What a way to kick off early 2022! Mollie and Will had the most EPIC celebration at Ovation Chicago, I loved every single second of their fabulous day.

Their Story

“We met at age 15 on a double date with other people,” Mollie told me. “Will tried to shake my hand like a politician, which struck me as ODD considering we were, in fact, adolescent. He spent the next six years hosting an unfulfilled crush on me, while I, completely oblivious, kept Will positioned firmly in the Friend Zone.

At some point, I realized that Will would listen to the Beatles as much and as often as I would– a rare find. Then, the summer after we both turned 21, Will finally made his big move and it worked! Eventually, I had a tantrum about making things official and much to my surprise, Will began to introduce me as his girlfriend without any further discussion. This would be the first of many instances where I realized I had finally found someone able to give me a run for my money and win. Now we get to have a big party to celebrate two lawyers, because we’ve decided to debate with each other forever.”

Getting Ready + Portraits

The two got ready separately while they prepped for the big day. Will was assisted by his dad, brother and close friends at The Robey while Mollie and her ladies were at an Airbnb close by. Once Mollie rehearsed her vows, her Maid of Honor helped her put on the dress to show the girls. Will arrived so the couple could have their adorable and emotional first look by the window. We then popped outside for some quick street portraits before meeting up with the rest of the wedding party at Salvage One, where Mollie had ANOTHER first look, this time with the groomsmen! We spent the next hour taking photos together around the gorgeous antique furniture store, finishing with a fun champagne pop in the courtyard.

Ovation Chicago

Once we were at Ovation Chicago, I snapped a few photos of Mollie + Will with the venue’s vintage car. We then took family portraits, followed by their beautiful Jewish ceremony. Under their ceremonial chuppah, the couple kissed, signed the ketubah, said their vows and eventually stomped on the glass to signify their marriage! Once the newlyweds walked back up the aisle, the wedding guests moved to the bar for cocktail hour. Mollie + Will made a very sweet thank you speech as friends + family cheered. After sitting down for salads during the reception, we heard some heartfelt speeches from the Best Man, the Maid of Honor, Will’s brother and the couples’ fathers. As many of you know, this is one of my FAVORITE parts of a wedding day! I love hearing stories about my couples from those closest to them and seeing their reactions.

Dinner was running behind, which sent many wedding guests to the bar. After the couple cut the cake, had their first dance and then a shared parent dance, it was HORA TIME! Filled with cocktails and wine, Mollie + Will’s friends held the two up in their chairs on the dance floor as everyone circled around them. Intoxicated cousins don’t always make the best chair bearers, so the couple was grateful for being on the ground again once the song was over. The rest of the night at Ovation Chicago was spent dancing, drinking, and laughing. My last song with the couple was “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers, which all the wedding guests BELTED together on the dance floor. It was the best ending to the very best day ever.

And yes, that is a life-size cardboard cutout of Pete Davidson. He was a huge hit at the party and made Mollie’s grandmother very happy.

Ceremony + Reception: Ovation Chicago

Florals: Hedonia Flowers

Hair/Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties

Dress: Claire Pettibone

Catering: Fyusion Dining

Bar Service: Bottles & Cans

DJ: Style Matters DJs / DJ Disko Kitty