Kate Speiser & Oktay Engin
Trump International Hotel and Towers, Chicago, IL
Text: Merry
Mayer
Photography by Diane Black Photography
Long Distance Romance
Kate and Odie met and began dating when they were both undergraduates at Illinois State University. But after graduation, Odie, who had grown up in Munich, Germany, returned there and Kate worked for three years in the U.S. and then went to Glasgow, Scotland, for graduate school. During these years the relationship stayed strong even with the distance. Kate would visit him in Munich and Odie would visit her in Glasgow and sometimes they would split the difference and meet in Amsterdam. Finally, with Kate in the U.S. in 2008, Odie came for a visit and the two decided to get married. | | Chicago Resources
CEREMONY
The traditional ceremony, held in the Skyline Room of the Trump International Hotel and Towers, included a Unity Sand Ceremony and the lighting of a Remembrance Candle. Kate selected her brother, Matthew, to serve as her special attendant (maid of honor). The room was adorned with white and ivory florals and hundreds of candles for an “old Hollywood” feel.
RECEPTION
After the cocktail hour, the doors to the Grand Ballroom were opened and the orchestra began to play. The room was a vision in white, with ivory table linens with beaded overlay and white floral arrangements of dendrobium and phalaenopsis orchids, calla lilies and hydrangeas. A crystal and mirror bar, accented with “old Hollywood” accessories added to the drama and romantic feel.
DAY PLANNER
Claudia Anthony of As You Wish, Chicago
CATERING
Trump International Hotel and Towers provided a scrumptious meal as well as specialty stations during cocktails (a sushi bar and artisan cheese monger) and a late in the evening dessert station.
CAKE
A carrot cake with raspberry filling from Take the Cake, Chicago.
MUSIC
Ceremony music was provided by Paul French, music director at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Chicago, and his ensemble which included a keyboard, flute, cello and trumpet. Reception music was provided by a 14-piece orchestra from Eden Entertainment, Chicago, that was so popular with the guests that Kate and Odie extended the time they played for another hour.
FLOWERS
Kehoe Designs, Chicago
PHOTOGRAPHY
Diane Black Photography, Chicago
Videography
Dan Casper of Midwest Video Productions, Manhattan, Illinois
WEDDING GOWN
A champagne, silk Mikado gown, halter style with hand embroidered swarovski crystals designed by Anna Poston at Mira Couture, Chicago.
HAIR
Magnificent Brides, Chicago.
BRIDE’S PENDANT
An aquamarine and diamond pendant designed by Fey & Company, LaGrange, from the bride’s grandmother’s gems.
HONEYMOON
The couple postponed their honeymoon until this fall when they will visit Germany.
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