OUR STORY
Couple’s Names:
Caitlyn And Nick
Wedding date:
10th November 2020
Our love story:
Nick and I met on a dating app in 2018, which of course is the start of many modern love stories. Our first date was on Cinco de Mayo and started with a long walk on the 606 Trail in Chicago and drinks at Parson's in Logan Square, which turned into dinner. We bonded over our love for our dogs, shared interests in travel and live music and our passion for our families. Conversation was always easy and we were honest and open - there were no games. Nick was confident in and clear with what he wanted in a partner. Our relationship was built on mutual trust and support. Our journeys to finding each other were unique but we had so much common ground - shared values and life aspirations.
Our engagement story:
We agreed that marriage would be our next step together around when COVID lockdowns began but we knew we didn't want our future to be at their mercy. We began to plan an intimate, family wedding outdoors in Chicago and Nick made it official by getting down on one knee and asking me to marry him overlooking Lake Michigan during a family photo shoot in Wisconsin. As much as I knew we were getting married while planning our wedding, I was surprised by the proposal. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful park setting matched only by the stunning diamond ring and most handsome fiancé!
The Bride Wore:
Falling in love with my Catherine Deane outfit:
I wanted a little old Hollywood glam, so fell for the high neck, open back and fitted satin - I loved the drape. I wanted a timeless silhouette that wasn't too fussy but flattering and comfortable to wear. CD designs spoke to me for this reason and I loved various designs, but when I tried mine on, I knew it was exactly what I had been looking for.
Did you find your Catherine Deane gown at our London Boutique, at one of our bridal stockists, or online?
I was dress shopping from my home during COVID lockdowns, so the website was key to my success. Lots of great photos and images, details about the fit and also using social media (Pinterest and Instagram) and web to see real brides in the designs!
Tell us about your Wedding Venue:
We wed at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool - a historic landmark in Lincoln Park (Chicago). It's this secluded little garden hidden in the center of the city - In the center a Prairie-style pavillion on a serene lily pond surrounding by gentle waterfalls, stone paths, lush trees and flowers, filled with birds and frogs. This was the vision of landscape architect Alfred Caldwell: a hidden garden for the people of Chicago designed to resemble a river meandering through a great Midwestern prairie. We had visited this spot many times in the years since we'd met and it had sentimental value to us - plus was a great solution for a COVID-friendly outdoor wedding. My husband surprised me with many of our local friends joining the ceremony safely distanced across the pond and we joined, together with our families, for a champagne toast after!
Wedding style:
Laid back, intimate and surrounded by nature.
Our Honeymoon:
We enjoyed a "COVID Mini-moon" - a week together in Oregon visiting the beautiful coast and vineyards in Willamette Valley.
Our most memorable moment:
The wedding was unique due to COVID. It was the first time our families met (mine live in NY, his in WI) and we happened to choose to marry on the same day as my parents celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary!
Our funniest moment:
My son (then 6 years old) was the best helper and shared so much enthusiasm for the day! He LOVED wearing a suit and tie for the day - and wore it quite well, I must say! When he wasn't doting on his mom, he was talking to our chef or photographer, taking photos with his polaroid camera of dinner party and our host's 2 dogs or playing the ukulele he was gifted that day from Nick's sister. He was the life of the party!
VENDOR LOVING
