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Cheers!

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• We’re wishing Martin-Brower North American Communications Manager Iman Jefferson and Sears Holdings Corporation Senior Software Engineer Contractor Daniel Riedel a happy engagement. The two plan to tie the knot in Chicago this September.

• Congratulations to sommelier Jon McDaniel on his new position as wine director at Henri (18 S. Michigan) and The Gage (24 S. Michigan). With more than 10 years of experience, McDaniel will oversee and customize the wine program at both award-winning restaurants.

• On Jan. 17, former “Project Runway” contestant and local designer Kahindo Mateene launched her first Kickstarter project in partnership with Mamafrica Designs, a nonprofit that promotes education and economic opportunity for African women. The project aims to raise $20,000 to create jobs through fair-trade employment, including a line of clutches produced by Congolese women using repurposed fabric from Kahindo’s past collections. Donate now at Kickstarter.com/discover.


Ever after: Shannon O’Brien & Matt Roan

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When Shannon O’Brien and Matt Roan were en route to their second date in 2007, R&B singer Ginuwine’s song “Differences” came on the radio. Roan teased that the tune would play during the first dance at his wedding — O’Brien would have to accept this or exit the car. “I was like, ‘Okay, I guess I’ll stay,’ ” laughs O’Brien. Five years later, O’Brien made good on her promise. The duo tied the knot in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Holy Family Church (1080 W. Roosevelt), where the Chicago Children’s Choir, under the direction of Josephine Lee, performed a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” as the couple exited the church. “We cried every time they sang,” says O’Brien. Later, in front of 200 guests at the Stan Mansion (2408 N. Kedzie), the pair finally danced to “Differences.” “It was the best first dance ever,” says the groom. Roan, a DJ, and O’Brien, a makeup artist, asked their multi-talented friends to contribute to the celebration: Mixologist Paul McGee crafted a signature Better Half cocktail — a blush colored Aperol margarita — and visual artist James McDermott constructed a large tinsel chandelier designed by the bride. “It was 14 feet tall, and the guests danced under it all night,” says O’Brien. “Everything sparkled.”

It’s in the details

Gown: Manuel Mota, Mira Couture, 1 E. Delaware; Miracouture.com

Reception Dress: Atelier Azza, 900 N. Michigan; Atelierazza.com

Shoes: Brian Atwood, Nordstrom, 55 E. Grand; Shop.nordstrom.com 

Groom’s attire: Sebastien Grey, 70 W. Madison; Sebastiengrey.com

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

Planner: Heather Meibach, Heather Ever Present, (312) 363-8676

Caterer: Jordan’s Food of Distinction, 1551 W. Thomas; Jfod.com

Cake/Bakery: Tipsycakes, 1944 N. Damen; Tipsycakeschicago.com

Florist: Sarah Anderson, Vale of Enna Flowers, 855 W. Blackhawk; Valeofenna.com

Photographer: Emilia Jane Photography, 1658 N. Milwaukee; Emiliajanephotography.com

Hair: AJ Schulz; Yourstylistaj.com

DJ: DJ Dolo and Mister Joshua; Djdolo.com

Invitations: Pulp & Ink, 1344 N. Wells; Pulpandink.com

Videography:  Qalam Productions, 1250 N. Lasalle; Qalamproductions.com

 

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• It’s wedding bells for Danielle Hanken and Brian Burt, the team behind local marketing and design firm WebRev. The couple plans to tie the knot this March in Napa Valley.

• Congratulations to Brandon Weiss and his team at Weiss Building and Development, LLC (326 Hickory, South Elgin) on earning 12 awards for the company’s green practices, including the Department of Energy’s Housing Innovation Grand Award and the U.S. Green Building Council Illinois’ Home Innovation Green Home Emerald Award.

• We’re thrilled for Kim Coventry, who joined the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation last month as its new executive director. Coventry succeeds Sunny Fischer, the foundation’s first director.

Send us your cheers! If you have good news to share — or if you’d like your wedding featured — send a note to Splash@suntimes.com.

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• TV stardom runs in the family for WLS-Channel 7’s Linda Yu: The newscaster’s daughter Francesca Baer (above) makes an appearance on the Feb. 17 episode of CBS’s “Intelligence.” Tune in at 9 p.m. to catch the new drama.

• We’re thrilled for Marissa Joseph, owner of boutique PR and marketing company MJPR Inc., and Robby Joseph, Chicago Bulls group ticket sales manager, who welcomed baby girl Harley Ilana Jan. 17.

• Congratulations to Allie Duncan, who recently joined The 900 N. Michigan Shops team as Bloomingdale’s assistant PR manager. Duncan previously worked at YL Communications.

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Send us your cheers!

If you have good news to share — or if you’d like your wedding featured — send a note to Splash@suntimes.com.

Ever after: Ashley Miller & John Rothstein

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Most love stories don’t begin with a calculus study session. But for Ashley Miller and John Rothstein, hitting the books turned out to be the perfect equation for romance. The couple first met at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign when Rothstein, a sophomore, began tutoring then-freshman Miller in her least-favorite subject. “He was a very convincing tutor, because we started dating shortly thereafter,” says Miller. Over the next decade, the couple experienced a lot of life together: break-ups, make-ups, living apart in different countries, living together in Chicago — but it all culminated in a wedding, held New Year’s Eve at the InterContinental Chicago (505 N. Michigan).

Rothstein, a derivatives trader and head of training at Optiver US, and Miller, a buyer for Prestige Cosmetics at Ulta Beauty, chose a classic black-and-gold color palette for the black-tie bash, with hints of Gatsbyesque glamour visible in details like rose gold-foil stamped invitations. Guests got into the holiday spirit with New Year’s Eve party hats, noisemakers and a Champagne toast at midnight. The evening ended with lots of dancing, even more bubbly and the start of a fresh chapter for the newlyweds. “It’s been such a long journey for us, from meeting when we were 19 years old to today,” says Miller. Adds Rothstein, “We call it our own little fairytale: We’ve grown from children to adults together, and this brought us into adulthood in a special way.”

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It’s in the details

Gown: Amsale, Belle Vie Bridal Couture, 34 E. Oak; Belleviebridalcouture.com

Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss; Hugoboss.com

Rings: Jan Dee, 1425 W. Diversey; Jandee.com

Bridesmaids’ attire: Monique Lhuillier, Bella Bridesmaid, 1 E. Delaware; Bellabridesmaid.com

Groomsmen’s attire: Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse, 112 S. State; Menswearhouse.com

Photographer: D’Lara Photography; Dlaraphotography.com

Makeup: Mark Chi; Mchi@loraccosmetics.com

Hair: Erin Graham Hair; Eringrahamhair.com

Wedding Planner: Melissa Phillips, Simply Perfect Events; Simplyperfecteventschicago.com

Floral and Décor: Yanni Design Studio, 49 E. Oak; Yannidesignstudio.com

Wedding Cake: Cake Chicago, 1635 W. Walnut; Cake-chicago.com

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cheers-SLH-022314.1Luxe hi-rise developers Steve and Randy Fifield are flying even higher this week: Their daughter Alexa was accepted to the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science.

cheers-SLH-022314.3SPLASH first met former Lanvin Assistant Store Director Marissa Gillman last summer when her wedding was featured on this page. Now, we’re following her to the Michael Kors Collection store at 900 N. Michigan, where she recently accepted the position of general manager.

cheers-SLH-022314.2Ding, dong! It’s wedding bells for private chef Neal Snitz and Sofia boutique owner Ashley Zisook, who got engaged Feb. 15. The duo met at a friend’s wedding last May.

Ever after: Natalie Martinez & Flavio Gama

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Natalie Martinez and Flavio Gama are living proof that absence indeed makes the heart grow fonder. The pair spent the duration of their relationship separated by nearly 5,000 miles — Martinez, a reporter for NBC, is based in Chicago, and Gama, a personal trainer, lived in Brazil until recently relocating to Chicago. But flying back and forth over the course of a decade only inspired a deeper connection, and the duo tied the knot Jan. 18 at Cheeca Lodge and Spa in Islamorada, Fla. “Ours is a true love story,” says Martinez, recalling the couple’s chance meeting in 2002. Martinez and a friend had planned a trip to Turks and Caicos, but at the last minute, her friend cancelled. Determined not to miss the vacation, Martinez continued on alone — a decision that led her to Gama, the resort’s sailing instructor and her future husband. “We instantly hit it off,” she says. “We just knew there was something special there.”

The two celebrated that deep bond during their weekend-long wedding in the Keys, kayaking, hosting beachside dinners and dancing to steel drums with friends and family. For Martinez, it was the perfect ending to their longtime romance. “When I saw all these people who had never met come together from two different continents and adore each other, I knew this was all worth it.”

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It’s in the details

Gown: Lauderdale Bride; Lauderdalebride.com

Venue: Cheeca Lodge and Spa; Cheeca.com

Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss; Hugoboss.com; Men’s Wearhouse; Menswearhouse.com

Groomsmen’s attire: Salvatore Ferragamo; Ferragamo.com

Musicians: Reel Ting reggae band; Reelting.com

Photographer: Elite Life Studio; Elitelifestudio.com

Rings: C.A. Jewelers, 7 S. Wabash; Cajewelers.com

Ever after: Tracy Campbell & James Hulshof

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Tracy Campbell and James Hulshof agree that their first date didn’t exactly go as planned. “It was a disaster!” laughs Campbell. First, Hulshof admitted he’d forgotten to make a reservation at the Pump Room on a busy Friday night, and at the start of the date, his colleagues showed up and crashed the occasion. At the end of the evening, when the bill came, Hulshof handed over his credit card only to find out they didn’t accept Discover. But despite his three strikes, Campbell gave Hulshof another chance. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says.

Hulshoff, Red Bull’s district manager, was able to win over Campell, a dermatologist, on the many dates that followed, and after a two-year courtship, the pair tied the knot this winter at St. Michael’s (1633 N. Cleveland). The soirée continued at Trump International Hotel & Tower (401 N. Wabash), where planner Rachel Bradley created a Chicago-centric winter wonderland for the couple and their 140 guests. Stunning crystal candelabras stood as tabletop centerpieces, while multiple ice sculptures decked the room, including a martini ice luge in the shape of the city’s skyline. Even the couple’s nine-tier wedding cake included a mini-Willis Tower in silver fondant icing. Despite their not-so-perfect beginning, Campbell says it was the perfect wedding. “I was just so happy the entire day. I’m so lucky I married this man.”

 

IT’S IN THE DETAILS

Planner: Rachel Bradley, Rachel Bradley Events; Rachelbradleyevents.com

Reception venue and catering: Trump Hotel Chicago, 401 N. Wabash; Trumphotelcollection.com/chicago 

Band: Becca Kaufman Orchestra; Beccakaufmanorchestra.com

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

Photographer: Jai Girard Photography, 1358 N. Campbell; Jaigirard.com

Videographer: REM Video; Remvp.com

Ice sculptures: Nadeau Ice Sculptures; Nadeauice.com

Cake: Cake Chicago, 1635 N. Walnut; Cake-chicago.com

Hair: Frankie Christina, (708) 307-0890; Frankiechristina.com

Makeup: Stella Mikhail, (847) 845-0812; Stellairbeauty@yahoo.com

Invitations: Pulp & Ink, 1344 N. Wells; Pulpandink.com


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• Hats off to local designer Katelyn Pankoke (above): The “Project Runway” finalist added some Chicago flair to the red carpet at last weekend’s Academy Awards, dressing Lauren Strogoff — wife of Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki, who took home the Oscar for Best Cinematography for his work on “Gravity” — in a custom navy gown.

• Happy birthday to Chicago’s bubbliest broadcaster, Val Warner, who blew out the candles on her 40th March 7. The WLS-Channel 7 “Windy City Live” co-host threw a bash with friends and family at the Godfrey Hotel to celebrate.

• Former World Bank economist-turned-restaurateur Rohini Dey will serve up a warm Chicago welcome to females in the food industry March 10: The Vermilion owner is delivering the keynote speech at the Women Chefs & Restaurateurs conference, held at the InterContinental Chicago (505 N. Michigan).

Ever after: Becky Miller & Nick Reder

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When Nick Reder was nursing a crush on Emory University classmate Becky Miller in 2008, he knew there was only one way to catch her eye: by offering to help her with her homework. “Nick ended up helping me, but gave me the wrong answers,” recalls Miller, laughing. Luckily, that didn’t hurt his chances, and shortly thereafter, the grad students began dating. Over the next several years, Reder relocated to Chicago to attend medical school and Miller stayed in Atlanta to pursue her physician assistant degree. But neither time nor distance (three years and 717 miles, to be exact) could keep the couple apart, and in 2012, Reder surprised Miller with a proposal.

The duo tied the knot at Bond Chapel (1025 E. 58th) in Hyde Park Jan. 4. Miller admits to “pinning up a storm” in advance on Pinterest, which helped her, along with LK Events Coordinator Nicole Zenner and Pollen Floral Design’s Lynn Fosbender, create an intimate, candlelit affair with hints of Parisian elegance. The trio adorned each table with rustic burlap runners, sprigs of evergreen and menus hand-designed by the bride’s sister Deborah Lechowit. Inside custom guest books, friends and family members wrote down pieces of marriage advice for the new bride and groom and sealed them in tiny envelopes. And in lieu of cake, the couple fed each other multicolored French macarons. It all added up to a day that Miller will never forget. “When I first saw Nick, I just knew we were in the right moment at the right time,” she says. “I just want to remember that moment forever.”

 

It’s in the details

 

Gown: Catherine Deane Onyx gown, BHLDN, 8 E. Walton; Bhldn.com

Groom’s attire: Bar III 3-piece suit, Kenneth Cole shirt, Michael Kors tie; Macys.com

Bakery: Sugar Fixe Patisserie, 119 N. Marion, Oak Park; Sugarfixe.com

Beauty: Sine Qua Non Salon; Sinequanonsalons.com

Food: La Petite Folie, 1504 E. 55th; Lapetitefolie.com

Photographer: Stoffer Photography; Stofferphotography.com

Photo Booth: Chicago Casino Suppliers Inc., 2219 W. Grand; Chicagocasinosuppliers.com

Transportation: Metropolitan Limousine, 1836 S. Wabash; Metropolitanlimo.com

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• Talk about hitting a high note: Within nine days of starting his Kickstarter campaign, Chicago-based musician and YouTube star Steve Grand (above) has become one the top 10 most successful musicians ever on the crowd-sourcing website, raising $180,000 for his first full-length album. Give through March 20 here.

• It’s wedding bells for college sweethearts Crystal Peters and Will Dyson. Dyson, an account manager at BET Networks, proposed to Peters, co-owner of Celebrity Sew Ins Extensions Bar, during a recent getaway to New York City. The duo will walk down the aisle in Chicago next year.

• Prep your skin for spring with Leah Chavie’s first pharmaceutical-grade product line. This week, the skincare expert debuted goods like Acai Moisturizing Mist ($25.63) and Green Tea Antioxidant Serum ($54.92) at her Lincoln Park boutique (2457 N. Halsted).

 

Send us your cheers!

If you have good news to share — or if you’d like your wedding featured — send a note to Splash@suntimes.com.

Ever after: Heather Walpert & Johnny Divita

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Heather Walpert and Johnny Divita will always remember where they were during this winter’s Polar Vortex: “stranded” in Cabo San Lucas, soaking up the sun as newlyweds. Divita, a project manager for Norfolk Southern Railway, and Walpert, the director of compliance for Dealership Development, exchanged vows Jan. 4 at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort, far away from Chicago’s sub-zero temperatures. The stunning, sandy setting inspired Walpert to keep the other details simple: She chose an all-white theme for everything from the flowers to the bridesmaids’ dresses. The only thing that wasn’t white was the bride’s gown. “Nobody knew I was wearing blush,” she says. “I felt like such a princess.”

After the ceremony, Walpert, Divita and their 70 guests sipped cocktails by the fire pits and had a lively dance party under the stars to the sounds of a local mariachi band. And although their fairytale wedding weekend was technically supposed to end the next day, the couple’s flight was cancelled due to the inclement weather back at home — which meant spending another three days in paradise along with several of their guests. “It was crazy, but so amazing to have some extra time,” says Walpert. “I didn’t want to come back. The whole week was just perfect.”

 

It’s in the details

Gown: Lazaro, Marcella’s La Boutique, (206) 264-0700; Marcellas.com

Bridal headband: Soutache, 2130 N. Damen; Soutacheribbons.com

Rings: Simon Jewelers, (336) 887-9394; Simonjewelers.com 

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo, 2112 N. Clybourn; Formallymodern.com

Bridesmaids’ attire: Faviana, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan; Faviana.com

Wedding planner: SQN Special Events, (773) 469-6095; Sqnevents.com 

Photography: Julia Franzosa Photography, (773) 342-1280; Julia-franzosa.com

Invitations: Erickson Design, (773) 283-4988; Ericksondesign.com

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Elaine Bragg (above) of retail marketing agency TPN nabbed a Gold Reggie Award and Gold Pro Award for her work in 2013 — and it’s paid off. The marketing maven was recently promoted to vice president-executive creative director of TPN’s Chicago office.

Bill Kurtis and John Terlato Legendary Landmark Award photo credit Diane Alexander• We’re raising a glass to John Terlato (left), who was honored March 13 at Landmarks Illinois’ annual celebration for his efforts preserving and restoring architecturally significant works. The Terlato Wine Group vice chairman’s achievements include the restoration of Tangley Oaks in Lake Bluff — the six-and-a-half acre site of the company’s headquarters — earning a ranking on the National Register of Historic Places.

Send us your cheers!

If you have good news to share — or if you’d like your wedding featured — send a note to Splash@suntimes.com.

Ever after: Theresa Song & Todd Bannen

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Two forces became one when “Star Wars” superfans Theresa Song and Todd Bannen said “I do” Jan. 18 at the W City Center Chicago (172 W. Adams). After meeting at a local bar and embarking on a 10-year courtship, Bannen surprised Song with a proposal during a 2013 Mexican getaway. As the pair began the planning process, both agreed the famed film would be an important part of their big day. “I’m obsessed with ‘Star Wars,’ like sci-fi-nerdy obsessed, so I asked our planner if we could incorporate that into the theme,” says Song. Bridget Allen of Shannon Gail Weddings & Events and floral designer Nathan Waldo gamely accepted the couple’s challenge. At the reception, the newlyweds walked through a tunnel created by guests’ light sabers before servers doled out Skywalker Sangria cocktails. Alliance Bakery crafted a peanut butter cream and vanilla cake for the occasion, and accented it with a topper portraying Song, Bannen and their dog Maddox (who wore a tuxedo during the ceremony), as Han Solo, Princess Leia and an Ewok. The unconventional evening was the perfect way for the fun-loving couple to celebrate their new life together. “Guests drank and had a good time until 2 a.m.,” laughs Song. “Nothing else mattered.”

 

It’s in the details

Gown: Legends by Romona Keveza, Ultimate Bride, 106 E. Oak; Ultimatebride.com 

Heels: Jimmy Choo, 63 E. Oak; Jimmychoo.com 

Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss, Nordstrom, 55 E. Grand; Shop.nordstrom.com

Photographer: Jeremy Lawson Photography; Jeremylawsonphotography.com

Planner: Bridget Allen for Shannon Gail Weddings & Events, (773) 580-3660; Shannongail.com

Florist: Nathan Waldo; Nathanwaldo@gmail.com   

Hair: Stevie Smith for Smith & Davis Salon, 735 W. Wrightwood; Smithanddavissalon.com

Makeup: Sonia Roselli, (773) 465-7363; Soniaroselli.com 

DJ: Fig Media, (773) 466-8800; Figmediainc.com  

Invitations: Anna Kate Design; Anna.kate.design@gmail.com

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Gwen Perry is shaping up for a celebration: She’s just reached her 30-year anniversary as member services manager at East Bank Club (500 N. Kingsbury).

cheers-SLH-042014.3Chicagoans can brush up their beauty routines thanks to makeup artist Jenny Patinkin. The talent behind fresh-faced Splash cover stars like Kristin Cavallari, Katie Chang and Jaslene Gonzalez launched her luxe line of makeup brushes this month at SpaceNK (900 N. Michigan) and Cos Bar (662 Central, Highland Park).

We’re giving a standing ovation to new Steppenwolf ensemble member Bruce Norris, whose play, “The Qualms,” will run July 3–Aug. 31. This marks the writer’s eighth play for the theater company.

cheers-SLH-042014.2It’s onward and upward for Glossedandfound.com’s D. Graham Kostic, who forged a collaboration between his online beauty magazine and Project Onward, which supports artists living with autism and mental illness. Supporters celebrated at Interior Define’s showroom (2033 W. North) April 3, where Projects Onward’s artists painted portraits for guests. Proceeds benefited the organization, which will provide art for Kostic’s events and editorial features throughout the year.


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Raise a glass of sake to Adam Garvanian and Chrissy and Aleks Dupor, whose restaurant Shakou (625 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville) snagged a spot on Open Table’s list of 100 Hotspots in America barely a year after opening.

ChefTimGrahamTravelle chef Tim Graham skewered the competition at Cochon 555, the regional pork competition and tasting event April 13. This summer, he’ll take his Mediterranean-inspired dishes to the Grand Cochon competition in Aspen.

IMG_6219Congrats to Ken Churilla on his first book, No One Said It Would Be Easy, which documents the breast cancer battle from a husband’s point of view. The Balmoral Park Racetrack marketing director — a former CBS Radio Chicago exec — is donating a portion of the proceeds to local cancer charities.

Ever after: Amy Bannerman & Brian Stolper

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View More: http://katinaphotography.pass.us/stolper
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View More: http://katinaphotography.pass.us/stolper
View More: http://katinaphotography.pass.us/stolper
View More: http://katinaphotography.pass.us/stolper

After meeting and hitting it off at a mutual friend’s birthday party in January 2012, Amy Bannerman, a marketing manager at KPMG, and Brian Stolper, an insurance agent at State Farm, decided the best way to get to know each other was through travel. First, Stopler filled in when a friend of Bannerman’s cancelled on a Lake Tahoe ski trip. “Brian and I had been dating for three weeks and he sort of invited himself,” laughs Bannerman. “We had a blast.” From there, the couple set off on a whirlwind romance, visiting 10 states and nine countries during their year-and-a-half courtship. It was during a June 2013 trip to Nashville — home to Stolper’s alma mater, Vanderbilt University —  that he popped the question. “The city is special to me,” Stolper says. “I wanted to pick a spot where we could go back and visit time and time again.”

The travel theme continued with an intimate destination wedding, held at the Desert Mountain Country Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., March 22. Bannerman paid homage to the area’s natural elements with a soft peach, green and white color scheme and bouquet of succulents. Following the outdoor ceremony, the 100 guests moved into the clubhouse, where floor-to-ceiling windows provided sweeping views of Scottsdale and glittering candlelight illuminated tables, each cleverly identified by a different type of cacti in lieu of numbers. Although the bride says she initially wanted to elope, she’s glad they were able to celebrate with those who had supported them over the years. “We were surrounded by such grounded people, and we’re really lucky for that,” says Bannerman.

 

It’s in the details

 

Gown: Essense of Australia, Wolsfelt’s Bridal, 1025 S. Lincoln, Aurora; Wolsfelts.com

Groom’s attire: custom suit, Tom James, 30 N. LaSalle; Tomjames.com

Wedding bands: Razny Jewelers, 37 S. Washington, Hinsdale; Razny.com

Photographer: Katina Patriquin Photography; Katinaphotography.com

Planner: Regina Osgood; Meant2beevents.com

Florist: Kate Ryan Design; Kateryandesign.com

Band: TreJa Vu; Trejamusic.com

Invitations: Wood Chick; Woodchick.com

Ever after: Stacey Helgren & Robert Schwab

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When Chicago native Stacey Helgren took a job at Goldman Sachs in 2009, she didn’t know that the man sitting just 20 feet away from her desk would one day be her husband. Robert Schwab, however, took notice of Helgren immediately. “One of our co-workers gave Rob my number,” laughs Helgren. “After several weeks of sideways glances at the office, he finally texted me.” Four years — and dozens of dates, one MBA and a move to New York — later, Schwab popped the question.

Helgren, now a capital introductions associate at Morgan Stanley, and Schwab, an investor relations professional at Och-Ziff — both based in New York — relied on family and local event planner Rachel De Marte to execute their vision of a clean and classic Chicago wedding. The result was a simple and elegant affair at Venue One (1044 W. Randolph) March 29. Surrounded by white floral arrangements of tulips and calla lilies and romantic candlelight, guests dined on delicious fare from chef James De Marte and desserts from Amy Beck Cake Design (636 N. Racine). Although planning the affair long-distance wasn’t easy, it was worth it to celebrate in Chicago. “Having our whole network of friends and family celebrating with us was such a special moment,” says Helgren.

 

It’s in the details

 

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

Rings: Nat Klarsfeld, 18 E. 48th, New York; Klarsfeldjewelry.com

Heels: Kate Spade, 56 E. Oak; Katespade.com

Groom’s attire: Brooks Brothers, 713 N. Michigan; Brooksbrothers.com

Photographer: Shane Welch Photography, 2841 W. Armitage; Shanewelch.com

Florist and décor: Event Creative, 219 N. Paulina; Eventcreative.com

Makeup: Orlando Barsallo, (773) 929-6010; Orlandobarsallo.com

Hair: Laurie Polerecky, Salon 1800, 1133 W. Armitage; Salon1800.com

Music: Katie LaBombard, Toast and Jam, 2043 W. Wabansia; Toastandjamdjs.com

Invitations: Village Paperie and Gifts, 2217 W. Roscoe; Villagepaperie.net

Videographer: James Gustin, Fig Media; Figgy.net

Ever after: Erica Jensen & Alex Motin

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The song “Fools Rush In” holds special meaning for Erica Jensen and Alex Motin: The two believe the lyrics describe their first meeting. Jensen, a senior business travel sales manager at The James Chicago, and Motin, a mechanical contractor at All Points-Schaumburg, first crossed paths at Moe’s Cantina (3518 N. Clark) after a Cubs game in July 2009. Both were immediately smitten. “One of my buddies was talking to her first, but I swooped in and things went very quickly from there,” says Motin. Fittingly, he played the tune as he popped the question to Jensen in December 2012, and 15 months later, they danced to Andrea Bocelli’s rendition at their March 22 wedding at Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan).

The pair chose the venue for its elegant ambience, views of Lake Michigan and five-star Italian cuisine. “We love food and wine and I’m Italian, so it was perfect,” says Jensen. After the four-course feast, DJ Dmitry drew all 116 guests onto the dance floor with his eclectic playlist, which included Frank Sinatra, Katy Perry and traditional Russian tunes that paid homage to the groom’s heritage. But the evening didn’t end there — guests headed to Little Market Brasserie at the Talbott Hotel (10 E. Delaware) for the afterparty, where they drank and dined until 3 a.m.

 

It’s in the details

 

Gown: Weddings 826, 826 W. Armitage; Weddings826.com 

Rings: CA Jewelers, 7 S. Wabash; Cajewelers.com

Photography:  Emilia Jane Photography, 1658 N. Milwaukee; Emilia-jane.com 

Floral design: Pistil & Vine, 1924 N. Damen; Pistilandvine.com

Cake: Flour Cake & Pastry, 2409 N. Western; Flourcakeandpastry.com

DJ/Entertainment: Dmitry Lovebone, KG Beats; Kgbeats.com 

Hair & makeup: Mario Tricoci, 900 N. Michigan; Tricoci.com 

Cheers!

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• Three local organizations located in food deserts — New Beginnings Church (6620 S. King), the North Township Trustee Office (5947 Hohman) and Northwest Community Center (1325 N. Johnston) — will flourish this summer, thanks to help from Fifth Third Bank.

On National Garden Day May 9, Fifth Third officials presented all three organizations with container gardens, representing the larger fruit and vegetable gardens the bank will soon build on their respective land. “We hope these gardens will inspire healthier food choices and help build unity in communities where nutritious food options have been limited,” says Fifth Third Chicago President and CEO Bob Sullivan. The community gardens complement the bank’s annual food relief efforts throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

Pictured above: Andrew Hayes, Jessica Lyn Simic and Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church | Ramzi Dreessen~Splash

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• It’s been a busy year for Alexis Cozzini. The stylish Chicagoan, who launched showroom-style store Citizen Stone (1440 N. Dayton) last fall, is now adding wedding planning to her plate: Craig Bernstein, founder of Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen (100 E. Walton), popped the question in Malibu May 13.

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