Meg and Spencer’s Chicago Yacht Club Wedding by Stacy Able Photography
Meg and Spencer’s wedding was full of family, friends, and a crazy fall Chicago thunderstorm with tornado warning. Despite the booming thunder and downpours, Meg gracefully did not let it bother her. I really enjoyed hanging out with the bridesmaids and her as they got ready at the Hotel Lincoln as talking with Meg it is like she’s an old friend.
Every last detail, Meg and Spencer out did themselves. From the large boat they painstakingly painted that displayed the place cards, to the vases wrapped with rope, these two threw an elegant nautical affair. The entire wedding party wore Sperry shoes which I wish I had donned a pair being the docks were a touch slippery from the rain.
No matter the weather, Meg and Spencer it was an honor and pleasure to document your big day and I hope to see you two again soon. Perhaps we will meet for a wintery trash the dress with Rambo.
Meg and Spencer Q&A:
A former mentor of mine used to start every bridal consultation with the question “what do you want your guests to walk away saying?”. Early in our relationship, Spencer and I agreed we wanted people to say “that was an amazing, crazy, insane wedding!”.
As an active sailor, Spencer grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago sailing Lake Michigan and summering in Maine. I am originally from Northern California and grew up going to Ludington, Michigan every summer. Needless to say, we both feel the most relaxed when near large bodies of water. Once engaged, we coordinated a site visit of the Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Harbor (downtown Chicago) with their fabulous Catering Director, Kate Newton. We were about to sign the contract when Spencer noticed that there was a Belmont Station of Chicago Yacht Club only a few blocks from where we lived. After viewing the Belmont Station location, we knew we had found the perfect location! The Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Station is the perfect amount of nautical combined with the laid back feel of Lincoln Park – and not to mention one of this best (and exclusive) views of Chicago’s skyline.
After selecting the venue, we went with a nautical inspiration for our big day. Both Spencer and I love DIY projects – and we are fortunate enough to have amazing family & friends to help! We found an old wooden dinghy at the Randolph Street Market and repurposed it to hang out place cards. We purchased cylindrical vases from the dollar store and wrapped them with brown rope. A friend donated 18 red and blue lanterns, which we spray painted a brush, hammered bronze color. Although our beloved schnoodle, Rambo, was not present, a miniature sculpture of our pup was created for our cake topper.
I woke up at 5AM the day of the wedding to the television blaring weather warnings. I know that rain is supposed to be good luck on a wedding day, but the weather man was saying hail and potential tornado – what was that superstition?! The rain held off until 3:45PM, just as the ladies were heading to the venue. Thankfully, we had prepared for rain and had a backup option. Our guests swear it provided an intimate event having 170 people huddled on the deck of the sailing school as the rain fell behind us! The rain lifted at 4:45PM just as the ceremony was ending – perfect timing for pictures. The less than ideal weather had produced breathtaking clouds and, later, turned the entire sky this pink-purple color. It was truly magical!
Words cannot express how thankful Spencer and I are to have had our family and closest friends gathered around us for this very special day. Looking back on the day, we both laugh and say “that was an amazing, crazy, perfect wedding!”- totally and completely the way we imagined it!
Favorite moment(s)?
The lady’s dance party at Hotel Lincoln while getting ready; Richie (groomsmen) tying 8 bowties like a boss; the flower girl not wanting to let go of the maid-of-honor’s hand during the walk down the aisle (and then standing with the bridesmaids up front for the entire ceremony); the rain picking up at the perfect time during the two readings; capturing a photograph of the Sperry’s; table 14’s bet that the maid of honor would cry during her speech (she did not); the jug of apple-pie flavored moonshine being passed; the best man joining the band and rocking out to “Wagon Wheel”; ring fights; Spencer & Meg taking a minute to step outside and take in the entire day; dancing the last song “Sweet Caroline” with those that mean the most to us
Funniest moment:?
Our officiant was formerly on Spencer’s rugby team. He does about 3-4 weddings per year and makes each one special and unique. He never told us what he was going to say, or that he altered the traditional vows ever so slightly – but it made for one of the best, funniest moment of the wedding!
First Dance Songs?
Spencer & Meg – Everything by Michael Bublé | Father Daughter – What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong | Mother Son – How Sweet It Is by James Taylor
Vendor List:
Dress designer – Robert Bullock | Place purchased – Weddings 826, Chicago, IL | Photographer: Stacy Able Photography | Both Sashes Purchased – Soutache, Chicago, IL | Rings (all three) – Julia Hadi Jewelry, Chicago, IL | Floral – Tina and Dollie, Chicago, IL | Band – Stephanie Rogers Band, Chicago, IL | Venue (both Ceremony and Reception) – Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Station | Food – Executive Chef Jill Dedinsky, Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Station | Invitations, Save the Dates, Thank You Cards – Olive and Violet | Bridesmaid dresses – J Crew | Hair – Christina Tassi, D’Amici Salon, La Grange Park | Makeup – Monica Tassi, D’Amici Salon, La Grange Park | Wedding cake – Chicago Yacht Club | Mens Suits – Jos A Bank | Cake Topper – Meg (the bride) Hellmuth | Getting Ready Location – Hotel Lincoln, Chicago, IL
Stacy Able Photography
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