1. Real Weddings

A Laid-Back Wedding at Ovation Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Marla Mims (30 and a digital account manager) and Trevin Wagener (31 and a repair technician) make the ideal team. The two met at work, and were frien

Marla Mims (30 and a digital account manager) and Trevin Wagener (31 and a repair technician) make the ideal team. The two met at work, and were friends for a long time before they started dating. When planning their wedding at Ovation Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, their focus was on food and music, with a warm, modern aesthetic in shades of blue and green. “Those things are a big part of our lives and can take any party to the next level,” Marla says. Their menu included barbecue, Asian and Peruvian chicken entrees with cake (including a colorful sprinkle cake), pie and doughnuts from their favorite Chicago bakeries. “Our food was delicious, and our DJ had our guests on the dance floor from the start,” she says. Other elements included Trevin’s dark green suit, a handmade paper crane installation, pop songs during the ceremony and personalized tile favors that doubled as escort cards. “The day belongs to you,” Marla says. “Don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else does, or what’s expected of you. Whether walking down the aisle together, serving burgers and fries or inviting only 10 people—do what will make you smile when you think about it years later.” —Chrissy Sorenson

The bright blue and gold invitations set the tone for an elegant yet laid-back wedding. “We wanted everything to be beautiful but without feeling stuffy,” Marla says.
All of Marla's favorite flowers were included in her bouquet. “We wanted to evoke a prairie style, with varied blooms and a loose arrangement but similar in color,” she says. “Our florist totally knocked it out of the park.”
Trevin’s green suit was the first decision made during wedding planning, “and it was a great one,” Marla says. “Unexpected but still elegant.”
The Chicago, Illinois, skyline made an impressive background for wedding party shots.
Marla's bridesmaids wore J.Crew dresses in the same color and fabric but in different figure-flattering styles.
Marla’s cathedral-length veil added a dramatic effect in many wedding photos.
Every guest received a confetti popper to use after the ceremony at Ovation Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. The programs also asked guests to refrain from taking photos during the ceremony, using the line, "We want to see your face, not your phone."
Marla created a hanging crane installation with a friend. “It became the focal point of the day,” Marla says. “Guests started taking photos in front of it.”
His and hers cocktails were the Marla-rita and Trevin’s Bloody Mary. The cocktails were displayed on a blue wooden sign.
Marla wanted to look romantic but struggled to find the right dress. She tried on dozens of styles before finding this all-lace strapless Rosa Clara fit-and-flare gown. She had shoulder straps added to give it a twist.
Guests' names were painted on porcelain tiles in the wedding's color scheme. These served as the escort cards and favors. Seeing the tiles hanging in friends' and families' homes after the wedding “has been such an honor,” Marla says.
Place settings of beautiful mixed vintage china went well with the family-style meal at Ovation Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.
White, green and orange floral centerpieces in colorful glass bottles and vases decorated long farm tables at Ovation Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.
Marla and Trevin included citrus in their centerpieces "for a fun edge," the bride says.
Marla and Trevin had two small cakes: a simple ivory buttercream cake and another covered in colorful sprinkles.