Bride and groom close up kissing at Union Station before wedding at Wildman BT in Chicago

Erika and Nathan had a gorgeous New Years Eve Wedding. We provided day-of coordination and made sure that they really could focus on the fun for their amazing holiday wedding! The energy for NYE is always really high and exciting, and this New Year’s Eve was no different. The ceremony and reception were both at Wildman BT in Chicago and it was an absolute blast to be a part of!

Expecting the unexpected when it comes to your wedding day can be a scary “trust the process” moment. But, those unexpected moment can also be some of your most favorite moments of the day! For this sweet couple’s wedding day, the forecast called for light rain and gray skies. But with thoughtful planning, a cozy first look location, and an all-star vendor team, this rainy Chicago wedding turned out to be nothing short of magical.

Bride sitting in chair getting ready with white feathers and satin white robe — The day started in the heart of the city, where the couple got ready in separate rooms surrounded by their closest friends and family.

Everyone was buzzing with pure excitement and emotions, yet still keeping their cool. Knowing that we had a secure plan in place kept everyone excited for what was to come!

Bride ethereal wedding dress and bouquet getting ready photos — We’ve seen a lot of wedding dresses over the years - but Erika’s stood out with this gorgeous shimmery material we have never seen before. The material draped over her arms with grace, she looked incredible!

For couples getting married in Chicago, Union Station is one of our favorite go-tos for wedding portraits. We highly recommend a first look just like theirs in order to achieve those gorgeous images with an iconic Chicago background. Erika and Nathan did their first look here and it came out beautifully (even though we ran about 10 minutes behind, it all worked out smoothly)! The wedding party joined the pictures where most of the images took place inside or in a covered area to beat the rainy day. These iconic Chicago wedding photos turned out absolutely gorgeous and truly set the scene for the rest of the day.

Ceremony setup with unique lighting, candles in aisle, and circle arch with warm brick walls at Wildman BT in Chicago — After the photos, the wedding party took the trolley to the venue, Wildman BT in Chicago, to prepare for the ceremony. They actually were incredibly ahead of schedule so when they arrived they were able to relax in one of the common spaces while we were getting everything ready for them!

Her bouquet was stunning and unique, and although there was a slight malfunction with a pin where she was holding it, after a bit of wrapping from us it was solved! Just another reason why you should have a Chicago day of coordinator helping you out, because it's the little things!

The ceremony was minimalist in the most perfect way, highlighting the couple's love and their relationship. The ceremony itself was incredibly moving. The couple exchanged personalized vows surrounded by family and friends. Guests were welcomed with champagne just before the ceremony - which we thought was a lovely way to get people to show up on time!

One of the most emotional moments was the memory table set up for the bride’s mother. The groom's step dad carried flowers down the aisle and placed them at her reserved seat. This was such a beautiful way to honor Erika’s mother and a really special moment to remember her legacy.

Once the ceremony was over, the guests were moved to the other side of the venue with the iconic, velvet, blue curtains closed to make the magic happen for the room flip to dinner. The low lighting, candles, and warm brick walls really made for SUCH a romantic evening!

Wedding tables and chairs with moody lighting and candles

Bride and groom giving thumbs ups outside at night flash photo — Before the grand entrance into the venue before dinner, we also hit a classic wedding moment when the MOH needed help with the bustle, which we were happy to do! Even with all the movement, we were still on time! Adding flexibility to the schedule can really make or break that timeline.

Dinner was so delicious (we especially appreciated the vendor beef entrées—thank you!), and the speeches began shortly thereafter. The maid of honor read a letter from the bride’s father who couldn’t attend due to health reasons. He shared beautiful memories about the bride’s late mother and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Erika and Nathan shared a lovely first dance full of spins that the crowd absolutely loved. It totally set the scene for the rest of the night that consisted of dancing the night away.

Once it was time for dancing, as it was a classic New Year’s Eve wedding they had props that we passed out. Erika had a reception dress change that made it much easier for dancing and it looked so cute!