Eva McKendrick of Winnetka and Peter McNamara of Cary
Photo courtesy of Tao Zhang, Lenswork Studio
The Location: Westmoreland Country Club, Wilmette
Wedding Coordinator: Sandra Groseclose
Photographer: Tao Zhang, Lenswork Studio
Flowers: Scarlet Petal
Dress: Alvina Valenta
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Jewelry: Nadri (earrings), Tiffany (engagement ring and wedding band)
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Amsale
Groom’s Tux: Roderick Charles
Wedding Band: Indigo, Arlen Music Productions
Cake: Hoosier Mama Pie Company
Rehearsal Dinner: Francesca’s North
Honeymoon: Istrian Peninsula, Croatia; Venice, Italy; Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; Paris, France
From our first dance song, Wilco’s “Jesus, Etc.” (a song we both loved before we met each other, and one of the things we bonded over), to wedding pies from our neighborhood bakery in lieu of a cake, everything we did on our wedding day was a reflection of all the things we love as a couple. We had the special opportunity to bring together our large families from countries all over the world (including Canada, Peru, Ireland, and England) and treated them to Chicago-style hot dogs as a late-night snack. We spent the whole night dancing and eating and could not have asked for a better day! –—Eva
Emily McEneely of Lake Forest and Michael Lauridsen of Lake Forest
The Location: Church of the Covenants, Lake Forest & Sunset Ridge Country Club, Northfield
Day-of Coordinator: Pamela Russell
Photographer: C. Saville Photography (Caitlin Saville Collins)
Flowers: Bride’s mother
Dress: Rosa Clara (Mira Couture)
Shoes: Miss Albright
Jewelry: Antique (pearls), Hamilton Jewelers (rings)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Custom
Wedding Band: Midwest Young Artists Chamber Music Ensemble
Cake: Bittersweet Bakery
Bridal Shower Location: Church of the Covenants
Rehearsal Dinner Location: The Forge of Vernon Hills
After-Party: Bride’s parents’ house in Lake Forest
Honeymoon: Jupiter Island, Florida
I had a morning wedding, and the day of, a vintage Rolls-Royce drove my parents, my maid of honor, and me to the ceremony. We took the long way through Lake Forest and the driver kept saying, “We can still turn back!” but I knew there was no way I would.
Our wedding favors were really special. When we were dating, Michael built vegetable beds for me, and my sister and I grew heirloom tomatoes. We made savory tomato jam and canned it for wedding favors. One of my favorite things was seeing so many people I love in one place: Most of the guests were family and there were a lot of children present. It was so much fun to visit, that I didn’t want to leave the after-party at the end of the day. — Emily
