An Elegant Dinner Party Reception at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago, Illinois

Family is so important to Laura Chappetto (35) and Lauren Flynn (29), who co-own a real estate and design firm, that they chose a reception date significant to both sides: Laura’s parents’ anniversary and Lauren’s late mother’s birthday. After a legal wedding in May 2017, the brides gathered 125 guests for an autumn cocktail party at Galleria Marchetti, which Lauren’s family owns. Laura wore a lace top with a long skirt, and Lauren rocked a linen blazer and her favorite pants. The couple wanted the wedding to echo the dinners they often host together, with small plates, a Spanish cheese board and lots of candles. Lauren’s aunt designed the letterpressed invitation, and reclaimed wood tables, string lights and framed photos of late loved ones enhanced the homey atmosphere, while Spanish guitar music and elegant garlands brought things up a notch. The almond cake with cream cheese filling celebrated Laura’s parents’ wedding anniversary, with their initials drawn in the lemon frosting. Guests could even bag doughnuts to go.