Shari & Matt’s Blush Wedding at Columbus Park Refectory
Like so many modern couples, Shari and Matt first met and connected online. But when Matt decided to propose — at Lou Malnati’s in Oak Park, one of the couple’s favorite restaurants — he made sure their family and friends were front and center for the proposal, with Shari’s family even flying in from the East Coast to be present for the big moment.
The wedding in July of 2019 was an equally exuberant celebration with their closest friends and family, a truly meaningful day in light of a devastating apartment fire Shari and Matt had experienced just four months earlier. They chose the Columbus Park Refectory, which Shari says achieved the “outdoor bohemian” vibe she hoped for while also providing a covered pavilion for the ceremony. The bridesmaids wore dresses in a soft blush color that suited the wedding’s ombré pink color scheme, while the groomsmen and the sister of the bride wore navy blue with blush accents.
Shari wore a simple lace dress in a mermaid style with a sweetheart neckline, while Matt opted for a custom navy suit with a blush bow tie. Following the ceremony, a signature pink cocktail was offered and hors d’oeuvres were served at stations around the pavilion, prior to a two-course dinner topped off with a three-tiered, pink ombré wedding cake with geometric gold accents in flavors of “pink” velvet, piña colada and vanilla.
After dinner, the couple hit the dance floor with their guests (the DJ achieving the perfect “chill, upbeat vibe” they were looking for) before heading out for a weeklong honeymoon in Belize.
Number of Wedding Guests: 100
VENDOR LIST
EVENT PLANNER: Tammy Palmer with Behind the Veil Design Studio
PHOTOGRAPHER: LLove Studio Photography
VENUE: Columbus Park Refectory
ENGAGEMENT RING: Rosado’s Box
WEDDING RINGS: Bride’s from Melanie Casey; Groom’s from Kay Jewelers
BRIDE’S GOWN: Pronovias via Dantela Bridal Couture
BRIDE’S JEWELRY: GlamorousBijoux via Etsy
FORMALWEAR: Men’s Wearhouse
GROOM’S SHOES: Stacy Adams
GROOM’S CUFFLINKS: JustKJewellery via Etsy
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Azazie
BRIDE’S HAIR: Alabasta Beauty
MAKEUP: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists
INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: Willow + White Studio
FLORAL: Lavish Weddings
DECOR: Boho Blush
CAKE & SWEETS: Delish Cakes
