Tell us a little about yourselves!
Joe and I met during our junior year at the University of Chicago back when he was studying Physics and I was studying Art History. We were both immediately so excited to learn that we were reading the same very nerdy very dense fantasy novels and that we both had such different interests and experiences to teach each other. We were distant for a few years while I was getting my masters in architecture at Harvard and Joe was establishing himself in real estate. For the past year and a half we have been back in Chicago with our pup Twigs. We are always non-stop doing projects with each other from small things like making Kombucha in our bathroom to big things like our designer-developer firm—AJAR (i.e. A Joe and Rachel) Property.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
Chicago is such an important part of our story and our lives and we wanted to host the wedding in a place that felt like part of the fabric of the city. The second we walked into the Chicago Cultural Center we immediately knew it was the place.
How many guests did you have?
We had 250 guests and Melody Joy Co. captured our day. Joe and I both have beautiful big families and we wanted everyone to be able to meet and celebrate together.
What was your budget?
Our budget was under $200k and our wonderful planner Kate from Cygnet Events & Design was so amazing in really making the most of it.
Tell us about your outfits.
I knew I wanted my dress to echo the romanticism and historic silhouettes in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) and that interest led me right to Danielle Frankel. I went to their boutique with my mom and the second I tried on the Nina dress we both knew that was the one. I paired my dress with a textured topper and ghostly veil also from Danielle Frankel and earrings from Sophie Billie Brahe. For my shoes I really wanted to lean into the historical timelessness of the look so I found these amazing historical replica satin heels from American Duchess.
Bode is Joe’s favorite designer and working with them to create a custom suit for the wedding was such an intimate and rewarding experience. We leaned into personalized touches—and a bit of inspiration from Interview with the Vampire—by adding embroidery and lace trim.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
I came into the wedding planning process wanting to fully commit to our concept and to create an immersive experience. We named our concept “Gloopy Bacchanal” and we really doubled down on it. It was so immediately obvious to us that our amazing planner Kate was as gung-ho about our ideas as we were, and she pushed it in so many fascinating and beautiful directions. Every detail of the wedding was so thought through and so us.
I also want to shout out my mom Karen and my mother-in-law Laura—Joe and I relied on their help and next level organization so much in the planning of our wedding.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
As an architect, I was so excited about the opportunity to design an installation centerpiece that reflected our relationship and vision for the wedding. At Harvard I became obsessed with historical lace craft and I developed a computer program that creates a custom lace pattern that reacts to structural forces acting on a textile. I used this program to create our sculptural Chuppah installation. It was so incredible to see a representation of my vision, my culture, and my design come together on our wedding day.
Any tips for couples getting married?
My biggest tip is to stay true to yourselves and to approach the wedding as an opportunity to bond with your partner over a creative project. Talk about and explore the things outside of weddings that excite and inspire you and your partner—your favorite movies, books, art, and buildings.
And lastly to enjoy the day—we laughed, we cried, we danced, I married the love of my life. It was perfect.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
It was so special to have my Rabbi come up from Atlanta to officiate our wedding. I have known Rabbi Ron Segal of Temple Sinai my entire life—he even officiated my bat mitzvah. He spent so much time and care getting to know Joe and I as a couple and wove in element’s of Joe’s Catholic tradition with my Jewish tradition so seamlessly. We loved having such a personal and thoughtful service that reflected both our relationship and our families.
Photographer: Melody Joy Co.@melodyjoyco | Planning: Cygnet Events & Design
@cygneteventsanddesign | Flora: Bottles and Bouqets @bottles.and.bouquets | Ceremony & Reception Location: Chicago Cultural Center | Celebrant: Rabbi Ron Segal | Hire: Arcana Vintage Rentals
@arcanarentals | Makeup Artist: Shannon O’Brien @shannicat | Hair: Megan Schnell @meganschnellhair | Catering & Beverages: Paramount Events @paramountevents | Cake: Sugar Fixe @sugarfixe | Stationery:
Steracle Press @steraclepress | Entertainment: Matt Roan @mattroan | Lighting: Atmosphere Events Group @atmosphereeventsgroup | Dress & Veil: Danielle Frankel @daniellefrankelbride from Belle Bridal Atelier @bellebridalatelier | Suit: Bode @bode | Engagement Ring: Frank Darling @frankdarling | Shoes: American Duchess @americanduchess | Earrings: Sophie Billie Brahe @sophiebillebrahe | Wedding Party Attire: Immoral London @immorallondon