Serena & Kevin’s Alfresco-Inspired Wedding at Theatre on the Lake
Inspired by long, leisurely meals shared with loved ones, Serena and Kevin’s wedding day was filled with rich summer hues, abundant tablescapes, and bursting floral arrangements. Set against the stunning backdrop of Chicago at Theater on the Lake, their Italian, dinner party-inspired wedding was a fanfare of colors wrapped up in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
As unlikely as it sounds, Serena and Kevin’s love story began in an operating room. Serena, an OR nurse, and Kevin, an orthopedic sales rep, were assisting in the same surgery when they first met. Over the following months, their professional interactions developed into a friendship. It wasn’t until a year later that they happened to run into each other outside of work. And without their usual hospital attire of scrubs and masks, they nearly didn’t recognize each other! That night, Kevin asked Serena out, and just four days later, they had their first date. It was a quintessential Chicago evening, complete with wine and an illuminated river view — a perfect start to a love story marked by a shared passion for food, wine, travel, and of course, orthopedics.
The couple exchanged vows in the breathtaking Notre Dame de Chicago, a historic church that provided a timeless setting for their ceremony. As Serena walked down the aisle, her bridal look was a stunning juxtaposition of classic and contemporary. The minimalist wedding gown was beautifully complemented by a dramatic veil adorned with pearl embellishments and lace appliqué, adding texture and depth to her ensemble.
Following the ceremony, a trolley transported the wedding party to Theater on the Lake, a venue boasting panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline. Though the space was expansive, Serena and Kevin created a warm, intimate ambiance. Drapery along the walls, soft chiffons, and twinkling string lights transformed the venue into an inviting oasis. Their stunning tablescapes featured pottery, candlelit accents, and unique glassware arranged atop blue-patterned chinoiserie tablecloths. Each place setting included loose roses and dried citrus slices, while floral arrangements combined bold rosy-orange orchids, delicate blue hydrangeas, and fresh citrus elements, evoking the charm of an alfresco Italian gathering.
In a delightful coincidence, the couple’s wedding day also fell on Serena’s grandparent’s 62nd wedding anniversary. In a touching tribute, Serean and Kevin shared their wedding day by organizing a cake-cutting ceremony together – a reminder that love only grows sweeter with time.
Surrounded by loved ones and enveloped in the beauty of their carefully designed celebration, Serena and Kevin created a wedding day that was as meaningful as it was breathtaking — a true reflection of their love story and shared passions.
Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER We Are the Bowsers
VENUE Theater on the Lake
FLORAL & DECOR Kehoe Designs
PLANNER LOLA Event Productions
HAIR Gabe Post for Bianca Sansosti Artistry
MAKEUP Dani Garcia
BRIDE’S GOWN Bella Bleu Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS Bella Bridesmaids, Jenny Yoo
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR Heritage House
GROOMSMEN’S FORMALWEAR Suit Supply
RINGS Jeweler’s Rowe Diamonds
STATIONERY Steracle Press
CATERING Entertaining Company
CAKE ECBG Cake Studio
LINENS BBJ La Tavola
ENTERTAINMENT The Chicago Players from Gold Coast Events
TRANSPORTATION Signature Transportation, Premier Trolley
