hydrangea wedding — Midwestern Bride

For Claire her wedding was a homecoming to a hydrangea heaven paradise. The decision was made long before I jumped on the scene that Elawa Farm would be the setting for her nuptials. A ceremony in her childhood church and a summer stroll through the gardens as she made her way to the historical Elawa Farm hay barn.

Planning from afar in DC there were many pieces of planning that required a more attentive approach and lots of virtual planning sessions, but that was never a problem. Claire knew what she wanted, she trusted her team, and they were aligned in their vision of how she wanted their guests to feel throughout the day. From the Catholic mass, the getaway car exit, the garden path walk with parasol and champagne in hand, to the champagne tower entrance. Guests were guided into Elawa Farm’s transformative space with crisp refreshments and incredible bites prepared by Big Delicious Planet. The fresh farm style reflected in the menu as well as the venue surroundings.

Their placecards were personalized notes. Their staff adorned in their wedding logo on their aprons. Their napkins detailed with sweet facts about the couple. Not a detail left unturned.

Once cocktail hour was completed they moved into their sailcloth tent that was decked out with blue hydrangeas from end to end. The dinnerware was a sleek custom pattern by Festive Frog and Mary Kay Brekke worked tirelessly to match her florals to the same delicate details. An eighteen foot table drenched in a long full runner of blooms spanned nearly half the length of the tent. And as guests were seated the bride dedicated her bouquet to her incredibly helpful, devoted, and beautiful mother. It was a moment we will carry with us for years to come. But still one of the most touching moment was the realization that guests had that the brides dress was none other than her grandmothers and her mothers. Worn by three generations and made her own it was a remarkable nod to their family legacy. A reel of this we had made hit OVER 4 MILLION views already. If you haven’t seen it… don’t wait!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_S43W3OjFr/

We dined beautifully and danced the night away in the most beautiful summer air we could hope for. Guests took home honey from the farm, snacked on sweets from a local, and guests were swept up in the beauty of their surroundings. Lake Forest, only a mere hour from Chicago boasts beautiful landscapes and a slower pace. Tree lined streets and stunning estates it was a refreshing retreat.

Claire and Luke were a delight. I cannot thank you enough for your trust to allow me to help in the creation of this amazing day.

Cheers to you and your entire family! It was a pleasure