Elegant Garden Wedding at Monte Bello Estate
The day began with light filtering into the rooms at Monte Bello Estate—blue dresses hung neatly nearby, florals waiting to be placed, glasses clinking softly as morning unfolded. Paige and Cole moved through the day with ease, surrounded by color, music, and the people who know them best. Hosted at Monte Bello Estate, their day carried the ease of a European garden gathering paired with the energy of a party that knew exactly when to turn the volume up.
A Morning Filled With Light and Anticipation
In the bridal suite, the bride and her bridesmaids sipped mimosas, clinked glasses, and laughed as the space filled with light.
Paige's gown hung nearby, the details catching the light in quiet moments between hair and makeup.
When it was time to get dressed, her mother zipped her in and helped her into silver, sparkling shoes—one of those intimate, fleeting moments that carries more meaning than any timeline ever could.
Cole and his groomsmen got ready in the grooms suite, dressed in crisp navy suits that felt classic and clean against the estate's historic backdrop.
An English Garden Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded outdoors, framed by lush florals that made the space feel even more magical—lush arrangements from Avant Gardenia in soft blues, pinks, and peaches that popped beautifully against the greenery. The estate felt less like a venue and more like an English cottage garden in full bloom.
Reserved seats at the front honored Paige's father and grandfather, a subtle but meaningful gesture that reflected how thoughtfully the day was shaped. Paige also honored her father with charms on her bouquet.
As guests settled in, the sounds of Cloud Gate String Quartet filled the space. Paige walked down the aisle to Can't Help Falling in Love, a moment that felt suspended in time. Their joyful recessional to Marry You by Bruno Mars marked the emotional shift—romance giving way to the cocktail hour and celebration.
For couples considering this venue, we’ve written a more in-depth look at what it’s like to plan a wedding at Monte Bello Estate here.
Florals Everywhere—and We Mean Everywhere
For the reception, the design leaned fully into abundance. Guests were greeted by a dramatic floral installation suspended above the head table, with blooms cascading overhead and arrangements layered throughout the space.
The blue tones repeated in thoughtful ways—elegant blue-and-white chinoiserie-style vases holding bud arrangements at tables, tying seamlessly into the bridal party palette. Pops of peach and pink added warmth and movement, for a cheerful, elevated, and unmistakably summer feeling.
From Elegant to Electric
Once the celebration moved indoors, the energy shifted instantly. Music filled the room, Paige and Cole shared their first dance surrounded closely by the people they love most.
With D Jones Productions of Spark Entertainment Group guiding the night, the dance floor stayed packed. Heartfelt toasts flowed easily into cake cutting—set to Dean Martin for a touch of timeless charm—before the party fully took over.
It was the kind of reception where no one wanted to leave their seat for too long, afraid to miss the next moment.
Thoughtful Planning, Protected Moments
By the time we stepped in as month-of coordinators, Paige's vision was already beautifully defined. Our role was to hold the structure so the emotion could shine—managing transitions, keeping the pace effortless, and making sure Paige and Cole could stay fully present from start to finish.
Vendor Team
Planning & Month-Of Coordination: Heirloom Event Company
Venue & Catering: Monte Bello Estate
Florals: Avant Gardenia
Photography: Janet D Photography
Ceremony Music: Cloud Gate String Quartet
DJ: D Jones Productions of Spark Entertainment Group
Transportation: Signature Transportation Group
The Couple’s Investment
Paige and Cole focused their planning on the elements that shaped the experience of the day—an immersive venue, layered florals, live ceremony music, and a reception designed to stay full and energetic.
For couples planning their wedding, here's a breakdown of how Paige and Cole's priorities translated into their 2025 wedding budget:
Venue & Catering: ~$70,000
Florals: ~$9,880
Photography: ~$6,000
Live Ceremony Music: ~$1,950
DJ & Entertainment: ~$3,240
Transportation: ~$1,614
Planning your own Chicago wedding and dreaming of a day that feels intentional and elegant? We'd love to help you shape it.