A Luxe, Romantic Wedding at the Stan Mansion in Chicago, Illinois

Shaina Kaye (32 and an advertising account executive) and Victor Cuellar’s (31 and a food manufacturer) met at the Old Town Art Fair in Chicago and instantly hit it off. After four years together, Victor popped the question while the two were on vacation in Thailand. “Victor proposed on a rooftop overlooking the city of Bangkok,” Shaina says. “It was the perfect way to start our trip and we celebrated in Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Chiang Mai.” When it came to planning their wedding, the couple planned a romantic winter affair that was all elegance and glamour. The Stan Mansion in Chicago, a historic Masonic temple, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening (and ample space to host their 200 guests), the classic feel jibing with the wedding’s formal, black-tie vibe. “We loved the historic and classic feel of the mansion and were sold once we saw the huge dance floor,” Shaina says. While the venue was stunning on its own with its high ceilings and ornate decor, the couple took the 1920s space to the next level, panels of airy, white fabric, chandeliers, silver accents and lots of warm candlelight coming together to create an opulent, romantic scene. After the ceremony, Shaina, Victor and their guests enjoyed an evening filled with delicious food and lots of dancing. “It was quite the dance party,” Shaina says. “The floor was packed the entire night.” A tip for the taking from Shaina: “Have fun with planning and enjoy the engagement period. Everyone made us feel so special, and it was such a fun time in our relationship.”