Five on Friday {Wedding Recap}

Ahhh, I'm still coming off last weekend's wedding high! It seemed like the planning process went so quickly (probably because I had zero part in planning anything) and before we knew it the wedding was here. 

It was the most stunning wedding and everything went smoothly. The bride was stunning like make me cry several times looking at her stunning. I was so honored to be a part of this day and celebrate such a wonderful couple and family. 

Here are my top five mentions from the wedding for Five on Friday!

1 / Rehearsal

The rehearsal dinner was at Quartino in downtown Chicago. Ahmazing food. I was here once before for a bachelorette dinner and it does.not.disappoint. If you have the chance to go, please do. Also, I urge you to order the Polenta Fries. You.will.not.be.upset. 

from google images

I wore a navy a-line dress from H&M, my light trench from Forever21, and strappy charcoal heels that are my mother's because she's cooler than me. 

2 / Venue

We got ready on Saturday morning in the bride's suite at the Westin Chicago. Westins are the best hotel and resort chain in my opinion. I think they're absolutely incredible and I've always had the best experience with them.

image

Dress waiting to be photographed. So gorgeous, right?

We had mimosas and chocolate for breakfast ;) and sandwiches and salad from Corner Bakery for lunch. My cousin did the makeup and we spent the morning relaxing while getting our makeup and hair done. It was so nice to spend that part of the day with the bride and all the bridesmaids.  

Once we were all dressed, the bride and groom did a first look before taking immediate family pictures on the beautiful grounds of the Westin that face the Chicago River Walk. Absolutely stunning views and I can't wait to see the pictures when they're done. 

The ceremony and reception were held at River Roast which is a restaurant and venue right on the Chicago River. 

from google images

from google images

They had a short, but beautiful, mixed religious ceremony. Their rabbi and priest complimented each other exceptionally well and it was so nice to witness. 

Afterward, we took some extended family photos and then had cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres on the terrace which sits beautifully on the Chicago River. 

I snapped these between cocktails. The weather was crisp but so lovely for a fall wedding. 

The food at River Roast is really wonderful and I'd love to go back to have dinner there in their restaurant. 

All the flowers were a soft white and blush and were so pretty against the dark wood of the tables. 

Inside, the venue was very modern Chicago, yet elegant. There was exposed brick and ductwork and our head table was a dark farm table. 

We spent the night eating, drinking, and dancing. After the reception, the bridal party walked over to theWit Hotel to their rooftop bar which has a club-like vibe. We stayed there until the bride and groom decided to head back to their suite and the rest of us went to get late night pizza. 

3 / Bride & Groom

It wouldn't be a wedding recap without mentioning the bride and groom. They are seriously some of the kindest people and just look at them! They are so effortlessly cool. 

4 / My Date

Just 'cause he's one of my favorites and he's the most handsome ;)

5 / Family time

This really should be number one on this list. It isn't often all of the cousins on Sammy's (dad's) side of the family are all together in one room because of work schedules and where we all live so being able to spend time with them is always such a treat. 

Several things: I love her. I don't know why the actual hell I'm holding my stomach. We had already started drinking at this point. K.

Cousin photo! Love these people!

It was such an awesome weekend and I wish we could do it all over again. Hopefully one of these people in this photo get married soon. Just not me. ;)

Thanks for reading!

xo

Linking up with April today!