Timeless glamour and luxury

“He proposed in a helicopter over the beach at sunset”

And so that’s how we begin –NASCAR team owner, Anthony Marlowe, also recognized as “Youngest CEOs Under 30” on Inc. Magazine, makes an epic proposal to the dazzling Julia over the beach at sunset.

An urban city vibe

Julia sought a romantic and classic look. Her bridesmaids wore white, Calvin Klein, floor skimming dresses, and the sophisticated gentlemen were decked out in the finest of Vera Wang tuxedos. The decor included white peonies and roses and as many white candles as they could find. Below, more from Julia herself! But first, let’s begin with their Highlight Film

– Highlight Film –

What 3 words best describe your wedding:

Best. Day. Ever.

Venue: What made this venue the one for you?

The Field Museum’s Stanley Hall is one of the most dramatic, historical and architecturally beautiful spaces in all of Chicago, and we knew this was the venue for us the moment we walked in.

Attire: What did you and your bridal party wear?

I wore a strapless, lace Inbal Dror wedding gown and veil from Dimitra’s Bridal, and the bridesmaids wore white, off the shoulder Calvin Klein gowns.

Flowers: What flowers were in your bouquets, buttonholes and centerpieces?

We used all white peonies and roses – Phil Cooper with Kehoe Designs did a wonderful job bringing our vision to life. He created arrangements that were elegant, very bridal and sophisticated.

Ceremony: Any special readings/ unique features / personal songs?

We had a traditional Christian Orthodox ceremony at the beautiful Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on LaSalle Street.

Refreshments: Signature cocktails? Buffet / BBQ / formal sit down meal? Wedding cake?

We served a formal cocktail hour and plated dinner catered by Food for Thought. For our wedding cake, Chandra Pridgeon with Vanille Patisserie designed a beautiful vanilla pound cake with passion fruit cord and coconut cream. We also added a dessert table, nonstop table wine and top shelf liquor with extra Jameson and Redbull — it was a good time.

Décor & Details: For favors, we gave traditional Jordan almonds for good luck, keepsake picture frames to hold our guests’ escort cards, and personalized shot glasses after discovering bartenders are not allowed to serve shots at our particular venue. Whoops.

Music: Processional, recessional and first dance songs? We used an organist traditional organist for the ceremony. For cocktail hour and dinner entertainment, we had a choreographed electric violin set by the Cover Girls Violin Show with Magnificent Events, an all female group that plays modern instrumentals and popular songs of all genres on their electric violins. They are so talented and truly entertaining! After dinner, our friend, DiscoTech founder Joe Masurka (DJ @JoeMaz), spun the party like he does at Hyde at Bellagio. Our first dance was 311’s Love Song.

Why did you choose your photographer/videographer to capture your day?

Photography:

We used Kenny Nakai with Nakai Photography because we were so impressed with his work and knew there was no chance we wouldn’t absolutely love our photos with Kenny as our photographer. He offers a uniquely artistic approach to wedding photography and expertly captures the best moments. I was always very impressed with how well he used dramatic backdrops to create truly stunning photos. Definitely recommended!

Videography:

We chose Amor in Motion for videography after seeing their work online and reading their incredibly high reviews. They are so talented and versatile and really commit to exceeding their clients’ expectations. They charge less than they could for the amazing quality of their work and how much time they dedicate to each couple, so we highly recommend everyone at Amor in Motion! Our experience with them has been absolutely amazing!!

Ballpark Budget:

Chicago is where wedding budgets go to die

Similar to the city’s own budget, Chicago is where wedding budgets go to die. Many of the public venues require you to select specific vendors from a very limited list approved by them. However, it was still well worth it. That “whoa” feeling was priceless. Only consider this venue if you are prepared to broach the 6 figure mark for the weekend.

Unique / Special Details or Favorite Moments: What made your wedding just ‘so you’? Favorite moments?

Everything !!! It was perfect !

Tips and advice for other couples planning their big day: Any websites / blogs / shops / apps you recommend? Budget tips?

Google images go a long way. Give yourself plenty of time to plan so you can explore unique and creative options.

Honeymoon: Did you take a trip after your wedding? Would you recommend it for other couples?

For our honeymoon, we spent 3 weeks in Europe and visited Amsterdam (The Conservatorium), Athens (Grande Berrtangani), A small village Anthony’s grandmother grew up in (day trip), Santorini (St. Anthony [San Antonio]), Lake Como (Santa Maria Honeymoon Suite at Hotel Grande Tremezzo) and Milan (Carlton Hotel Baglioni). Although we loved each location, Lake Como was the most romantic, and we highly recommend Northern Italy for honeymooning couples. Gratzi!

Full vendor list:

Bride’s Dress & Accessories: Dress, Inbal Dror, Dimitra’s Bridal Couture; Shoes, Christian Louboutin; Clutch, Prada; Veil, Dimitra’s Bridal; Garter, The Wedding Garter Co.

Groom’s Attire: Tuxedo, Vera Wang; Shoes, Louis Vuitton, Burberry Cufflinks, and Versace Sunglasses

Bridesmaid’s Attire: Calvin Klein

Groomsmen’s Attire: Vera Wang

Photographer: Kenny Nakai, Nakai Photography

Cinematographer: MOI! Amor in Motion

Wedding Planner: Victoria Thanoukos, Kensington Florals and Events

Venue: The Field Museum

Catering: Food for Thought

Flowers: Phil Kehoe, Kehoe Designs

Cake: Vanille Patisserie

Rehearsal Dinner: Chef’s Burger Bistro Streeterville, Chicago

Paper Goods: Ashley’s Custom Stationery