We began our relationship as two work friends sharing a mutual love of Chicago and all it had to offer a couple of urban, liberal, fun-loving souls – the sights, sounds, food, drink, music, people, sports and activities! An impromptu first date to a concert at the Old Town School of Folk Music kicked off a journey that “peaked” with our engagement while hiking in the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. Exactly five years after that fateful first music-date, we came together with family and dear friends for the relaxed, neighborhood-centric wedding of our dreams.
Our Chicago home is important to us and we wanted to share that with our guests. Leveraging vendors from our immediate neighborhood, we were able to provide both a fantastic time and great sense of what life in Roscoe Village is like – all in a single, fun-packed weekend! Begin with a night-before party for out-of-town guests at Riverview Tavern, add the convenience of family staying just a few doors down at the lovely Roscoe Village Guesthouses, dress it up with beautiful flowers from Gratitude-Heart Garden, weave in terrific music by local DJ faves Style Matters, capture all the great memories via Elle Rose Photo, and of course, bring it all together at Volo, the ultimate neighborhood restaurant + wine bar...and we had all the ingredients for an amazing, very local, wedding celebration!
The atmosphere for our exchanging vows was absolutely perfect in Volo’s rustic patio garden lined with quaint cabanas and bistro tables. With nieces and nephews by our side, the brief ceremony included our officiant sharing some of the things we love most about each other – Sara’s radiant and infectious smile, Dave’s wicked sense of humor and ability to cause said smile, and our shared value in the importance of loved ones. As the celebrant put it, "perhaps the best example of this value is Sara’s idea to forgo wedding presents in exchange for contributions to support Dave’s nephew, Drew’s eventual kidney transplant. Beyond the wonderful generosity of the act itself, what struck me was the unmistakable pride Dave exuded when telling me about Sara’s idea, as well as Sara’s humble response, that she 'already has plenty of kitchen appliances.'" *
As for the rest of the evening’s festivities, Volo’s balance of cozy / chic design elements and urban vintage charm offered the wonderfully laid back, inviting, and romantic ambiance we wanted. Chef Stephen Dunne’s tasty assortment of small plate fare and novel culinary twists helped ensure we continue to receive raves about how delicious the food was. Of course, a selection of some of our fave wines helped guarantee “reviews” on the beverage front were equally effusive. The staff’s attention to each and every detail – all smoothly handled by coordinator extraordinaire, April Thornley – ensured our guests had a marvelous time. We continue to reminisce about how absolutely perfect everything was and hope that in the years ahead, friends and family continue “hanging in the hood” with us! -- Sara and Dave
* Dave’s nephew, Drew, will be undergoing his kidney transplant this summer. Additional donations to help offset transplant costs are welcomed at: www.cotaforandrewd.com
VENDORS
CEREMONY + RECEPTION SITE: Volo Restaurant + Wine Bar / PHOTOGRAPHY: Elle Rose Photo / OFFICIANT: Erin House / BRIDE’S GOWN: BHLDN / HAIR: Salon de Vive MAKEUP: Simone Blushr / FLOWER GIRLS' DRESSES: Mini Boden / FLOWER GIRLS' NECKLACES: Hartley Studio / RING BEARER VESTS + TROUSERS: Janie + Jack / RING BEARER POCKET WATCHES: RC Personalized Gifts / INVITATIONS: Wedding Paper Divas FLOWERS: Gratitude-Heart Garden / CATERING + WEDDING CAKE: Volo Restaurant + Wine Bar / ENTERTAINMENT: Style Matters
