A Classic Luxe Wedding at Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago natives Jordan Sunderland (27 and a marketing coordinator) and Joe Navarro (27 and an account executive) had a timeless, luxe wedding full of romantic glam. They got married in their hometown at Holy Name Cathedral -- the bride’s dream -- and hosted their reception in the Grand Ballroom at Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago. “I definitely wanted a classic and elegant look for our wedding,” Jordan says. “I’ve always loved the color palette of navy, gold and ivory, and once we chose our reception venue, I knew it would be perfect.” The florist, Sarah from Vale of Enna, transformed the bride’s vision of the ballroom with tall crystal candelabras dripping with gold foliage, lush white floral arrangements with pops of gold leaves and lots of candlelight. “After talking for five minutes, Sarah really got me and my vision,” the bride says. The couple’s wedding cake was the focal point of their reception: Alliance Bakery created five round ivory tiers with a clean, modern finish and a minimalist gold monogram surrounded by a gold-leaf garland with white flowers and candles. “It was exactly as I dreamed it would be,” Jordan says. “I loved all our vendors, but in particular, Emilia of Emilia Jane Photography, Sarah of Vale of Enna and Emma of Arch Apothecary [makeup] all just understood us and made everything so perfect. Emilia kept me calm all day and has since become a friend.” Jordan also offers advice to future couples: “My best advice would be not to sweat the things that are out of your control. On the day of our wedding, we woke up to freezing temperatures and sleet. Not what I dreamed of, but I was having so much fun getting ready with my girls and thinking about seeing Joe at the altar that it honestly didn’t phase me.”