1. Real Weddings

A Traditional Preppy Wedding at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Illinois

Jennifer Hooten (28 and an academic data coordinator) and Michael Meyer (32 and an estimator) met at a bar on Bourbon Street in Chicago. "My best frie

Jennifer Hooten (28 and an academic data coordinator) and Michael Meyer (32 and an estimator) met at a bar on Bourbon Street in Chicago. "My best friend and Matron of Honor, Meg, actually pushed me into him. The rest is history!" says Jennifer. Michael popped the question during Fourth of July weekend at Jennifer's grandparent's cottage in Michigan, getting down on one knee at the end of the home's dock, the sun setting over the water. For their wedding, the couple planned a preppy nautical-inspired affair at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Illinois. A blue and emerald green palette was chosen for the day and a stripe motif was incorporated throughout, from the wedding invitations to the bouquet wraps and even the wedding cake for a touch of preppy flair. Ivory blooms like hydrangeas, roses and viburnum added a touch of timeless elegance to the decor, while fun details like sailor's knot table numbers, board games and a popcorn station added personality.

Elegant Pearl Choker Necklace
Long Navy Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
To give the bridesmaids' bouquets a fresh pop of color, while keeping with the wedding's blue and emerald color palette, the couple's florists filled their bouquet with fluffy bunches of green trick and hypericum berries.
Michael and his groomsmen donned classic gray Vera Wang tuxes for the event, which they paired with emerald green ties to play up the wedding's color palette.
"The little blueberries in my bouquet and Michael's boutonniere were my favorite part and they almost didn't happen," says Jennifer. "Our florist shipped them overnight from Canada – what an amazing surprise. Kristin really did do everything she could to make the day perfect."
Blue and emerald green stripes could be found throughout the day, including on the couple's ceremony programs. Green and white stripes decorated the front and back covers, with just a hint of blue in the form of a satin ribbon tied along the programs' spines.
Instead of simply listing the names of the members in their wedding party, Jennifer and Michael added an illustrated pictograph as a fun twist.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony at Incarnation Catholic Church
Before a night filled with dinner and dancing, Jennifer and Michael exchanged vows in a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony.
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club Reception Venue
The exposed wood and beams in the Clubhouse at Cog Hill Country Club gave the reception a warm, inviting feel.
Formal Thank You Cards
As a nod to the wedding's subtle nautical theme, the table numbers were displayed on nautical rope knots.
Modern Ivory Hydrangea Centerpieces
A gluten-free wedding cake in a bright key lime flavor by Sweet Ali’s Bakery in Hinsdale, Illinois allowed Jennifer, who has a gluten sensitivity, to indulge in the sweet wedding tradition.
Jennifer and Michael's First Dance
Guests could refuel after some serious dancing at Jennifer and Michael's popcorn bar.