Ace + Courtney >> Glam Winter Wedding at The Standard (Rockford, IL)
A wedding unlike any other.
(Truth.)
Let’s dig right into the highlights, featuring a few of the many things I absolutely adored about Ace and Courtney’s wedding.
_____
For starters: the tunes in the bridal suite. Just some reeeal bangers pumping out of those little speakers. When Courtney was getting dressed, she was belting out Bohemian Rhapsody which is the kind of wedding day energy I’m HERE for. (It’s also not every bride who sabers the cork off of a champagne bottle, sharing sips [and Chambongs] with her bridesmaids on a rooftop. Another +1 in the fun category.)
Can we just say the bridesmaids in general? They were Hype Team Extraordinaire and the shot of them seeing Courtney for the first time in her full Jessica Rabbit bridal glory is one of my favorites. (That first look with her parents is also pretty wonderful, while we’re on the topic.)
That ceremony, you guys. One of the best ways to make it meaningful is to chose an officiant you know. The other best way: write your own vows. This part of the day was personal, hilarious, and deeply moving. (Think Harry Potter quotes, a group hug with Dad at the end of the aisle, and everyone with a raised glass and a sláinte to end the ceremony.) And timed just right to catch the sun’s last rays, it was also HELLA gorgeous.
Alllll the reception details. Instead of a traditional guestbook, there was a recorder to leave a more personal message to the bride and groom. Charcuterie boards for centerpieces, that were handmade by Courtney + Ace’s dad. (They even had one for me to take home!!) Floating signs and seating chart. Mooood and viiiibey vibes for days. Oh, and two kinds of pasta among many other goodies at the buffet. One of the best wedding meals I’ve ever had, no joke.
That moment when I was going to take Ace and Courtney down to grab some photos with their custom neon sign in the lobby. The “Where did Ace go?” question was solved when we spotted him serving cake to Courtney’s parents. Is that the actual sweetest?
The bouquet toss. Rather than single out the single ladies, Courtney did a good luck toss to everyone. Her mom ended up snatching that bouquet which made for a fun twist on a classic. I’m all about switching up any wedding tradition that doesn’t speak to you.
_____
Alright, do ya think you have a good sense of what Ace and Courtney’s wedding day was like in all of it’s fun, emotional, aesthetic glory?
Now that I’ve got your brain prepped to fully appreciate, go on and have a peek at the magic below.
Congrats, A+C!
Vendor love!
Venue: Standard on State
Videography: Studio KH (stay tuned!!)
Hair + Makeup: Arch Apothecary
Bride’s attire: Brandi's Bridal
Groom’s attire: Express
Wedding party attire: Nedrebos for men, CocoMelody for women
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Catering: Prairie Street Brewing
Floral: Trader Joes for greenery, silk bouquets made by bride
Ceremony guitarist: Charley Bedrup
Reception DJ: Luxe Productions
Neon sign: Neon Customs
Favors: Stella's Hot and Spicy Cheesebread + New Glarus Spotted Cow
Linens: Event Floral
Seating chart + resin art + paper goods: handmade by bride
Table charcuterie boards: handmade by groom's father
