Amanda Kathleen Wade & Adam F. Cerutti
The Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL
Text: Merry
Mayer
Photography by Artisan Events, Chicago
Diamonds & Dogs
When
Adam decided to ask Amanda to marry him, he was living in New York and she was in Jacksonville. As a surprise, he flew
in unexpectedly, arriving at 2:30 in the morning, and waited in his car outside her house until she walked Madison,
their black lab, usually at 6:30. Amanda was stunned when she saw Adam there, but she figured it was just a pre-
Valentine’s Day surprise. But then Adam asked her to marry him and she said yes. The two (or make that three) were so
excited that Adam almost forgot to show Amanda the ring. | | Chicago Resources
INVITATIONS
Generations Design, Chicago, helped the couple create their own original invitations and save the date cards.
CEREMONY
Although the couple was married at Grace Lutheran Church, La Grange, in a traditional Lutheran
ceremony, they made sure to include Adam’s Catholic religion in their wedding preparations. They completed both Catholic
Pre-Cana classes and wedding preparation sessions with Amanda’s Lutheran pastor. Making the day that more special, Grace
Lutheran is where Amanda’s parents were married and where she was baptized by her grandfather who was pastor at the
church at that time.
OFFICIANT
Pastor Said Ailabouni
RECEPTION
In the Drake Hotel’s gorgeous
Gold Coast Ballroom, where the couple and their guests could look out at Lake Shore Drive while surrounded by beautiful
marble. The Drake had special memories for Amanda, who during high school would have girls’ night outs with her mom when
they would drive into the city, have a late dinner and then stay the night at the Drake.
FLOWERS
Flora,
Chicago
WEDDING CONSULTANT
Joey Chiapetta, the Drake’s senior catering manager. “A fabulous liaison, guide,
friend and mentor during the planning,” says Amanda.
CATERING
Drake Hotel
BRIDAL GOWN
Lazaro, strapless
gown, cut low in back with beads and crystals on bodice and skirt.
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Lazaro, cognac rust gowns with sweetheart bodice.
JEWELRY
K. Amato Designs,
Chicago
MAKEUP & HAIR
Beauty on Call, Chicago
GROOM & GROOMSMEN
Ralph Lauren black tuxedoes
CAKE
A square five-tier cake that included the design on Amanda’s dress on all four sides by Amy Beck
Cakes, Chicago.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Artisan Events, Chicago
MUSIC
The Stitely Orchestra, Chicago
HONEYMOON
The Marriott Kauai Resort and Beach Club and The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa,
Hawaii |
