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Abby + Kyle
October 3, 2020
Venue Chisca | Peoria, IL
Abby and Kyle's wedding day was a fairytale! From Abby's stunning dress, to their florals and signage, to the bridesmaid & groomsman that wore inflatable dinosaur suits for introductions (so hilarious!), every part of their day was perfect. As with any wedding day, there were a few obstacles to overcome. However, we were prepared with backup plans in place to ensure there was no panic or stress when decisions had to be made! It was such a wonderful celebration of Abby & Kyle's love for each other, and I was so honored to help them enjoy their wedding day!
Ceremony & Reception: Venue Chisca
Officiant: Pastor Sarah Wanck
Personal Florals: Patti Jenkins, friend of the MOG
Reception Florals: Heaven on Earth
Photography: Heaven's Storm Photography
Videography: Jeri Van Tine
Coordination: Greater Joy Events - Wedding Day Coordination
DJ & Lighting: Sound & Light Creations
Rentals: Heaven on Earth
Favors: MCC Aroma
Invitation Suite: So Chic Boutique
Caterer: Cracked Pepper Catering
Cake, Cupcakes, and Macarons: Princess Creations
Hair & Makeup: Charmed Salon
Dress: Simply Elegant by Cheri
Getting Ready/Hotel Block: Embassy Suites East Peoria
Transportation: Midwest Limousine
Abby and her bridesmaids got ready in Venue Chisca's gorgeous bridal suite. A quick shoutout to wedding venues that have onsite suites - it's the best! Abby and Kyle chose Venue Chisca's Grand Ballroom for their wedding day, and the bridal suite had more than enough room for the girls to get ready. Hair & makeup went smoothly in the morning. I used my time in the morning to set up the reception space, and then took a quick trip over to Embassy Suites in East Peoria to check on Kyle and his groomsmen and deliver boutonnieres before their photographer arrived!
Kyle and his groomsmen got ready at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. A quick trip across the river from Venue Chisca, this is a great hotel to utilize for getting ready photos! Another great detail from Abby and Kyle's day - they chose to write letters to each other to read before the ceremony. I love this part of the day because it makes the day feel so real. You're not getting ready for just any wedding, you're getting ready for your wedding!
There was a chance of rain for Abby and Kyle's entire wedding day! We opted for a bridesmaid reveal inside, and a father/daughter reveal outside in Venue Chisca's courtyard. As we discussed their wedding day priorities, Kyle and Abby decided that they would rather get rained on than do their first look inside. It was barely misting during their first look, so I walked Abby out under an umbrella and handed her off to Kyle. I'm so glad they were unafraid of the rain, because their photos turned out so well!
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About 30 minutes before the ceremony started, the rain started coming down harder and we made the final call to move Abby & Kyle's ceremony inside. Could you even tell that it was our backup plan? Venue Chisca's rockstar staff helped me move the head table to the side, transfer the floral arrangement from the outdoor arch to the grates behind the head table, carry the podium to the side of the new ceremony space, and create an aisle in the middle of the ballroom. In 15 short minutes, we flipped the reception space into a ceremony space. Abby and Kyle's ceremony was beautiful, and even when Kyle didn't think he would get emotional during the ceremony - the tears still happened! Abby was absolutely stunning walking down the aisle with her dad, and their ceremony went off without a hitch.
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Abby and Kyle's wedding day design was Industrial Romantic - bringing together Venue Chisca's exposed brick, metal ceilings, and elegant chandeliers with soft candlelight, feminine florals and navy and gold tabletop accents. I absolutely loved how their decor came together! Kyle's best man owns MCC Aroma, so all of their candle favors were made especially for their wedding. On the dessert table, Abby made all of the signage and Kyle built the cupcake stand. Their guest book was a wooden sign designed by Abby and build by Kyle. They also worked together to make their own table numbers - Abby made the signs, and Kyle made the wood holders. It was so fun to see how they put their own personal touches on the decor, making it even more memorable!
One of Abby and Kyle's priorities was having a good time at the reception - and they definitely did! They snuck away during cocktail hour to take photos in the wine cellar in Venue Chisca's Outdoor Quarter, and then came back inside for introductions, cake cutting, toasts, games, and a special spoons performance from Kyle's grandma. They shared a beautiful first dance under the chandeliers, and then had a glow stick dance to kick off the late night celebration. Their guests didn't disappoint, either!
Abby and Kyle - thank you so, so much for allowing me to be a part of your planning process and wedding day! I had so much fun getting to know the two of you, and although we had our challenges (ceremony changes, both with capacity and weather!), you both handled it with grace and understanding. The joy and love you have for each other is inspiring and contagious. Wishing you both all the best for years to come!