Nicole + Gabe’s intimate backyard wedding in Chicago was something out of a dream. Being the masterminds of all things tasteful and aesthetic, this couple put together a day that was the perfect combination of romance and style.

Their Story

They first met in 2015 when Gabe was working at the Oakbrook Binny’s Beverage Depot. Nicole happened to be a new sales rep for Heritage Wine Cellars. Gabe was immediately taken by Nicole’s charm and intelligence and Nicole thought Gabe was a nice guy. But she wasn’t looking to mix work and her personal life. Several years went by as they continued to follow each other’s lives on social media. Gabe finally decided to comment on a post that Nicole shared related to Harry Potter. Banter ensued and they came together around their shared passion for wine and the nerdier things in life. These included Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the whimsy of the outdoors.

They began dating in 2018. It was right around the time Nicole moved into her first condo in Chicago. She says it was proximity to Gabe’s work. Gabe says he wanted to spend all of his time with Nicole. They decided to move in together the last week of February 2019. Gabe left for a work trip to Argentina and came back to his new home one week before the pandemic took full effect. Together they navigated the trials of lockdown and learning each other and falling more and more in love.

After the drain of the pandemic, they bought a home together in November of 2021. The very first purchase they made for their new home was a 12-person dining table that would be soon utilized by friends and family. On Christmas of 2024, Gabe proposed while in their pjs, with coffee and cinnamon rolls, sitting on their couch. They said they ugly cried for at least 15 minutes.

Getting Ready, First Look + Portraits

Although this entire wedding looks like a stylized photoshoot made for a magazine, it was all done at the couple’s home in Inverness, IL. Nicole got ready in their bedroom with the help of some close family members. After the first look with her dad, Nicole met Gabe at a nearby park for their first look. He and a friend had brought some patio furniture with them to set up beforehand. Once Gabe and Nicole had their moment, the couple took a few minutes to drink some wine before heading back to the house.

Intimate Backyard Wedding in Chicago

The couple got married right in their backyard, surrounded by their immediate family. An anecdote about their ceremony: this wasn’t the original plan. Nicole and Gabe had actually booked a venue for their ceremony and cocktail hour that was just a short distance away. Sadly, one month before their date, the couple learned that their venue had double booked and they had to make a new plan. The pivot ended up being such a blessing in disguise. Nicole and Gabe were able take more portraits with loved ones throughout the day in their favorite place in the world. The weather could not have been more beautiful. Nicole even got to have a small photoshoot of her eating cake!

Tea Time + Dinner

After they walked back up the aisle, the couple immediately fell into their first dance. As they swayed to “Lover” by Taylor Swift played by a violin trio, all guests were invited to join. Once they popped some Champagne, everyone took their seats for tea and snacks. Another hour of mingling and sipping (with a quick dress change) flew by before everyone gathered into the dining room for dinner. The couple hired the chef from their favorite restaurant in Barrington into their home to make dinner. Once everyone had eaten, the couple outside for some sunset portraits. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Venue: Private Residence / Planning: Reverie & Co Events / Florals: Dagny & Lane Floral / Video: Forever Hello Films / Hair: Liza Russo / Makeup: Denise Ferguson / Drapery: Chicago Wedding Decoration / Furniture + Decor Rentals: Elements Preserved / Linens and Rentals: BBJ La Tavola / Chairs + Rentals: Tablescapes / Music: Evanston Strings / Private Chef: Gigi Wine and Bar Bistro / Catering: Paramount / Cake – Ambrosia Bakery

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