HI Real Bride Angela
Photos: Cecilia Proskauer
We're feeling inspired by Angela's colorful Chicago wedding. Pops of pink, purple, and yellow so cheerful you can't help but smile. Not to mention the 1960s beaded column gown that had the whole reception in a tizzy! 💛
1. Tell us about your wedding day and surrounding events! Where did it all go down? Did you have any particular inspiration or musts when choosing the location?
We celebrated our wedding in Chicago, choosing to keep things simple and local since we were among the last in our friend group to get married. We envisioned an entirely outdoor event and selected Colvin House as the venue that brought that vision to life. We fell in love with its Prairie Style architecture, pink speakeasy, and the abundance of outdoor space that’s hard to find in the city.
2. How did you and your partner meet? What was the proposal like?
We met at an Irish bar in Chicago thanks to a mutual friend! The proposal came as a total surprise on a Monday night during a picnic at our favorite spot, Oz Park. Knowing that proposals don’t always go according to plan, we realized after ours that Christian had locked his keys in his apartment. We ended up involving his landlord in our post-proposal activities—LOL.
3. Describe your Happy Isles dress and/or dresses! When did you know it was the one?
I was lucky enough to wear two stunning looks from Happy Isles. I walked down the aisle in a '90s strapless mini dress and later slipped into the showstopper of the night: a '60s yellow starburst beaded gown. Without a doubt, my reception dress was easily my favorite detail of the entire day. I still get excited showing it to new friends!
4. What did your partner wear down the aisle and did you share outfit pics before the big day?
My partner wore a custom forest green suit by The Tie Bar. I knew what he was wearing, but he had no clue about my looks. I had to sneakily veto a few color ideas to keep them from clashing with my yellow dress—or worse, giving it away!
5. How did your guests respond to your outfit/s? Were there any standout reactions?
Ahhh, both looks got amazing reactions, just as I hoped! I stunned everyone right after the ceremony when I revealed the '60s yellow starburst beaded gown—jaws were on the floor! My aunt ran over and ripped my green beer bottle out of my hand, saying, "Oh my God, you can’t drink that in THAT dress." LOL
6. Where did you shop for accessories, and how did you style your look/s?
My favorite accessories of the day were definitely my earrings! I borrowed a beautiful pair of pearls from my maid of honor, which she wore on her wedding day. For the reception, I thrifted some vintage earrings in NYC during my bachelorette party that paired perfectly with the look.
7. What was the most memorable aspect of your dress shopping experience? Is there anything you would like to highlight or share with other brides considering an appointment at Happy Isles?
The appointment was so fun! Even though I was coming in from out of town without my normal squad, the Happy Isles team made it feel like I was shopping with my bffs. William was fantastic—he knew each dress, how it would fit, and whether I’d love it right off the bat. I’ve sent many friends to Happy Isles because I know they’ll have an amazing experience, too.
8. Okay. Your HI wedding dress is a person. What is their name, and describe their perfect date!
LOL. She is Eliose but goes by El. She is classy, fun, and flirty all at the same time (aka brat). Her perfect date includes cocktails and a cheeky cigarette.
9. Getting serious for a second. Did you ever feel like you were breaking the mold or challenging expectations while wedding planning? What were some ways you stayed true to yourself during what can be an emotionally complex experience?
When planning the wedding, we focused a lot on our guests and included some quirky touches that brought us joy. We had a pre-ceremony cocktail hour, allowing us to mingle with our guests and make sure they had a drink in hand before the ceremony began. The cocktail-style reception gave everyone the freedom to choose who they spent time with (including the Chicago-style magicians we had roaming around). Our final surprise of the night was a (very silly) late-night choreographed dance, complete with several friends jumping in to join a mini flash mob. The crowd went wild!
10. They say every wedding has a “wild card” moment. Did anything unexpected happen or surprise you during planning or day-of?
The groom was on late-night pizza duty and forgot to place the order ahead of time. Luckily, our fabulous wedding planner figured it out proactively and saved the day!
11. HOT TAKES: Do you have any wedding planning or dress shopping advice? Please pay it forward to our future brides!
Do what makes you happy and feel fabulous! Even if it’s a bit unconventional, those are the moments people will remember from your wedding.
12. If you had to choose your single best wedding day memory, what would it be?
My single best wedding day memory has to be exchanging our own vows. But I must say, being in the '60s gown was a close second.
13. Now that the wedding chapter has come to a close, what are some dreams you have for your future, both personally and as a couple?
We'd love to grow our family, buy a house, and spend as much time as possible with the people we love!
14. And finally - shout out your vendors!
Photographer: Cecilia Proskauer @ceciliaproskauerphoto
Dress: Happy Isles @happyisles_salon
Planner: Designed and Detailed @designedanddetailedweddings
Flowers: EcoWilde Flower Co. @ecowildeflowerco
Music: DJ Matt Roan @mattroan
Hair: Athina @athinaxhair
Makeup: Anne-Lise De Maertelaere @makeup_by_anne_lise
Suit: The Tie Bar @thetiebar
Venue: Colvin House @colvinevents
Catering: Chicago Food Truck Hub @chifoodtruckhub
Cake: Pyrite Sun @pyritesun
Magic: Ryan Lawrence @ryanlawrencemagic
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