Jennifer and Brian’s Wedding at Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, Gangnam Style!

 

Theirs was an elegant and traditional Korean wedding with just the right amount of K-pop flair.

Jennifer and Brian are one of my favorite couples I’ve met this year. Jenny and I “got” each other right from the start––we’re both a couple of romantic nut-cases at heart; at the initial consultation we talked about the “First Look” photos and I described how, in my experience, intense that moment often is for couples. Needless to say, we both began tearing up.

In preparation of their big day, the couple got ready in the grand Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel; we took portraits around the Fourth Presbyterian Church and at the South Garden at the Art Institute.

So. Did I cry again during the First Look? Fast forward to The Big Day. Yep. It is safe to say I was a sobbing mess during their special moment. Oh, Jennifer and Brian cried, too. You can see from the way Brian looks at Jennifer how he adores her.

The bridal party shots were in the Financial District––can you just imagine seeing a bunch of well-dressed people breaking it down Gangnam-style outside the Chicago Board of Trade Building?

Jennifer made a stunning bride. She walked down the aisle in an Alvina Valenta fishtail gown and carried a bouquet of fall flowers, against the simple beauty of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

If the church was serene and sun-drenched, then the reception which took place at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel downtown was the exact opposite and dripping in 1920s glamour: a gold-gilded domed ceiling, larger-than-life crystal chandelier gracing the black, white and gold event decor. The illuminated dance floor was perfect for showcasing the Gangnam-style dance that the bride, groom and bridal party surprised guests with, horse-riding moves and all. “Aaaaay Sexy Lady!”

[Trend watch!! I suspect many bridal parties this season will be making their grand entrance with Gangnam-style dance moves! Move over Chris Brown, 2012 is the year of Psy!]

Jennifer’s sister and best friend was the maid of honor. She gave a really tearful toast. I don’t think there was a dry eye in that room. (Including my own, obviously.)

I loved documenting their wedding and getting to know this couple. When Brian sent me the kindest email thanking me for collaborating so well with his beloved bride-to-be, I cried some more. It’s always nice to get such warm feedback!

Congrats, Jennifer and Brian!

xo, Melissa

*Fun fact: The Fourth Presbyterian Church was the film location in the 1997 movie My Best Friend’s Wedding in the scene where Cameron Diaz races down the aisle to congratulate the supposedly engaged Julia Roberts.

 

Jennifer & Brian’s Wedding Guide ::

Venue, Trinity Lutheran Church (ceremony), Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel (reception) // Bride’s Attire, Alvina Valenta gown, Badgley Mishka shoes // Bride’s Hair, Tran Nguyen//Bride’s Makeup, Lulu // Groom’s Attire, Black by Vera Wang // Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Bill Levkoff // Flowers, Pistil and Vine // Videographer, Chris and Oliver // Event Designer, Self-designed // Wedding Coordinator, Misse Daniels // Food, Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel // Cake, Alliance Bakery // Music, Vince Magsino