1. Real Weddings

Tracy & Leon: A Formal Wedding in Chicago, IL

Tracy and Leon mixed the traditional and the modern to come up with a Chicago wedding celebration that was both meaningful and merry. The Bride Tracy

Tracy and Leon mixed the traditional and the modern to come up with a Chicago wedding celebration that was both meaningful and merry. The Bride Tracy Yu, 26, teacher The Groom Leon Stronsky, 30, technology program manager The Date August 7 Tracy and Leon actually entertained their guests with the story of how they met -- in two separate his and hers versions -- on their save-the-date cards. After meeting for drinks with some mutual friends, the two decided to share a cab home together (since they lived just four blocks apart) and stop for some late night Mexican on their way. As Tracy tells it, I don't know whether it was the nachos I ate or what, but I started falling for Leon right away. Leon remembers it a bit differently: I wasn't sure if it was the conversation or the burrito, but by the end of the evening I didn't think that Tracy was interested in me. Luckily for Leon, he was wrong, and when he proposed to Tracy almost a year later, her answer was yes.

The morning ceremony, at Chicago's St. Mary of the Angels Church, incorporated both Catholic and Filipino traditions. My culture is a major part of what makes me me, and I wanted to show it off, Tracy explains. Also, my family is huge, and since they were the primary guests, I wanted them to feel at home.
The reception unfolded that evening at the workspace of Tracy and Leon's florist, a huge open space which was transformed with pink and green flowers and tall silver candlesticks. The couple named their tables for students in Tracy's class. Every Valentine's Day I ask my students to finish the sentence 'Love is...' Tracy explains. I named the tables for the students, then put their quotes on the table cards.
Tracy's ivory silk a-line gown and her bridesmaid dresses, which featured hand-painted flowers on pink silk and organza, were handmade in the Philippines by Imelda Sarlie. To cover her shoulders for the ceremony, Tracy added a shawl called a panuelo.
At the reception, centerpieces varied between arrangements that mimicked the style of the bride's bouquet and clusters of three small vases, each holding one type of flower.
The fabulous repast was finished off with a four-tier cake featuring flavors from strawberry and banana to Grand Marnier.
Tracy's bridesmaid dresses featured hand-painted flowers on pink silk and organza and were handmade in the Philippines. The groom and guys started out in classic tuxes and switched to traditional Filipino shirts (called barongs) for the reception.