Vilayphone and Curtis’s Fountain Blue Wedding!

 

I’ve been friends with Vilayphone for 10 years ever since she and my brother attended the same high school way back when. We all call her Mon. So let’s just say she’s an old family friend, yea?

I also know three of the bridesmaids in her wedding party.

But what is a bit amazing to me is that in all this time, somehow, I never met Curtis, her beau, until now. They’ve been a couple for seven years. Well, it’s about time, Mon! Curtis is cute and quiet. Which makes him the perfect half to Mon, who is very private and doesn’t let her emotions show much. Together they are goofy and nuts for each other.

The couple got ready at the Hilton Chicago downtown. This Laotian beauty wore a frothy, feathered concoction of a gown, which went perfectly with her bronzed snakeskin Fendi shoes (but then, doesn’t Fendi go with everything?!).

There was a sweet baby grand Pramberger in the ballroom that was begging to be perched upon––the perfect moody setting to capture a reflective moment between a private couple, don’t you agree?

Once you get to know Mon well, you’ll find she is a true softie and romantic at heart. How many other brides do you know who surprise her groom with thoughtful, handpicked gifts, one for each year they’ve been together?

The goods included: a bar of chocolate turtles (he loves turtles!), a MacBook Pro, a “man bouquet” of liquor, Lakers tickets that were attached to her garter, a Rolex watch, a Louie Vuitton belt, and this seven dollar bunch––representing their seven blessed years, of course! (The bonus? A boudoir album!)

We did portraits around the hotel and also at the beautiful Tiffany & Co. Celebration Garden in Grant Park before heading over to the Fountain Blue where Mon and Curtis’s friends and family gathered for a lavender-tinged ceremony and reception.

You know a couple is madly in love when she giggles even when he’s not saying anything, and when even a self-proclaimed stoic like Mon couldn’t help but shed tears on this day.

Congrats, you two!

xo, Melissa

 

Vilayphone and Curtis’s Wedding Guide ::

Venue, Fountain Blue Banquets and Conference Center // Bride’s Attire, Allure Couture gown (ceremony), Bari Jay gown (reception), Fendi shoes // Bride’s Hair & Makeup, Tran Nguyen //  Groom’s Attire, Vera Wang // Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Bari Jay // Flowers, Blooming City Flowers // Videographer, Turning Point Productions // Event Designer, Self-designed // Food, Fountain Blue Banquets and Conference Center // Cake, Central Continental Bakery // Music, Robert Sizwe