1. Real Weddings

Kate & Tom: A Traditional Wedding in Chicago, IL

Kate and Tom both went to the University of Dayton, but didn't connect until post-graduation. Kate ran into some college buddies at a bar in Lincoln P

Kate and Tom both went to the University of Dayton, but didn't connect until post-graduation. Kate ran into some college buddies at a bar in Lincoln Park, Tom among them. He expressed interest through a mutual friend, and once he got the green light, they struck up a conversation...and a serious spark. The Bride Kate Wanzer, 29, attorney The Groom Tom Derhake, 30, consultant The Date October 6 Five years later, Tom got a ring and made his move. He asked Kate to go kayaking in Chicago. However, his romantic plan hit a snag that would have derailed a less-determined man: The river ran by a waste management facility, and the overpowering stench together with the sight of dead fish, dirty diapers, and even a dead duck had Kate in tears, asking to go home. When they got back, Tom quickly came up with a new plan: champagne at The Peninsula Bar, followed by dinner at The Custom House. When she dropped her napkin after the meal, he seized the moment to drop to one knee and propose.

The dinner menus were printed on clever fortune teller contraptions made by the bride and groom. Tom designed the layout on the computer, Kate styled and formatted the menu, and together, they folded all 180 of them.
The Ceremony
The bridesmaids looked elegant in strapless, tea-length Vera Wang Maids dresses with full skirts and sashes at the waist. The design, inspired by the bride's gown, was executed in a rich cocoa color that was a beautiful contrast to their green and ivory bouquets.
The chic wedding cake had four layers of varying heights, each covered in sage green fondant with chocolate fondant ribbon wrapped around the base of each layer. Delicate white sugar flowers and brown fern shoots were placed at the sides and top of the cake.
The Ring Bearer
The guest tables had a collection of four glass vases of varying sizes filled with ivory roses, green cymbidium orchids, green hydrangea, and fern shoots with hanging green amaranthus and seeded eucalyptus. The table assignments, done in brown cardstock with sage green ink calligraphy, were embellished with quotations about love made by famous artists -- a decorative touch made in honor of the art gallery setting.