As a personal trainer at XSport Fitness (230 W. North), Edwin Echevarria sees dozens of people pass through his gym on a daily basis. But in December 2011, something about ER nurse Lindsay Ryan caught his eye. It took Echevarria six months to find the courage to strike up a conversation with Ryan — but once he did, the duo began training together, which sparked a romantic connection. In July of 2012, Echevarria proposed to Ryan at her favorite park near Navy Pier. The two wasted no time diving into wedding planning, tying the knot in front of 100 guests at Loft on Lake (1366 W. Lake) just one year later. “It was a party from start to finish,” says Ryan.

Echevarria’s parents traveled from their native Puerto Rico for the bash, where guests danced to traditional music and dined on ethnic bites such as carne asada and patatas bravas. The bride paid homage to her Italian roots with Italian-American buffet stations, stocked with chicken Marsala and roasted vegetables. The evening ended on a sweet note, as guests flocked to a dessert table topped with pizzelles crafted by Ryan’s mother.

Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos courtesy Tommy & Gina from Gina Cristine Weddings

This week: Alexi Giannoulias and Jo Terlato, the team at Cortland Capital Market Services and the Chicago Area Mensa Organization.

• It’ll be wedding bells for friends-of-Splash Alexi Giannoulias and Jo Terlato (above). The Bank of New York Mellon VP and former Illinois state treasurer recently proposed to the daughter of Bill Terlato.

• We’re thrilled for Doug Hart (left), Lora Peloquin, Tim Houghton and Russ Goldenberg and their team at Cortland Capital Market Services. The investment servicing company recently acquired Gleacher Products Corp., making it one of the largest independent bank loan agents in the market.

• Cheers to the Chicago Area Mensa Organization on appointing new members Beth Ann Demeter, Heather Booton, Jeudi Jeutten, Megan Hartman and Lacee Heduc to their 2013-2014 board of directors.

Eight years ago, Heather Korpella was ready for a change. She gave up her career as a broker’s assistant at the Chicago Board of Trade and started waiting tables at Merkle’s Bar & Grill (3516 N. Clark) in anticipation of moving to California. But Korpella’s plans went out the door when AAR Corp. Sales Director Ben Wollitz walked into the bar. The two felt an instant spark, exchanging numbers and going on their first date a week later. They moved in together after only six months, and June 21 — nearly a decade later — they tied the knot at Salvage One (1840 W. Hubbard) in front of 190 friends and family members.

In an effort to preserve the space’s vintage vibe, the bride focused primarily on floral decor, employing her experience as Chicago Gateway Green’s executive director to fill the reception with wild flowers, peonies and succulents. Pat McKillen doubled as a singer and DJ: He belted out tunes as the bride walked down the aisle and during the cocktail hour, then switched over to play hits that kept the reception rocking. For dessert, guests noshed on three different cakes from Bittersweet (1114 W. Belmont) – crème brûlée, banana and hazelnut — and enjoyed Swirlz (705 W. Belden) bourbon-infused cupcakes, per the groom’s request. Late-night burgers and curly fries accompanied the afterparty at Vertigo Sky Lounge (2 W. Erie). “The day was very, very emotional and so wonderful,” says Korpella. “We’ve been together for eight years and I still have butterflies.”

Story by Katerina Bizios

Wedding Planner: Allure Events and Meeting Productions; Allureeandm.com

Dress: Liancarlo gown, Ultimate Bride, 106 E. Oak; Ultimatebride.com

Caterer: Maison Cuisine, 2651 N. Wayne; Maisoncuisine.com

Florist: Brian Crummy, 200 S. Wacker; Flowerpetal.com

Photographer: Anna Guziak; Annaguziak.com

Hair/Makeup: Griffith Parc Salon, 1913 W. Diversey; Griffithparcsalon.com and Rebellious Beauty, 1917 W. Diversey; Rebelliousbeautysalon.com

Congratulations to Jordan Stemer Miranda (sister of Splasher Zak Stemer) and Jackson Miranda, who welcomed their daughter, Shia Avery (above), July 31. This is the couple’s first child.

We’re thrilled about Kate Spade New York Midwest Regional Manager Jane Lee and Kempler Industries Director of Sales Douglas Kempler’s recent engagement. Kempler popped the question at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, and the pair plans to head down the aisle next year.

We’re crossing our fingers for local bridal designer Kate Pankoke (left): After being booted off “Project Runway” last season, she won the Runway Redemption challenge, allowing her to compete for a second time. Catch the show, airing now, Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Lifetime.

Diane Khania and John Lourmas first met as college students in 2002 at a beach party in Chicago, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2010 — when Khania tapped Lourmas’ Greek side to help write a toast for a Greek-speaking friend’s wedding — that things turned serious. The couple tied the knot May 18 and enlisted the help of event planner Penny Anadiotis to fuse their Persian and Greek cultures throughout the celebration. “Food and family are important to both of us, so we welcomed them with open arms,” says Khania.

After a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony at St. Demetrios (893 N. Church), the newlyweds walked into their reception at the Empress Banquets (200 E. Lake, Elmhurst), where they were greeted by a cheering crowd of loved ones wielding blazing sparklers. Guests kicked off the high-energy reception by dancing to traditional Greek and Persian tunes accompanied by live bongo drum players and belly dancers. Desserts crafted by the couple’s families (such as kourabiedes, a powdered sugar walnut cookie) kept the party going past 1 a.m.

Photographer: Lex Alexander & Sofia Spentzas, Lex Alexander Photography; Lexalexander.com

Event Planner: Penny Anadiotis, Red Couch Events; Redcouchevents.com

Dress: Angelina Faccenda by Mori Lee, Here Comes the Bride, 190 N. Swift, Addison; Herecomesthebrideinc.com

Hair & Makeup: Tina Morales, CM Salon; Cmsalon.com; Lauren Guillen, LG Makeup; Lgmakeupdesign.com

Florist: M & P Floral; Weddingbymp.com

DJ: John Haralambopoulos; Soundsofgreece.com

We’re thrilled for Matthew McCahill, who’s taken a new position at the Godfrey Hotel Chicago (127 W. Huron) as director of food and beverage. McCahill will oversee the hotel’s meeting and event space and I|O Urban Roofscape, a fourth floor venue set to open in 2014. 

Congratulations to Andrew Becker, vice president of the Mid-America Real Estate Corporation, and wife Courtney Becker, who welcomed their second child, Jonathan Mason, Aug. 1.

Cheers to Alex Renshaw, who’s  stirring things up at Drumbar (201 E. Delaware) as the new beverage director. Renshaw will also oversee beverage programs for all nightlife properties managed by Miami-based hospitality group Menin Hotels.

After wrapping work on President Obama’s reelection campaign and finishing a master’s degree in public policy and public administration from Northwestern in January, Barisa Meckler could have used a break. Instead, she moved full-speed ahead, planning her wedding to Cook County Assistant State Attorney Joel Bruckman, a fellow Chicagoan whom she met while in law school at John Marshall in 2007. The two tied the knot July 20 in a traditional Jewish ceremony at Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan). Their 115 guests dined on an extravagant menu: buffalo mozzarella and eggplant salad, followed by homemade ravioli with brown sugar, salmon and beef. But it was the music that stole the show. Meckler walked down the aisle to “Somewhere” from “West Side Story,” and at the reception, guests stayed on the dance floor past midnight, jamming to everything from Etta James to Will.i.am. The couple closed out the evening surrounded by a circle of friends and family singing “We Are Young” by Fun. “That was our movie moment,” says Bruckman.  — Katerina Bizios

Event Planner: Anthony Navarro, Liven it Up Events, 450 W. Briar, (773) 727-4929; Livenitup.com

Dress: Justina McCaffrey, Belle Vie, 34 E. Oak, (312) 751-2222; Bellevie.com

Groom’s Attire: Black by Vera Wang tuxedo, Men’s Wearhouse, 535 N. Michigan, (312) 321-1903; Menswearhouse.com

Hair: Kristen Warken, Anthony Cristiano Salon, 401 N. Wabash, (312) 268-2440; Anthonycristiano.com

Makeup: Ruthie Greensphan, (847) 902-2331

Florist: Art of Imagination, 216 N. Halsted, (773) 632-8553; Artofimagination.com

Ceremony Musicians: Dolce Strings, (708) 743-3361; Dolcestrings.com

Reception Band: Final Say (above), Finalsay.com

Cake: Flour Cake and Pastry, 2409 N. Western, (312) 265-1922; Flourcakeandpastry.com

Photographer: Adam Novak Photography, (708) 790-5484; Adamnovak.com

This week: Cheers to Dr. Eric Winston, Stan Bowman, Ali Zahedi and Sagar Sheth.

A round of applause goes to Deutsche Bank Global Marketing Director Sagar Sheth (above) for his recent appointment to the Israel Idonije Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Cheers to Dr. Eric Winston, who’s retiring as vice president of institutional advancement at Columbia College Chicago after serving as the College’ s public face since 2005.

We’re thrilled for Ali Zahedi and her team at Floor and Decor (307 S. Route 59, Aurora), who opened their doors for business Aug. 22. The store joins locations in Lombard and Arlington Heights

Hats off to Vice President and General Manager of the Blackhawks, Stan Bowman, on joining Imerman Angels’ Board of Directors.

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Gina Lombardo and Ben Firestone met at a local real estate networking event in 2006. Five years after their first date, the duo got engaged and began planning their dream wedding — a task made easier because the couple had attended more than 60 weddings together, giving Lombardo a clear picture of how she wanted her own big day to unfold. With a guest list that quickly grew to 275, Lombardo and Firestone enlisted the help of wedding planner Reva Nathan and tied the knot June 29 at the Chicago Illuminating Company (19 E. 21st). Here are the highlights of their day:

Gown: Nicole Miller, Nicole Miller Bridal – Jenny Yoo Chicago, 300 W. Superior; Nicolemiller.com

Jewelry: Earrings by Roni Blanshay, Lulu’s on the Avenue; Lulusvintagestore.com

Groom’s Attire: Custom Tuxedo by Nicholas Joseph, 300 W. Grand; Customsuitsyou.com

Hair: Jenn Wiley; Jennwiley1@gmail.com

Makeup: Kristen Repta with Rachel Reiman; Rachelreiman.com

Florist: Burt Rubenstein, HMR Designs, 1200 N. Branch; Hmrdesigns.com

Caterer: Entertaining Company, 1640 W. Walnut; Entertainingcompany.com  

Bakery: Sweet Mandy B’s, 1208 W. Webster; Sweetmandybs.com

Band: Greenlight with Rendezvous Music; Rendezvousmusic.net

Photographer: Thomas Slack Photography, 2650 W. Belden; Slackphotography.com

Cheers to newlyweds Graham Kostic, creative director of Glossedandfound.com, and Fran Taglia, business analyst at Loop Metrics, who tied the knot at their West Town home Aug. 10. The couple is celebrating again over Labor Day weekend with friends and family at a barnyard party in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

It’s wedding bells for Christos Grigoriou, co-founder of local charitable sunglass company Ellison, and Joanna Diakonis, who works for her family’s Chasers Bar and Grill locations in Niles and Lake Zurich.

Spotted: The cast of NBC’s “Chicago Fire” taking in the Air and Water show Aug. 18 from the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place’s tent at North Avenue Beach (pictured above with the Hyatt’s management team).

We’re wishing Mike Stolfe (above with Jim Stolfe) and his team well with the Aug. 30 opening of the newest location of Connie’s Pizza (1030 N. State) in the Gold Coast. This year, the company celebrates 50 years in business.

Congrats to The Health Insurance Shoppe owner Jordan Wishner and his wife January on welcoming their first child, Winter Lynn, Aug. 26.

A round of applause for the students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, who’ve just partnered with Elle magazine. They displayed their designs in a live runway show Sept. 6 at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City and their work will grace the pages of Elle’s October and December issues.

Jennifer Lane says that all it took was one date with Brandon Pearlman to know he was the one. “Things just clicked,” she recalls of their first conversation over drinks in 2007. Five years later, Pearlman proposed while vacationing in Florida, and the pair began planning their July 20 nuptials at the Peninsula Chicago (108 E. Superior). Old-Hollywood glamour served as Lane’s inspiration for the bash: She incorporated everything from vintage chandeliers — one hung from the couples’ Chuppah — to mercury glass centerpieces with ivory roses. Clad in a sequined Monique Lhuillier gown and crystal-embellished heels, Lane wed Pearlman in front of 160 guests, all of whom partied past midnight, including the couple’s grandmothers, Evelyn Lane, 94, and Lucy Konsler, 84. “It was a magical evening, to say the least,” says Lane.

Gown: Monique Lhuillier, 19 E. 71st, New York, NY; Moniquelhuillier.com 

Shoes: Christian Louboutin, 58 E. Oak; Christianlouboutin.com

Groom’s Tuxedo: Giorgio Armani, custom made, Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Store, 700 N. Michigan; Armani.com

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Monique Lhuillier, Bella Bridesmaid, 1 E. Delaware; Bellabridesmaid.com

Hair: Erin Ahern for Salon Buzz, 1 E. Delaware; Salonbuzz.com

Makeup: Stella Mikhail for Laura Mercier; (847) 845-0812

Wedding Planner: Reva Nathan & Associates, 350 W Hubbard; Revanathan.com

Florist: Richard Remiard, 451 N. Paulina; Richardremiard.com

Band: Ken Arlen Orchestra, 1415 Sherman; Arlenmusic.com

Photographer: Robyn Rachel Photography, 430 W. Diversey; Robynrachelphotography.com

Videographer: VDO, 1860 W. Winchester; Vdoevents.com

This week: Cheers to Jivesh Toor, Diana McCarty and Jamie Pate, Beth Silverman and Elizabeth Neukirc, and Jacob and Suzanne Gehl.

• We’re tipping our hats to local clothing designers Jivesh Toor, Diana McCarty and Jamie Pate, who showed pieces from their J. Toor line (above) at New York Fashion Week’s Emerge show.

• Cheers to The Silverman Group Founder and President Beth Silverman (left) and Account Supervisor Elizabeth Neukirch on a second place finish for their work on Chicago Loop Alliance’s Color Jam art installation in the “Best Traditional Marketing Campaign” category of PR Daily’s 2013 Nonprofit PR Awards.

• Congratulations to new parents Jacob Gehl, partner at Blue Print Real Estate, and Suzanne Gehl, partner of new clothing line Monica & Andy, who welcomed daughter Meris Nava Aug. 28.

Kevin Tonn and Kristin Knudsen first forged a close friendship while attending Wheaton North High School, but didn’t connect romantically until college. With a five-hour drive between them (Tonn attended Hope College and Knudsen the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), the two snuck in visits whenever they could. “Absence really does make the heart grow fonder,” laughs Knudsen. Tonn, now a special education teacher and Knudsen, a speech language pathologist, honored their shared roots by tying the knot at College Church (332 E. Seminary, Wheaton) in a traditional Christian ceremony July 27. “Our faith is really important to us, so we really wanted the ceremony to be something we would remember forever,” says Knudsen. Helping make it extra special was Knudsen’s grandfather, who carried on a family tradition by singing two guitar-accompanied songs during the ceremony.

The couple exchanged rings from Wheaton’s Stones Jewelry (107 W. Front) — another family tradition that goes back four generations — before moving the party to their favorite Wheaton bar, The Bank (123 W. Front). Later, more than 200 family members and friends attended the reception at Royal Fox Country Club (4405 Royal & Ancient, St. Charles), where they enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing. The bride and groom handwrote place cards with notes for each guest, who later left congratulatory messages for the couple in a video booth in return. “The entire day went without any problems or hiccups,” says Knudsen. “It was truly perfect.”

Gown: Tara Keely, Bella Bianca, 17W527 Roosevelt, Oakbrook Terrace; Bellabianca.com

Groom’s tuxedo: Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse, 49 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton; Menswearhouse.com

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Amsale, Nordstrom, 10 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; Nordstrom.com

Groomsmen: Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse, 49 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton; Menswearhouse.com

Hair: “My aunt, Jen Bonelli, did my hair. It was very special; she’s been doing it my whole life.” Shear Brilliance, (630) 269-8142

Makeup: Christina Purtell and Andrea Rappaport; Flawlessbeautychicago.com

Florist: Tree House, (630) 267-345; Thetreehouseweddings.com

Band: DJ-Chicago, 219 N. Justine; Dj-chicago.com

Photographer: Stoffer Photography; Stofferphotography.com

Videographer: Jessica Lewis; Jessicalewis.com

This week, we raise our glasses to Prasino Wicker Park, Lester and Maureen Lampert, Colette Green and Chicago’s Commonground Marketing Agency.

Prasino Wicker Park (1846 W. Division) is blowing out the candles on its second year in business. Owner Ted Maglaris (pictured above with Brittany Gasparaitis and Danae Maglaris) and his staff celebrated Sept. 5, sipping wine around the restaurant’s new 41-foot bar.

Congratulations to local jewelers Lester and Maureen Lampert on 52 years of marriage. To celebrate, share your love story with them for a chance win a $2,500 gift certificate to the store. Visit Lesterlampert.com for more details.

We’re thrilled for Colette Salon and Spa (100 E. Walton) founder Colette Green (below), who created runway-ready looks for designers such as Delpozo, Kaufman Franco and Rachel Zoe as part of the Moroccan Oil team at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Melissa Murphy and Colette Green

Cheers to Chicago’s Commonground Marketing Agency for their appearance on AMC’s unscripted series “The Pitch” Sept. 12. The TV show chronicles advertising agencies as they prepare campaigns to win new business.

When Nicholas Schaefer joined Match.com in 2011, he didn’t expect to find love right away. But after the CRC Insurance Services, Inc. broker stumbled across Lanvin Assistant Store Director Marissa Gillman’s profile, he knew he’d found his future wife. For Gillman, the spark was just as instantaneous. “It’s what he didn’t have on his profile that caught my attention,” she laughs. “There were no shirtless pictures, and he didn’t take himself too seriously.” The duo’s senses of humor helped them forge a lasting connection, and they tied the knot Aug. 31 at Saddle & Cycle Club (900 W. Foster) in front of 180 friends and family members.

They exchanged vows in a nontraditional Jewish ceremony where Gillman promised to always give Schaefer credit for piecing together his outfits, including his attire for the night, which was head-to-toe Lanvin. Also dressed to impress was the bride, clad in a gown by Israeli designer Inbal Dror, and the bridal party, who donned Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses and Zara groomsman suits with Lanvin ties. But the evening didn’t stay formal for long. A 15-piece band kept guests dancing all night. “They served the first course, and everyone said they were soaking wet from dancing,” says Schaefer.

Photos Courtesy of Steven E. Gross/RealLifeWeddings

Rings: Groom’s from Holtzmann’s Jewelry, 2304 N. Clark, Holtzmanns.net; Bride’s wedding band, Niletti Creations Fine Jewelry & Diamond, 560 5th, New York City, Niletticreations.com; Engagement ring, Hoffman Jewelers, 209 Skokie, Highland Park; Hoffmanjewelers.com

Florist: Abby Flowers Design, 421 E. Irving Park, Wood Dale; Abbyflowersdesign.com

Photographer: Steven Gross, Real Life Weddings; Reallifeweddings.com

Hair: Carla at Charles Ifergan, 106 E. Oak; Charlesifergan.com

Makeup: Mireille Hamon, owner of Mireille’s Studio, 49 E. Oak; Mireillesstudio.com 

Cake: Alliance Bakery, 1736 W. Division; Alliance-bakery.com

Band/DJ: Ron Bedal Orchestra; Ronbedalorchestra.com

This week, we raise our glasses to Chris Pandel, All Terrain and Cassandra Sutton.

John Ross, Chris Pandel and Phillip Walters

• Happy anniversary to chef Chris Pandel and his team at The Bristol (2152 N. Damen), who toasted to five years of business Sept. 23.

Sarah Eck-Thompson and Brook Jay

• Cheers to local experiential marketing company All Terrain (2675 W. Grand) on its 15th anniversary. Founded by Sarah Eck-Thompson and Brook Jay, the agency continues to grow, recently expanding and redesigning its Chicago headquarters.

• Congratulations to Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spa’s Body Director Cassandra Stratton, who recently earned the highest level of massage credentials as a Board-Approved Continuing Education Provider.

Cassandra Stratton

When planning their Sept. 14 nuptials, Byron Flitsch and Nathan Nally decided not to make it all about them — instead, they were determined to celebrate their family and friends. The pair designed personalized save-the-dates (maps marked with their favorite places and relationship moments in Chicago) and passport-themed invitations (complete with photos of each guest), hand-etched champagne flutes and handmade signature-scented candles. “Our wedding was about those in our lives who helped us become the best people we could be in order to form this healthy and happy union,” explains Flitsch.

To make that union official, the couple chose a private rooftop in Lincoln Park with soaring skyline views. “We love Chicago, and it’s where we fell in love four years ago,” says Flitsch. “The city has defined us and deserved a front-row seat to the wedding ceremony.” Splash Managing Editor Molly Each officiated the ceremony, telling the story of how they met and fell for each other. “We’ve never felt more love than in that moment,” says Flitsch. To kick off the reception, the couple eschewed a traditional receiving line, instead stepping behind the bar to serve up drinks to their loved ones. “Every single person there wanted us to feel joy and pride. The love from our guests still gives me a buzz,” says Nally.

Attire: Banana Republic, 917 W. North; Bananarepublic.com

Ties: Marc Jacobs, 11 E. Walton; Marcjacobs.com

Wedding planner: Troy Hilbrands, Dardanus Productions; Facebook.com/dardanusproductions

Rings: Jacob’s Jewelry, 607 S. Hill, Los Angeles; Jacobsestatejewelry.com

Caterer: Jimmy Madla, Coobah, 3423 N. Southport; Coobah.com

Cake: Custom design, Bob and Gina Hartwig of Lovely Bakeshop, 1130 N. Milwaukee; Lovelybakeshop.com

Florist: Halsted Flowers, 2725 N. Halsted; Halstedflowers.com

Photographer: Oriana Koren; Okrfoto.com and Eva Deitch; Evadeitch.com

• Congrats to Embeya partner Attila Gyulai and executive chef/partner Thai Dan (above), whose restaurant was named one of Esquire magazine’s Best New Restaurants earlier this month.

• Hats off to Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide Editor-in-Chief Bonnie L. Krueger-Spurlock and her staff. The Chicago-based publication celebrates its 35th year as the best-selling national hair/beauty magazine in the consumer field.

• We’re thrilled for Robert Mertzlufft, who acquired design firm Heffernan Morgan, floral boutique Botanicals and Ronsley Special Events. Mertzlufft combined the three businesses to create HMR Designs (1200 N. Branch), which provides floral, lighting, fabric, furniture, décor, arts and graphics and fabrication services.

Jack and Judy Glunz

• Cheers to Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. President Jack Glunz and his family, who celebrate 125 years of business this fall, and rank as Chicagoland’s largest craft and specialty import distributors.

Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard’s and craft-beer consultant Gary Valentine’s worlds first collided in the summer of 2010. Izard — the executive chef and owner of West Loop hot spots Girl & the Goat and Little Goat — stopped into Lillie’s Q in pursuit of good barbecue, where Valentine happened to be consulting. The two immediately hit it off as friends, and a year later, began dating. In 2012, Valentine popped the question in true Chicago fashion: He got down on one knee next to Buckingham Fountain. The two tied the knot Oct. 6 in front of 200 friends and family members at the Bridgeport Art Center (1200 W. 35th).

Izard and Valentine’s close pal Lincoln Anderson officiated the ceremony, and the couple danced down the aisle to music from James Johnston and his band, Bumpus. Guests then headed to a food-filled reception, where beloved local chefs and good friends Giuseppe Tentori, Chris Pandel and Bill Kim crafted a mouthwatering menu that included pasta cavatelli, smoked eggplant and heirloom tomatoes and red wine-braised beef short ribs. The drinks were just as delicious: Haymarket specially brewed a batch of My Sweetie’s Melons beer and poured it into personalized tulip glasses, while the pair’s friends from Solemn Oath, Three Floyds and New Belgium breweries served their own concoctions. Mathew Rice created a custom cake that incorporated Cheez-Its — one of Izard’s favorite foods — and topped it with a bobblehead of the couple. Beyond the tasty treats, Izard’s most memorable moment was her first dance with Valentine. “[It was] choreographed by Amy ‘Sauce’ Probasco from Girl & the Goat,” she says. “We did a variety of moves to about eight songs. Definitely a highlight.”

Gown: Veronica Sheaffer, 355 N. Laflin; Vsgowns.com

Groom’s attire: Nicholas Joseph, 300 W. Grand; Customsuitsyou.com

Groomsmen and bridesmaids’ attire: J. Crew, 929 W. North; Jcrew.com

Florist: Kehoe Designs, 2108 W. Walnut; Kehoedesigns.com

Photographer: Jesse Lirola; Jesselirola.com

Hair: Emily Grissom, Solo Salon, 1065 W. Madison; Solo-salon.com

Makeup: Karen Brody; Chicagomakeupartists.com

Band: Soda; Sodarocks.com