Phew. Now this was one spectacular wedding to be a part of. Let me try to do Jessy and Erik some justice in words.

Jessy and Erik hired me earlier this past spring for online design consulting and vendor referrals. What started out as an online relationship turned into more when we realized I was free to coordinate their big day. You may remember Jessy and Erik from these photos here and here, or these ones over here. Jessy was the bride who years ago worked as a barista in a little coffee shop downtown Chicago. Like clockwork, every morning when she opened, Erik would come in and be her first customer until one day, together they started the first day of their combined forevers. For years they’ve been continuously asked by family and friends, when they’d finally make it official. And in no rush to prove their love to anyone, they’ve happily dated, growing together in life and in love. We all know I’m a big believer in later is greater because the sweetest things in life often happen with just an ounce of patience. Jesse and Erik, you fit this mould to a T. And your wedding was personable, sweet and one of the craziest parties I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Thank you for including me. Even better, these photos by Michael Murphy, are some of the most wonderfully beautiful photos that truly tell a special story. Enjoy my bloggies xoxo

I was slightly obsessed with this bridal party. Not only were they all sweet, so in tune to Jessy and extremely good looking but they all had the best dresses, each one uniquely catered to each girl’s body and personality. All together they looked perfectly coordinated and absolutely stunning next to their bouquets made by the amazing Marla Courtney Wood. I’m so happy we were able to add in some gorgeous Juliet garden roses to the bouquets. They brought together the coral hue just wonderfully.

Jessy has a soft spot for chevron and coral. I loved styling together all of the sweet details from her wedding. Her paper products were found on Etsy and Jessy herself hand stitched every single napkin ring in three different fabric patterns (with sweet little wood buttons). The table numbers and guest book sign were heavy duty copper cut outs made by the groom who with Jessy owns a custom sign business. Each table had a number designated to it that represented a milestone or important number to the bride and groom (like the highest altitude they ever skied at together, the amount of days they were engaged for and the number of years they’ve collectively known their bridal party). It was such fun finding out what each number meant.

Ready for the sweetest first look ever?

And the prettiest portrait photo you’ve ever seen:

Stunning bridal bouquet. And one rad BHDLN leather sash.

To honor their late Grandfathers, Jessy and Erik both poured out a little alcohol during their ceremony. An Illinois beer for Erik’s Grandpa and a select cheap red wine out of a glass mug that Jessy’s Grandpa used to cherish. I loved this nontraditional way of honouring their late loved ones. I’m also a huge sucker for both the processional and recessional at any wedding. I may or may not get teary eyed at every single wedding I send off a bride down the aisle. It never gets old for me :)

For the guest book table, I loved the idea of a flower arrangement coming out of the drawer and Marla really brought this vision to life. For the ‘guest book,’ itself, guests were asked to sign a giant copper sign made by the groom with the couple’s wedding date numeral punched out of it. They plan on having the piece mounted onto wood with the matching table numbers displayed around it thus bringing together all of the numbers – and signatures – that mean the most to them from their special day. Anything unique and memorable that can be displayed in your home after your wedding is a must have in my books.

And whose ready for some spectacular details? Let’s do this.

I had an ampersand piñata custom made by Sara over at Pinyadayada and was so excited to present this little surprise to Jessy and Erik. Natalie my sweet assistant and I, hung this in the tree during cocktail hour so that right before the reception Jessy and Erik could have a little fun in front of all their guests. Right before Jessy smacked the coral and gold ampersand she shouted out to everyone, “This first hit is for all of the anger Erik has ever caused me!” and she hit that thing so hard it flew off the ribbon on the first hit! Everyone was laughing and cheering for her while kids, and a few guests ran to gather all of the candies and little party favors I had stuffed in there (like Andes mints, the couple’s fave and noise makers). Jessy then held out the piñata in her hands so Erik could have one swing at it, finally breaking the thing into two. Such a fabulous part of the day!

This shot is totally going on my office wall as a canvas. I’m obsessed.

Some more details! Favors were bags of coffee from Savor the Flavor, the coffee shop where Jessy and Erik first met. Ironically enough, this batch of coffee was likely one of the last batches from the shop as it recently closed. And the centerpieces were planted herbs Marla handled, like white lavender, rosemary and sage purposely planted in various Anthropologie planters so family and friends could take them home as mementos. Oh and the meal! Crooked Creek Ranch nailed it with the most delicious meal of pulled pork, biscuits, brisket, mac and cheese and coleslaw. Let’s just say there were a few people who ran back up to the food station for seconds and it was obviously easy to see why. What a perfect meal choice.

And the rings, last but not least. Of course, in a bed of coffee beans.

Jessy and Erik, you both together make me happy. I cannot wait to drink personalized wine and eat cookies out of my new Anthro cookie jar only to think of you both with every bite. And I mean that in the most non-creepy way possible of course. Here’s to hundreds of more moments like the ones that filled August 4th of 2012. Happiest of marriages to you both.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Photography: Michael Murphy IV Photography / Partial planning, design and coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Videography: Nathan Kostegian / Flowers: Marla Courtney Wood / Venue: Crooked Creek Ranch / Band: Stevie Ray Ballog / Bride’s accessories, bridesmaid’s accessories, centerpiece planters: Anthropologie / Bride’s gown: Jim Hjelm Blush / Buntings and napkin rings: handmade by the bride / Coffee Favors: Savor the Flavor / Coral table: Fancy Fray / Hair and makeup: Salon Mimi Dearborn / Pinata: Pinyadayada / Wedding pie and dessert: Aunt B’s Cakes and Desserts / Bridal and bridesmaid robes: SingingSlowly / Guys Wear: John W. Nordstrom / Rings: LaRon Jewelers, custom designed / Paper products: Anna Michelle Cards