Intimate Blue-Hued Wedding at Elegant Industrial Venue

Planning a wedding is never an easy task, but planning a wedding during COVID-19? Crazy challenging. If there’s one thing this pandemic has taught us, it’s the true importance of a wedding day: the marriage. Intimate weddings with closest friends and family have been the norm this wedding season, and Niki and Kyle’s wedding was one of those special weddings, with about 50 of their favorite people there to celebrate them. Back in the spring, I had an honest conversation with Niki about the wedding, and at that time I felt we might need to postpone. However, I’m so glad we waited it out and kept their original wedding date. Despite the months of stress leading up to the wedding, Niki and Kyle were totally calm and laid-back throughout the day, which is truly my goal for every couple!

Niki and Kyle’s intimate wedding was decorated in hues of blue and hints of gold at The Cannery, an elegant, industrial venue in central Illinois. Everything was brought to life in the prettiest way by II Sisters Event Design and Rental Co. and gorgeous flowers from Garden of Grace Florals. It was all beautifully captured by Codillo Photography - I had so looked forward to working with Salde, and he did not disappoint!

GETTING READY

Niki and her bridesmaids used the gorgeous bridal suite at The Cannery to do hair and make-up and get ready. (Have I mentioned that I would totally LIVE in this space?? All the charm and natural light!) Then, Niki slipped into her sparkly lace gown and the girls put on their slate blue chiffon dresses. I’m obsessed with Kyle’s mom’s reaction - so sweet!! The neutral color palette of their bouquets - and those gorgeous black and white anemones! - added a soft, romantic touch to their photos. Meanwhile, Kyle and his groomsmen hung out in the cocktail hour space downstairs, drinking beers and playing cards. (See how easy guys have it on the wedding day??)

FIRST LOOK

Whether the first look happens walking down the aisle or during a private moment before the ceremony, it’s always one of my favorite parts of the wedding day. I just love the anticipation and the nervous, excited butterflies and the first peak at your forever. Equally as sweet are first looks with dad or mom. For Niki’s day, she chose to do a first look with her dad, and I’m amazed he didn’t cry from what I recall. He was so nervous throughout the day, and so sweet as he asked me questions and prepared for his speech. He was so complimentary of my work and the other vendors and staff, which always makes our jobs infinitely better than they already are. Check out the pics from both first looks!

CEREMONY AND PHOTOS

We were watching the weather all day, crossing our fingers that the rain would hold off for their outdoor ceremony, and I’m so happy it did! The courtyard at The Cannery provides the perfect backdrop, with industrial charm and picturesque landscaping around every corner. Niki and Kyle’s ceremony was short and sweet, and remember how I said her dad didn’t shed a tear during the first look? Seems like that only lasted until the walk down the aisle. ;)

DETAILS

Niki and Kyle chose a layered blue color palette, brought to life by dusty blue tulle table runners, Mediterranean blue and white vases, blue glassware accented with votives and florals, and blue taper candles in gold vintage candle holders. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were placed in the Mediterranean vases at the head table, which is the perfect way to get the most out of your floral arrangements. Niki and Kyle provided homemade chocolate and peanut brittle as their favors at each place setting, thoughtfully made by a family friend. I think food is always the best favor you can give your guests! They also brought the party to life with a fun welcome sign, a cigar bar, and a delicious mini desserts station provided by Pollen & Pastry. (Caramel apple pie cupcakes?? A girl after my own heart.)

RECEPTION

Before dinner was served, their best man and maid of honor both gave their speeches, followed by Niki’s dad. This was one of my favorite parts of the day. Earlier that day, he made sure I had a small table set aside for him, because he brought momentos and photos from her childhood to share, including a special box she made for him when she was little. The pride and joy he exuded was just palpable. (P.S. I love the custom American Girl magazine cover, I believe I also had one of those. lol) Later Niki and Kyle both danced with their parents, and then it was time to really get the party started!

Thank you again, Niki and Kyle, for letting me be a part of your special day. I’m so glad I could help you navigate this difficult wedding planning season, and your wedding day was just beautiful.

Here’s what Niki had to say in their amazingly kind review:
Where do I begin?! To start off, Sara came VERY highly recommended from other multiple vendors I was using. I hired Sara before the pandemic hit and boy am I glad she did! Sara was constantly keeping me updated with the guidelines and let me know all my options as we navigated through this difficult time, even the un-ideal ones. I could just tell Sara cared more about us having the perfect day then she did about anything else. She was such a trooper considering the pandemic also affected her business, but she never once complained. Fast forward to our July wedding, it was nothing short of perfect. I am an anxious person and Sara made me so relaxed and stress free the day of my wedding. I did not worry about one single thing, which if you knew me would be quite the surprise ! Sara made sure we stayed on schedule, had everything set up where it needed to be, and took away all the stress of the day of timeline, coordinating with vendors, and made my wedding day nothing short of perfect. I can 100% say without a doubt in my mind, had I not hired Sara, my wedding day and stress would have been much different that day. Sara is very friendly, responsive, organized, and just so sweet!! She made everything seem effortless. Do yourself a favor and hire Sara (she is an angel sent from above), I guarantee you will not be disappointed. It was the best decision I made !!