Brigid's wedding

Poor little neglected blog...where oh where is your writer? Oh, here she is! Finally! Ready to do a recap on Brigid and Dan's lovely nuptials.


First, I just took this picture...it's a little grouping of some favors from the wedding. The invitation (wrapped in the pink bow) was beautiful. If you click to enlarge you will probably be able to make out the large letters that spelled out the bride and groom's names. The large print - wonderful! To the right of the invite is a program for the whole weekend that came in the large white box and was waiting for guests at the hotel. The program included an overview of Friday/Saturday/Sunday, and had suggested dining/entertaining/shopping options for the out of towners. It should be noted that the box contained other delightful treats - a sampling of famous Chicago popcorn, home baked treats done by the bride herself, little dove chocolates, Chicago's favorite gum. To the right of the program is the actual church program...also very pretty in its pink cover. Note the monogram on everything....well, let me just say that every detail throughout the whole event was included, and this was one.

Before proceeding with pictures, a disclaimer: I wish I had more/better pictures from the day. We tried to capture everything, but once I got home I realized how much we had missed with the camera. That happens with weddings, right? You are so taken with every detail it's easy to miss recording them.

Anyway, let's begin with this shot of the wreaths on the doors of the church, which is located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood.

A view from inside, at the back of the church.

Up front and taking in the scenery. For those of you unfamiliar with St. Mike's, it is very big, and as you can see, very beautiful.

Here comes the bride! My husband tells me that I bumped his elbow (I was on his right) as he was taking this photo. Too bad, I think I prevented you from seeing the bride's father. Can you see Brig's dress? It was strapless and quite beautiful with lace detail. The bridesmaids wore strapless black gowns that buttoned up the back, just like Brig's. They all wore pearls, as she did.

This shaded shot shows Brig and Dan exchanging their vows. The priest marrying them was Dan's uncle, who came in from Africa for the event. He had a comfortable and sincere presence. The happy couple was relaxed and seemed to enjoy themselves while up on the altar.

On their way out, joined as "Mr. and Mrs." for the first time.

The reception! Please, you must look at the site for the Union League Club. It is fantastic. Cocktails were at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner reception at 7:30. Outside the cocktail room we all stopped to take in the Monet hanging on the wall (that was fun.) Inside we enjoyed a sampling of fine spirits, with this cute menu to guide our bar choices.*

*note the historical fun fact included under "something blue". You didn't really think they call Chicago the Windy City because of the weather, did you? No, of course you didn't.

Voila! The towering wedding cake. The reception room was dark...it was late, the walls are a dark navy, the lighting was dim....okay, enough with the disclaimers. I just hope you can see it all.

At each table, a towering bowl of roses in the softest pink/cream, and green hydrangeas underneath. No concerns about flowers blocking the view as we sat at our round table. It was dramatic and very fitting of the occasion. Gotta say it again - just gorgeous!

There's me and my guy. We are doing well with our New Year's resolution, no?

The big band...they were great. They played EVERYTHING and had 3 female singers with cordless mikes that would swing and sway to the music. A favorite moment is when they played songs from the years when Brig and Dan were born. They also played "Livin' On a Prayer" - quite the surprise. My request was played, it was the second to the last song. Who doesn't love "Dancing Queen"?

This is a shot from when Brig and Dan made their appearance formally. Do they look happy or what? They sure enjoyed themselves!

Another attempt at capturing the beautiful flowers.

Brig and Dan's first song. I am not sure but believe it was "Lovely Lady".

They had a ball out there.

He did a little jig...or was it a jog? out there as she danced along. At the end he dipped her, too. Very sweet and romantic.

All in all, a wonderful time was had by everyone. I have more 'people' pictures, but I don't know...it doesn't seem quite right to put them out here without asking for permission first. Brig and Dan hosted us Sunday morning for brunch, and that's when I got the okay for my blog from her.

And, aren't you glad I did! It was a beautiful day, a beautiful night, and lots of fun for me to share it with you.