of your dreams and not become ‘just another day on the job’ to them, is truly priceless. We cannot thank everyone at the Wilds enough for being this and more to us.
Watch the beautiful day in their wedding film
Morning Light Film Co. captured the wedding day flawlessly, don’t miss this beautiful destination wedding film!
The Vendor Team
| Wedding Venue | — | The Wilds Venue |
| Bar | — | Upland Brewing Co. |
| Caterer | — | One World Catering |
| Wedding Cake | — | One World Catering |
| Photography | — | Amy Aiello Photography |
| Videography | — | Morning Light Films |
| Florist | — | Pomp & Bloom |
| Musicians | — | Complete Weddings & Events |
| Hair & Makeup | — | Studio M Salon |
| Rental Decor | — | The Wilds Venue |
| Transportation | — | Royal Transportation |
| Stationery, Signage + Details | — | Creative in Bloom |
| Wedding Dress + Suit Shop | — | Emanuele Tuxedo Rental and Sales |
| Jewelry | — | Luo M Jewelers |
| Wedding Dress | — | Martina Liana |
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