Chicago Botanical Gardens | Becky and Matt | Chicago Wedding

As a wedding planner and event designer, I get the honor of being present for so many special occasions. But Becky and Matt’s wedding at the Chicago Botanical Gardens is one of my all-time favorites. Not only was it a beautiful event, it was my older sister’s wedding!

I have to say, it is such an amazing feeling to stand by your sister’s side as she marries the man of her dreams. To say that I cried through the whole ceremony would be an understatement. The pictures aren’t pretty...trust me.

I loved that I was able to go with her to vendor meetings as both a supportive sister and someone with knowledge of the industry. Plus, I got to experience first-hand the benefits of a wedding planner. Since North Shore Events was on top of the planning, I could relax and be present for my sister’s wedding day!

Becky and Matt met in California at an alumni event for Santa Clara University, where they both attended for undergrad. They lived in California for a few years before moving back to Becky’s hometown of Chicago so she could attend graduate school. Both avid nature lovers, they planned a cross country drive and stopped at several National Parks as they made their way home to the Midwest. While stopping at Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park, Matt took advantage of the perfect backdrop for their outdoor proposal.

Becky and Matt also incorporated their love of the outdoors into their wedding design. From their choice of venue (the Chicago Botanical Gardens is a nature lovers dream!), to decorations, to food - everything felt pure and natural.

Sometimes we assume that a natural design equals a neutral color scheme, but Matthew and Rebecca did not shy away from color! They kept things interesting by playing with vibrant fall hues adding a baroque twist with the place settings. The addition of fruit and vegetables to their flower arrangements was another subtle nod to nature and their love of food.

Being avid foodies and following a vegan diet, they were also very conscious of their food choices. They offered both vegan and non-vegan options and ensured that high quality ingredients were used in the preparation of each dish.

At the end of the day, each element of a design should work together to elicit some desired emotion or to create a unique experience. Matt and Becky did a great job capturing their love of the outdoors in a beautiful and elegant way.

While I enjoyed getting to relax and take part in my sister’s wedding, I also wanted to be actively involved in some element of the design. I am an event designer after all! So, I was thrilled to create her custom escort cards. I calligraphed each escort card and adorned the top of each one with a custom wax seal with their names in it. Calligraphy is such a creative release for me. And it was extra special knowing it was for my sister’s wedding day.

There really is nothing like watching your sister get married. I’m so glad I got to be part of her wedding day in so many ways! Happy Anniversary Sis!

Event Planner: North Shore Wedding and Events | Venue: Chicago Botanical Gardens| Bride Gown: Ysa Makino, Dimitra’s Bridal Couture | Bride Hair & Make Up: Antonette White | Groom’s Tux: Suitsupply | Rings: Merry Richards Jewelers | Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy Collection, Cenzina Bridal & Boutique | Groomsmen Tuxes: The Black Tux | Florals & Rentals: Ashland Addison Floral & Event Decor | Catering: Culinary Landscape | Cakes: Non-Vegan Elysia Root; Vegan West Town Bakery | Invitations: Momental Designs | Calligraphy: Samantha Joy Events | Linens: BBJ Linens & Hall’s Rentals | Entertainment: Ceremony Phil Feo, Royal Trumpet Works; Reception Front of House, Arlen Music | Videographer: Jason Monroe, Highway 61 Films