December 13th 2014
Chicago, Illinois
Robyn & Michelle met in 2009. There was an instant attraction, but the timing wasn’t right. The two decided to focus on building a strong friendship and after a couple of years, they began dating. A couple of years after that they moved in together, and became engaged soon after. They opted for a short engagement and immediately began planning their winter wedding. Robyn and Michelle live in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood with their two dogs and they run two small businesses together. The TaTa Top is a bikini top that raises both money and awareness for Breast Cancer and women’s rights, and Michelle Lytle Photography specializes in wedding and lifestyle. Say the couple: “We truly are partners in every aspect of the word.”
The brides chose their venue, Gallery 1080, for its raw, open warehouse space. They loved the lofty feel and the original old wood. Say the brides: “December in Chicago is typically freezing, so we wanted to create a warm, cozy feel throughout the venue.” They accomplished this using over 400 candles. Votives were lit around the perimeter of the room, and each centerpiece included a cluster of candles in varying heights. Mercury glass added sparkle and glow, and pine provided additional décor and filled the space with a fresh, wintery smell. Each table setting had a sprig of pine as well.
The bridal parties carried small nosegays of baby’s breath and each bride carried a bouquet of winter greens with pine, blue thistle, and baby’s breath. Both brides walked down the aisle with their fathers. Michelle went first, followed by Robyn. Their friend Amanda officiated and the brides wrote their own vows.
Robyn’s Favorite Moment: “My favorite moment was being pronounced married and sharing our first kiss as wife and wife!”
Michelle’s Favorite Moment: “My favorite moment was right after the ceremony, when we had a moment alone to just hug each other and cry a little because we were so happy.”
The brides first dance was “You and Me” by Penny & The Quarters.
The brides wanted to include a lot of personal details. Their DIY custom photo guest book displayed photos from their engagement shoot and gave guests space to write well wishes, and the total cost was $19.99.
“We collected wedding photos from both sides of our families all the way back to our great-great grandparents, and we displayed those near the guest book table so that guests could see our family histories.”
The venue worked with a catering company that accommodated the couple’s request for comfort food. “We served BBQ chicken and BBQ salmon with green beans and sweet potato fries.” The brides opted for a small wedding cake to cut that had buttercream frosting and rainbow layers inside. They also included a variety of their favorite cupcakes from Courageous Bakery, which donates 10% of their proceeds to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The brides say that they wouldn’t change a single thing about their wedding. “We splurged on an incredible DJ because good music is what makes a good party. We also splurged on incredible photographers and videographers, because they capture the memories that will last a lifetime.”
You’ll wanna watch their wedding video every single day. Check it out HERE.
The brides also add that it’s important not to get stressed. “The planning process will be as stressful or as fun as you allow it to be. We found fun ways to include personal details, and we spent time finding the right vendors to work with so our experience was completely enjoyable. We consider our vendors our true friends now.”
The awaited day.
Michelle receives some finishing touches.
Robyn gets a little help slipping into her BHLDN dress.
Ready to say, “I do,” Robyn takes one final glance in the mirror.
Warm wraps are ready for the wedding party.
The brides share a moment of warmth.
The deep blue bridesmaid dresses paired with the festive wraps make for a perfect winter scene.
There’s always time for a laugh.
… and a kiss.
Waterfront brides from afar.
Robyn & Michelle lose their wraps and brave the cold.
Michelle plants a warm kiss on a cold nose.
The brides walk hand-in-hand, ready to warm up.
It’s time to head inside to their candle lit ceremony spot.
Love the simple beauty of the baby’s breath.
The brides join hands as their ceremony begins.
Robyn gives Michelle a look of love.
And a kiss makes it official.
Rustic elements add to the woodsy, wintery feel.
And festive cocktails add seasonal color.
The tables are ready for the champagne toast.
The newlyweds are toasted with love.
The brides take the floor for their first dance as wife and wife.
Courageous Cupcakes.
And a rainbow cake for cutting.
The essence of the outdoors, with the warmth of the candle light. Robyn and Michelle enjoy a night of revelry.