Some weddings feel layered—not in complexity, but in meaning. Emily and Michael's celebration at The Arbory was one of those. Every detail, from the date they chose to the layout of the tables, had a reason behind it.

Nothing was included just because it looked good. It was all built around people—honoring relationships, family traditions, and a city that's been central to their story.

Getting Ready in the City They Love

The morning stayed relaxed. No production schedule, no manufactured "moments." Just the couple and their people—reading the newspaper, getting dressed, making toasts, and laughing together.

Before heading to the venue, they walked the city for portraits. Emily and Michael started with a first look at the Kinzie Street Bridge, then walked through the Riverwalk and paused beneath the iconic marquee of the Chicago Theatre. It was a portrait session that felt more like a walk through the places they love most.

A Date Chosen With Intention

Emily and Michael didn't pick August 8th at random. It was the anniversary of Emily's grandmother's passing—two years to the day. The ceremony didn't dwell on it, but that quiet thread of remembrance shaped the energy from the beginning.

On each ceremony chair, guests found a newspaper-style program—a nod to her grandmother's daily habit of reading the paper cover to cover. It was understated but unmistakable. A way to invite her into the day, without needing to explain it to everyone in the room.

A Ceremony Centered on Welcome

Guests arrived at The Arbory to waters, fans, and tissues for the ceremony. The space was filled with emotion as Emily and Michael exchanged vows, surrounded by family traditions and a room full of people who know them well.

Immediately following the ceremony, guests flowed into the adjoining space for cocktail hour. The couple stepped away for a few minutes together. That pause—between ceremony and reception—is something we always encourage. It gave them space to take in what just happened before the next part of the evening picked up.

Cocktail Hour With Meaningful Details

Strums from Matt Keen's acoustic guitar floated through the space as guests sipped on signature drinks designed with intention. A blended mint lemonade with orange blossom water honored Emily's Lebanese heritage, and Michael chose a classic rye Manhattan.

Family-Style Dinner That Actually Felt Like Family

If you've ever attended a wedding catered by Viola's Kitchen, you know the food becomes part of the story. The couple chose a menu that reflected their backgrounds and preferences—chicken vodka parmesan, braised beef, pierogi, eggplant parmesan, and antipasto boards at each table.

The tables were set with ivory runners, candles, and lush florals by Ashland Addison Florist. The room felt elevated but unpretentious—beautiful, but comfortable enough that no one hesitated to grab seconds or stay for hours.

An Unforgettable Chicago Night

Once the toasts wrapped, My Chicago Wedding DJ turned up the energy. The dance floor filled fast, glow sticks in hand, and stayed that way for the rest of the night.

"Haylie and her team at Heirloom Event Company were outstanding… I couldn't have asked for a better planner/day-of coordinator to work with and highly recommend Haylie to any couple wanting a seamless, stress-free celebration."

— Rob Nicpon, DJ

A dessert spread of mini bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes kept guests moving between dancing and sweet treats. Later, Lou Malnati's pizza made its appearance—the perfect late-night surprise, and a classic Chicago finish.