Melissa and Christopher’s Greek Orthodox Wedding | Chicago, IL
Melissa and Christopher’s wedding day was a love letter to their Greek heritage and their shared joy for life. It was a beautiful blend of rich traditions and modern celebration, all connected by an intentional focus on family, love, and creating memories to last a lifetime.
It was a day that reminded us why we do what we do—to help couples craft celebrations that feel as unforgettable as the love they share.
A Sacred Start to Forever
Melissa and Christopher’s story began that day at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Walking in, you could feel the weight of history meet the warmth of family, all in the glow of stunning stained glass. Every moment inside that church felt intentional—each tradition, each prayer, every spoken word steeped in meaning. You couldn’t help but sense just how much this ceremony meant.
The couple shared their vows, but the traditional ceremony itself felt like a vow, too—to each other and to the generations that came before and those that will come after.
For Melissa and Christopher, honoring their heritage was everything. It shaped the entire day and gave every moment a sense of purpose. That kind of meaning lingers long after the last song fades.
The ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of love and family, made even more special by the care and attention to detail that went into every moment. As the mother of the bride shared, the day was truly stress-free and full of joy:
“As the mother of the bride one of the best decisions we made was to hire Haylie S as our wedding planner. She was absolutely fantastic! She was so easy to work with and went out of her way to ensure everything went smoothly... She stayed close to the bride and made sure she had a low stress beautiful day. She was always there, watching and anticipating needs. I heard many compliments from our guests about how kind and wonderful she was.”
Jennifer Achenbach, Mother of the Bride
Love, Laughter, and a Packed Dance Floor
Following the ceremony, the celebration shifted to Crystal Grand Banquets in Lemont, where the energy was absolutely electric. The ballroom was transformed into a romantic haven, with gorgeous florals by An English Garden casting a soft, inviting glow. The tables were set, not just for a meal, but for an evening of connection and laughter.
The room was a perfect reflection of their style—elegant yet inviting, with every detail thoughtfully curated to make their guests feel at home. From the romantic glow of candlelight to the lush floral arrangements by An English Garden, the space felt like a dream brought to life.
“If I could give them 10 stars I would! I have worked with many event planners and Heirloom Event exceeded my expectations!”
Kim McAuliffe, An English Garden Wedding & Event Florals
And the party did not disappoint. DJ Vestus knew exactly how to keep the dance floor packed, creating a soundtrack that had guests of all ages celebrating alongside the happy couple. From the heartfelt toasts to the moment they cut their delicious cake from Fleckenstein’s Bakery, the room was buzzing with pure joy. This is what an heirloom event feels like—a collection of moments so full of life that they are impossible to forget.
Thinking about Crystal Grand Banquets for your wedding? Take a peek at our full review to see if it’s the perfect fit for your day.
The Dream Team Behind the Day
Weddings like Melissa and Christopher’s are the result of a team of passionate, talented people coming together with one shared goal for the couple. Working with such a talented team of vendors is always a highlight of any wedding. Sheena Anne, the photographer, summed up the collaboration beautifully:
“Haylie was very respectful of my time and did everything she could to help accommodate my needs as well as the bride and grooms. She is absolutely going on my vendor referral list.”
– Sheena Anne, Photographer
The Vendor Team
Planner: Heirloom Event Company
Ceremony: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Reception + Catering: Crystal Grand Banquets
Photography: Sheena Anne
Videography: Valcinema Weddings
DJ: DJ Vestus
Wedding Cake: Fleckenstein’s Bakery
Transportation: Windy City Limousine
Let’s Create Your Heirloom Event
Your wedding day is the beginning of your family’s story. It deserves to be filled with intention, joy, and moments you’ll cherish forever. We manage the details so you can focus on what matters most—celebrating your love with the people who mean the world to you.