While I've only been engaged for a short time, I've been secretly planning my dream wedding for ages. I'm sure that's not a novel idea for many women, but for someone who is not typically very girly, the extent to which I've dreamed up elaborate plans for this perfect party would likely be a surprise to even some of my closest friends.
At different times, my fabulous Chicago wedding has been set in a city loft, at Cafe Brauer, an intimate Irish Bistro in North Center... you get the drift, over the years, it's changed based on mood, budget, trends, etc. -- for awhile there, it wasn't Chicago at all, but a beach in San Diego, Hawaii or even Mexico -- but the idea that remained most consistent through all this time (and I swear there is proof in all of my journals), was a rooftop wedding.
Having lived in Southern California for quite a few years, everytime I stepped foot on a gorgeous rooftop (and there are plenty), my mind immediately went to whether or not it would be a perfect locale for my hypothetical nuptials. Where would we stand to ensure the most magical view for photo ops? What time should our first dance be to coincide perfectly with the sunset glimmering off of nearby buildings? Should my dress be a glamorous Hollywood number or something modern and city chic?
But when I moved back to Chicago, there just didn't seem to be that many rooftop options - or at least my lifestyle no longer led me to many to drool over. Going about my business of being a 30-something confirmed workaholic - who by the way, was single - that dream wedding seemed to fade off further and further into history. When I'd come across girls snapping pics in Lincoln Park, the glimmer of hope would return, but I'd bash it down with thoughts like: "You're in your mid-thirties, you've passed the point of the big poofy dress" or "It doesn't make sense to spend money on a party instead of saving for retirement - which is JUST around the corner!"
However, just like "they" say, when you're not looking, love will find you. Okay, they DO say that, but in my case, Eharmony took over to do the looking for me and the next thing you know, I was a giggling, love-dovey school girl again -- falling hard and fast for my perfect match. Cut to a year later and here we are planning our wedding! FOR REAL! Due to budget and timing issues (the desire to get a house, have children, etc.), I thought quick and simple should do the trick. A getaway to Mexico perhaps, or a casual beachside bash in San Diego. Due to the crumbling economy however, we were concerned that it would be difficult for some of our closest friends and family to make the trip and the man REALLY wanted to have a Chicago wedding being that he's new to town and is ecstatic to show his friends and family the amazing city we met and fell in love in.
We each had our own set of "must haves" - mine included Jenn, Theresa, Erika, Stacey, Megs, Janell, Bianca, great photos and great music. His included his parents, his brother/Avie/Porter Colin, dancing, Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes (okay, they'd be on my list if they weren't on his) and Chicago. Secondarily, I wanted something unique, something with character, style, and personality. So, we eliminated hotel ballrooms immediately, didn't even look at one. Then, after starting a new job that would likely take up a TON of my time, I felt I should eliminate stark white or wood-based lofty spaces because I determined that we didn't have the budget and I didn't have the sense of style to put all the $ and effort into making the space special.
Enter The Grand Terrace Suite at The Conrad Hotel. WOW. Most amazing Chicago View, check - more than that - triple CHECK! Cool factor - check! Menu options - check! Size - sure, yeah, we can do an intimate gathering for 40, right? Well, no, it turns out that when you have 6 parents and 10 siblings (including step) between the two of you who are all married and most with kids, you really can't do intimate. Nor do you actually want to. So, while I have been holding onto the idea that some part of my wedding weekend would be held on this magnificent mile rooftop, it wasn't going to work for the wedding itself.
Finally, we came across Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro and I fell hard. Exposed brick, stained glass, hardwood floors and a gorgeous lounge area with piano (plus a Wii room for the kids)! It was THE place, no doubt. The only small problem was, well, it's sort of small. So, as we started working on a guest list, we felt like we were cutting people we'd love to have with us to celebrate. If it were budgetary reasons only, so be it, you have to cut SOMETHING. But the idea of leaving people out AND making people who were there feel just a little bit out of the loop due to 5 smallish rooms where outside of the ceremony nobody would ever be in the same room at one time started to wear on me. Where would we be for our 1st dance? People wouldn't see the toasts of other folks outside of "their" room. Being extremely (annoyingly) over-analytical, it only took 2 months for me to talk myself out of this venue. But now what? Less than 3 months to go? Countless places eliminated in the early planning process now totally booked. Am I crazy to think I can possibly find a new location now? Probably. Am I just crazy? Definitely.
Enter desparity. Maybe a hotel ballroom wouldn't be so bad? Who really looks at the carpet and curtains anyway? TONS of weddings just have a plated chicken dinner, why do I have to be special? Say Hello to Janet Donovan at the Allerton Hotel. So responsive, so friendly, honest and open - and, you know what, the Renaissance Ballroom is actually freaking gorgeous and hey, instead of being outside the Conrad looking at the Allerton, what's wrong with being inside the Allerton looking at the Conrad? At least you know we'll all stay dry!
Then, I think back to when I was going to go the catering route and how awesome Stefani's Catering & Events was. Let's give them a call... Jennifer Monti seriously took me from eloping to being excited again in just 30 minutes. She was real and personal and flexible and friendly. Everything I needed. Not to mention a ton of information and advice about potential venues off the top of her head and great ideas for personalizing the event without blowing our budget after only speaking for a few minutes. A true pro. I'd be so happy to have her planning our event. Why then, you ask, isn't she?
Three words: The Wit Hotel.
One more word: Roof.
Now, an acronym: O.M.F.G.
Laura Ekker you are my special angel, sent from the place crazy people who don't deserve angels are deployed, on a mission to make me passionate again, not just about marrying the man I love, but celebrating that event with everyone who has made me me over the years.
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