We can’t put into words how obsessed we are with this wedding. From the romantic first look on a perfect summer day, all the way down to the luxe emerald details, Ainsley & Jad’s day was nothing short of perfection. Samantha is giving us the full scoop below!
From Samantha: Ainsley had dreamt about getting married at the Chicago Cultural Center since the moment she first saw it. Her mentality was that it didn’t matter if anything else went wrong; She’d be marrying the love of her life at the most magical place and that’s all she needed. Rewind to the day Ainsley told me the story of how she and Jad met. Her face lit up as she told me about their freshman orientation at the University of Florida: They met, spent the day together, and instantly got along. The best part: By the time they met back up with their parents at the end of the day, they found out that Ainsley’s mom had already befriended Jad’s dad. Small world indeed, and it just felt meant to be. And now flash forward to 2016 as wedding plans are underway, Ainsley & Jad realized that their wedding date was the exact anniversary of the day they met at the University of Florida. On June 3rd, 2017, Ainsley & Jad said, “I do” in the gorgeous Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center and the day went off without a hitch. Again, all meant to be and a very “full circle” moment.
We kicked off the weekend at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Ainsley, Jad, and their wedding party rehearsed outside on the lawn on the most beautiful day and later welcomed guests inside for an evening of mingling and pizza (Lou Malnati’s!). It was, without a doubt, the most unique rehearsal dinner I’ve ever been a part of, and in that moment, I knew that this weekend would be one to remember.
The following day started with – wait for it – a Lady Gaga sighting at the Radisson Blu Aqua where the girls got ready. The bridesmaids had caught a glimpse of her just before glam squad, Deca Adamo, arrived and there was just an energy in the room after that – Everyone was happy, excited, and stress-free.
My favorite part of the day was the first look in the South Gardens of the Art Institute of Chicago. Once Ainsley & Jad saw each other, there wasn’t a dry eye in the garden – It was breathtaking. Before we knew it, it was time for Ainsley to walk down the aisle to All of Me by John Legend. Ainsley & Jad chose the song, Ahla Zaffe (by Lebanese artist, Layal Abboud) for their recessional as a nod to Jad’s background, which was the best way to celebrate. Guests then headed down to GAR Rotunda for cocktails, while the team transformed Preston Bradley Hall into the reception of Ainsley and Jad’s dreams. When guests were welcomed back in for dinner, friends and family were all smiles as they listened to heartfelt speeches, enjoyed a delicious dinner by Jewell Weddings, and then danced the night away to a combination of American and Arabic dance music. It was such a spectacular day and I’m thrilled to be reliving it as we share photos and a peek at their style guide today!
Style guide photo credits: TimeOut Chicago, Oh Best Day Ever, Style Me Pretty, The Mrs. Box, J’ai dit Oui, Minted, Courtney Ingraham
Vendors: Photography: Kaity Brawley, Catering: Jewell Weddings, Venue: Chicago Cultural Center, Hair & Makeup: Deco Adamo, Floral: Pen & Petals/La Rue Floral, Videography: Petit Four Films, DJ: Toast & Jam, Officiant: The Wedding Rev (Dave Angle), Invitations: Minted