Real {Chicago} Wedding: Lakisha + Alex

Lakisha and Alex loved to joke and laugh with one another. It’s what created a strong bond between them during Micro Economics class where they met  while studying at Florida A&M University.  It’s no wonder that of all days to propose to Lakisha, Alex chose April Fools Day.  Lakisha remembers the proposal, “I returned from visiting my Aunt in the hospital on a Saturday morning to find my apartment covered in string from wall to wall with photo’s, hanging from them, of our relationship in chronological order! Words cannot explain how special that was to me as I am a huge fan of photos and persevering memories through them. When I made it to the last photo I did not know what to think, was this because he was being sweet or was this the day every girl hopes for? Up comes the last photo and nothing that would indicate that this was linked to a proposal. As I turn around after admiring the photo display one last time he begins to tell me how much he loves me and how our love has grown over the years, then he lets me know that he would love to spend the rest of his life with me! As he begins to make it down to one knee the rest is a blur. I do, however, remember telling him YES!  The kicker to it all is that Alex decided to propose on April 1, 2o1o! Yes, of all days he picked April Fools day. Once that dawned on me I quickly told him “good luck getting this ring back if it is a joke!” It was not.”

Their elegant wedding took place on the campus of the University of Chicago, and was everything they wanted and more.

From the bride:

“Alex and I planned our day from beginning to end and brought on a day of coordinator to facilitate our vision on that day. Our vision was one of elegant romance. We really wanted to play off of the romantic feeling that our venues offered. We married on the Campus of the beautiful University of Chicago. Everything about the area screams elegance and beauty. What made me fall in love with this Hyde Park gemstone were the cathedral like feel of so many of the buildings, the church in which we wed included. We also were blessed in finding a reception venue on the campus that was literally down the street from our church that also fell perfectly into our theme. I know at least for me having the wedding and reception close by not only worked well logistically for the photos we took after words but would be greatly appreciated by our guests. We encouraged everyone to park once and walk from the church to the hall. And aside from the older members of our family everyone did! It was a beautiful sight to see! The beauty of both these venues were enough to stand on there own. That being said we did little décor in the church. A few flowers here and there as well as the bridal party and I bouquets were enough. At the reception we also had minimal décor with the focus being on the dramatic centerpieces and lighting we had done throughout the room. Between those two elements our purple and gray evening of elegance was truly brought to life.

We quickly learned that just by saying the word wedding many things would increase in price in mere seconds. We did a great job of staying on budget and cutting cost where need be. One area of complete cost savings was with our musical selections at the ceremony. Alex’s Dad was a former guitar player for the Chi-Lites who still plays a major role in the Chicago music industry. He was able to call in some favors to have the wonderful Angela Martin preform alongside a phenomenal band made up of some of his talented friends. Another area was with the candelabra’s and other décor at the ceremony as well as all linen and décor at our reception. I am blessed to have in my family owners of a wedding rental company. My grandparents and Aunt drove all the way from Florida with a van full of wedding day essentials even the beautiful vases used for our stunning centerpieces. To this day I still do not know how they packed all that was needed for a wedding of 180 people and still have room for passengers. They provided all those items to us as well as provided and arranged the flowers at no cost to us! Such a blessing!  There was so much love being emitted that day that nothing could have made the day greater than what it was. Truly a dream come true!”

{Love Birds}

“I love how she taught me how to truly love unconditionally”

“I love his character as a man, he is hard working and determined, but knows how to have fun as well as make me laugh!”

VENDORS:

• Wedding Dress- Macy’s Bridal Salon
• Hair- Salon at Ulta
• Makeup- Big Girl Make-up Bar & Spa
• Shoes – Macy’s
• Ceremony location- First Unitarian Church of Chicago 
• Reception location- Ida Noyes Hall 
• Photography- Wasio Photography
• Day of Coordinator- Weddings by Trina 
• Wedding equipment, linen and florist- Rental Rite and Florist of Pensacola, FL
• Wedding Cake and Groom’s Cake- Jessica Ashley Cakes
• Stationery- Wedding invites- Wedding paper divas for main invite Cards and Pockets for the pocket – http://www.cardsandpockets.com/
• Lighting: Elegant Event Lighting
• Band- Angela Martin and Company of Chicago
• DJ – DJ Slow Mo of Chicago
• Caterer- I Moan for Flavor Catering
• Bridesmaid gowns- Dessy Group
• Groom and Groomsmen attire- Men’s Warehouse
• Flowergirls attire- David’s Bridal

View the entire gallery below:

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