Local Love – Amanda & Bradley at Chandler’s Weddings & Special Events

You never know who you’ll meet at a wedding. For Amanda and Bradley, their roles as bridesmaid and best man led them to their own love story. Bradley was the best man in his brother’s wedding and Amanda was one of Bradley’s sister-in-law’s bridesmaids. Amanda first learned that Bradley was kind and generous when he pulled her around in a wagon after hours of taking wedding photos in four-inch heels. After enjoying hanging out and sharing a dance or two at the wedding, the pair went their separate ways. They crossed paths again about six months later at a party, and Bradley couldn’t stop thinking about her, so he asked her out. They found that they shared similar interests and fit well with each other’s families, which made it clear that they were meant to be together. “I think the more I was not spending time with Amanda, the more I knew we were meant for each other because I missed her so much,” Bradley said.

Amanda and Bradley both grew up in the Chicago suburbs and the city was where they spent their time together– from sporting events to incredible restaurants and cultural events. The couple knew they wanted to get married in the same place they would build their forever together. They chose Chandler’s Weddings & Special Events because they loved that the venue offered plenty of picturesque spots for photos as well as a gorgeous location for their wedding ceremony. After being in many weddings that required the wedding party to take photos at different locations, Amanda was especially sold on being able to have everything in one place. They both said that Chandler’s ended up feeling less like a wedding venue and more like home.

When their Big Day finally arrived, Amanda, her bridal party, and her family got ready at her house. They had so much fun blasting music, eating snacks, and enjoying their morning together as they had their hair and makeup done. Another bonus of getting ready at home: they got to take photos in Amanda and Bradley’s basement bar (named Lewey’s after the couple’s chocolate lab). After a morning of pampering, Amanda and her girls arrived at Our Lady of Wayside Catholic Church for the elegant wedding ceremony amid the marble and high arches of the sanctuary. Amanda and Bradley exchanged vows, officially becoming Mr. and Mrs., before traveling to Chandler’s to meet their guests for the reception. Amanda had ordered umbrellas, knowing there was a high likelihood of rain, and they really enjoyed using the props while they took photos at the golf course. Inside, the venue was decorated in a timeless and classy vibe with black table linens, silver Chiavari chairs, hydrangeas, and elegant centerpieces. As a fun touch, they placed selfie sticks, tambourines, and maracas for guests to use. The pair also had an ice martini luge sculpted to look their dog! Bradley, who has a special love for cardigans, was surprised by Amanda with a customized cardigan featuring “Grooms Party Attire” on the back. He dramatically revealed the cardigan under his suit when he and Amanda were introduced at the reception to great applause.

Amanda and Bradley truly enjoyed their entire wedding celebration, but we asked them to narrow down their favorite moments for us. Bradley talked so sweetly of the moment he saw Amanda walking down the aisle. “I felt a sense of stability and love that I knew would be there the rest of my life when I saw her,” he shared. He also specifically enjoyed the few minutes the couple set aside to take photos while the reception was in full swing. Not only did they get some much needed alone time, they could also look in on all their friends and family enjoying the party and fully absorb how special it was to have so much love and support. Amanda had a special appreciation for the moment they exchanged their vows to officially become husband and wife. She couldn’t leave out how much she enjoyed the reception: sipping martinis, taking wedding party photos on the golf course, special dances, and silly pictures in the photo booth. Amanda and Bradley looked forward to their wedding for so long and could not have been happier with their Big Day.

Vendor List:

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Wayside

Reception Venue: Chandler’s Weddings & Special Events

Photography: Jolie Images Photography

Officiant: Fr. Louis

Rings: Gale Diamonds

Hair & Makeup: Maria Shinas of Beaute Luxe

Bride’s Other Jewelry: Swarovski; family heirloom

Formalwear: Black Tie Formalwear

Groom’s Accessories: MVMT

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie

Floral & Décor: Bill’s Grove Florist

Catering: Chandler’s Weddings & Special Events

Entertainment: DJ Marty of America’s Best

Cake & Sweets: Central Continental Bakery

Transportation: Chicago Cloud 9 Limo