Kristen and Joe's Urban Wedding at A New Leaf 9.17.10

When Kristen and Joe contacted me early this summer about coordinating their wedding, I couldn't have been more excited!  They were planning a beautiful mid-September wedding with 100 of their nearest and dearest at one of the most dramatic Catholic Churches in the city followed by a reception at the oh-so-hip A New Leaf.  I waited on pins and needles after our meeting hoping they would hire me, and to my great joy they did!

I'm so pleased to show you some photos from their wonderful aubergine and apple (dontcha just love the names of linens?) colored wedding.  All photos courtesy of Colin Lyons Photography.

The ladies got ready in a sun-soaked suite at the vintage Belden-Stratford Hotel.  Rochelle and Rebecca from Sonia Roselli worked hard all morning on the ladies' hair and makeup.  I have to say that Kristen looked ABSOLUTELY stunning--the best version of herself!

Colin Lyons Photography

 Kristen and Joe elected to do a First Look in Lincoln Park, just across the street from the hotel. They took advantage of the hours prior to the ceremony to take photos with the whole bridal party.  The weather was perfect, though I think some of my favorite shots were the ones taken inside at the Art Institute!

Colin Lyons Photography

Kristen and Joe were married at St. Michael's of Old Town, a stunning and historic Catholic Church just a few blocks from A New Leaf.  Since there was virtually no travel time required, they invited their guests to spend the "Catholic Wedding Gap" following the ceremony at Perennial, a clean and modern restaurant across the street from the reception.  They had reserved a trolley to shuttle guests to and from the ceremony, but the weather was so beautiful that many chose to walk!

Colin Lyons Photography

While their guests were mingling across the street, the bridal party took the opportunity to grab some photos in all of A New Leaf's different and interesting spaces.  PLUS, Kristen and Joe had an amazing Photo Wall* made for their reception so of course they had to get the first crack at that!

Colin Lyons Photography

*Shameless plug:  Five Grain Events is now the proud owner of that photo wall, so if you are interested in renting it for your wedding or event contact me here or here! 

Once their friends and relatives arrived the party began!  As they walked in they were greeted by passed hors d'oeuvres and Kristen and Joe's signature cocktail (the Bollini-tini--too cute, right??) catered by Food for Thought and music by Toast and Jam.  A New Leaf's unique layout allowed for guests to flow freely between the two floors and the charming courtyard.

 Colin Lyons Photography

Dinner was served at stations while Kristen and Joe's honor attendants and Joe's dad made speeches.  No offense intended toward Paul or Richard, but Shieva's Maid of Honor speech was one of the best I've EVER heard...and in my business you get to hear a lot of these :)

Colin Lyons Photography

The rest of the evening was spent dancing, eating cupcakes from Molly's (yum!), drinking, and just having an overall great time.  Kristen and Joe did have an AMAZING Tipsy Cake creation to represent Joe's Alma Mater, Notre Dame but wedding guests didn't get to sample that until the following day when Kristen and Joe hosted a Notre Dame football game party and served it to those present.

Colin Lyons Photography

Kristen and Joe, I wish you all the happiness in the world.  So many congratulations and thanks for allowing me to be a part of your day!

Colin Lyons Photography