Alicja and Damian’s Timeless Elegance and Charm
Photography captured by PURE Wedding Day, edited by Krystian Swierk Creative
Alicja and Damian both agreed on a simple but elegant wedding in nature where they could celebrate their special day with their closest family and friends. From hiking and biking on some of their first dates, the couple’s love was rooted in a passion for nature.
Damian proposed in May during a beautiful sunset on the beach in Naples, Florida. At the time, the couple decided they would enjoy their engagement and start planning the wedding a bit later. However, fate had other plans. Soon after the proposal, they came across the Wandering Tree Estate in North Barrington and fell in love with its charm, elegance, and beauty. Spontaneity took charge and they decided to get married that same year in August, leaving only two months to plan the entire wedding. It was quite an experience for the couple, but full of help from loved ones and wonderful vendors. Being in the events industry herself, Alicja brought on vendors she’d worked with before, who were able to pull everything together on time.
The bride owns and operates Alicja Events Ltd., comprising three divisions: Alicja Events, Alicja Models and Talents and Alicja Travel. In her professional career, she has experience working as a model, brand ambassador and event producer. She knows a thing or two about the fashion and hospitality industries, so planning her own wedding and what she’d wear for it was important. During her modeling career, Alicja wore many bridal gowns, but the one that she chose for her wedding felt really special to her. She selected a beautiful, off-white flowing dress by Alvina Valenta, adorned with earl grey and pastel pink touches that complemented the flowers and decor.
The wedding day itself was magical. The weather was ideal for an outdoor wedding with plenty of sun and some breeze. Wooden decorations, framed with images of the couple and garlands of white baby’s breath, fresh earl grey, amnesia and ivory roses set the scene. As guests started to arrive and the time drew near, you could feel the love in the air.
The ceremony was held in Wandering Tree Estate’s Japanese Garden by the waterfall. It began with a heart-opening rendition of “All Related” by Nessi Gomes, accompanied by violin. While Damian stood at the altar, Alicja walked down the aisle with her father, who’d flown in from Poland the night before.
After the ceremony, everyone was directed to the reception area. Rustic wooden tables were arranged by the glistening lake, surrounded by trees, flowers and the beauty of nature. The couple and guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a delicious plated dinner, beautifully prepared and served along the lake. The guests enjoyed arugula and baby spinach salad with golden beet carpaccio, roasted Roma tomato and shaved radishes. They also had the options of steak or salmon fillets accompanied by tri-color shaved carrots and parsnip puree. Following the meal, was a naked cake by Cakes & Beyond, displayed picturesquely inside the crisp white gazebo.
After dinner, the couple made their way to the grass dance floor and shared their first dance as husband and wife. Guest soon followed, some with shoes, some barefoot, but all with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. The dance floor remained packed throughout the celebration.
Alicja and Damian’s wedding day was everything they hoped it would be and more. Although they hadn’t planned on getting married so soon after the proposal, they followed their hearts and knew everything they’d decided was just right. They started their union with a perfect day and nothing but timeless memories of happiness and romance.
VENDORS
PHOTOGRAPHER: PURE Wedding Day
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR & VIDEO PRODUCTION: Krystian Swierk Creative
VENUE: Wandering Tree Estate
OFFICIANT: Wedding PL
FLORAL & DECOR: Aga Wedding and Event Decor
FURNITURE RENTALS: Elegant Presentations
PLANNER: Alicja Events Ltd
HAIR & MAKEUP: Vivian’s Beauty Bar
ENGAGEMENT RING: Verragio, from Albert’s Jewelers
WEDDING BANDS: Keswick Jewelers
BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Alvina Valenta, from Couture Bridal Outlet
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR: Essence Weddings
CATERING: Ink Catering
CAKE: Cakes & Beyond Chicago
STATIONERY: Eloquent Impressions
VIOLIN PLAYER: Tony Radzik
DJ: Eliana Garcia Mockler
