1. Real Weddings

Kate & Mike: An Outdoor Wedding in Chicago, IL

The love between high school sweethearts Kate and Mike first sparked, appropriately enough, in chemistry class. But the couple went their separate way

The love between high school sweethearts Kate and Mike first sparked, appropriately enough, in chemistry class. But the couple went their separate ways in college, keeping in touch only sporadically. It wasn’t until after graduation that the two reconnected in their hometown during the holidays. Kate moved to Boston a few months later, but eventually the couple landed back in Chicago, where Mike attended business school. The Bride Kate Duffin, 28, graphic designer The Groom Mike Jensen, 28, management consultant The Date July 29 One evening, during a romantic walk along Lake Michigan near their home, Mike proposed. Kate was thrilled and set about designing a summer wedding that would reflect their sophisticated, modern taste.

The bridesmaids wore deep eggplant dresses by Vera Wang in various styles. Gold jewelry completed the look.
The bride’s silk taffeta, mermaid dress by Vera Wang featured a ruched bodice and a bubble hem.
Arrangements of tall branches draped with purple orchids provided height, while low arrangements of mosses, dahlias, and votives created visual interest.
The bride designed the programs, which were printed on craft paper, tied with purple ribbon, and placed on each chair.
Kate wore dressy gold heels for the ceremony, then changed to simple good flats for the reception. She has worn both pairs of stylish soles several times since the wedding.
The Reception Decor
Three round tiers of chocolate-frosted cake were topped with a clutch of purple dahlias.
On the museum’s terrace the couple exchanged vows, with Mike’s grandfather as officiant.
Classic, white escort cards were held down with simple stones on a table decorated with purple orchids.
Luxe bouquets of purple orchids, dahlias, and calla lilies added a pop of color.
Kate and Mike loved the architecture and urban setting of the Museum of Contemporary Art. The reception tables were arranged in the lobby of the museum.
Knot Tip: Instead of wearing a veil, add a cluster of small, vibrant flowers to your updo for a modern style.
A string trio played music during the cocktail hour, and the DJ played a mix of the couple’s favorite songs during dinner. “Once we started dancing we never stopped! Mike and I did our first dance to ‘Warm Love’ by Van Morrison,” Kate says.
The Stationery