This University Club of Chicago Wedding was the perfect combo of classic, old school vibes with a modern twist. Eloise + Dom flew in from NYC to celebrate their big day with loved ones and host the biggest party of the year!

Their Story

“We met on Dom’s very first day of work at University of Chicago,” Eloise told me. “We first bonded over our shared love for our cats, Marvin & Phoebe, our goofy humor, & deep love of dumplings. In 2018 we began dating, ignoring the advice of everyone who has ever said you should not date the person who sits next to you. Dom’s desk was moved to the other side of the office shortly thereafter, of course. The past few years have been full of cat pictures, White Sox games (and the occasional Cubs game with the Hyman family), and exploring new places together.”

Getting Ready, First Look + Portraits

The couple got ready with their wedding parties in separate rooms at the University Club of Chicago. Eloise’s sister and maid of honor Kate (who also happens to be a friend of mine from college!) helped her get dressed in the building’s barbershop room. Down the hall, Dom and his friends played pool under the gaze of some very intimidating taxidermied animals. Once the couple was ready to go, they had their first look in the library.

A quick trip across the street took us to the edge of Millennium Park, where we took more portraits. My favorite thing about Eloise + Dom is that they never take life too seriously. They were ALWAYS down to do something fun. This of course included Eloise’s famous Halloween sweater, a favorite clothing item that she really wanted to make an appearance. It was October 29th, after all, so everyone was ready for the holiday!

University Club of Chicago Wedding

After Eloise + Dom signed their ketubah with the help of their witnesses, they were married in front of nearly 200 of their closest family + friends. The ceremony concluded with a kiss, the breaking of the glass, and a walk back up the aisle. To their surprise, some of their friends even threw candy at them! Many variations of this tradition can be seen at other Jewish weddings.

After a lively cocktail hour, everyone made their way back to the ballroom for the reception and dinner. We heard some beautiful speeches from parents, siblings and friends followed by a first dance. Before the parent dances, Dom made a speech about how he had decided to do a dance with both his aunt and his stepmother in lieu of his late mother’s absence, who had passed earlier in the year. Not a dry eye in the house for that song. After Eloise shared a dance with her dad, guests filled the dance floor for the Hora. By the way, if you’re ever on the fence about hiring a live band, let this be your sign! The dance floor was packed for the rest of the night.

The best surprise, however, was when Eloise’s brother, his wife, and Kate’s husband Brandon performed their version of “Timber” by Pitbull with the band! The crowd went NUTS! My face definitely hurt from smiling after that performance. It was the best way to end their incredible University Club of Chicago Wedding.

Venue: University Club of Chicago / Hair + Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago / Florals: Anthony Gowder / Dress: Rebecca Schoneveld / Live band: Beatmix Music