"Our love story began as a simple 'happy hour' excursion with coworkers. Who knew I would end the night on a yacht, kissing my future husband, as he claimed his friend’s “pleasure boat” was his own?
"After continual courting, our chemistry was fully actualized, and we began a secret office romance. Unfortunately, our relationship was discovered one evening at 'Movies in the Park.' From that point on, we embraced our passion publicly, and annoyed all those who were forced to witness it.
"In November of 2012, after a long day at work, I walked into our West Town home to find it full of luminescent candles. I heard my favorite band playing on the stereo, noticed flutes of sparkling wine, and witnessed my soon-to-be fiancé in the kitchen preparing shrimp cocktail, steak, lobster, pecan pie, and more. Of course I knew what was about to happen. And sure enough, after an incredible dinner, in the middle of our living room, he got down on one knee and proposed in the sweetest, most vulnerable way possible. The rest, as they say, is history.
"The early part of the wedding day was fairly stressful. Luckily, my bridesmaids were by my side, calming my last minute nerves, and serving me champagne. But as my dad took my arm, and we proceeded through the curtain, to the music of Sigur Rós, all anxiety disappeared. The ceremony was intimate, spiritual, and 100% transcendent. There was a magical flow of energy between my husband and me that we still talk about today.
"Because both my husband and I are transplants, about 85% of our guest list was out-of-state. With that being said, our mission was to make the experience of attending our wedding the simplest adventure possible. We decided to have the ceremony and reception at the same location, with hotels directly across the street. The reception was romantic and classic (full of candles and rose petals) with a total of 60 people. Family had a great time reconnecting, friends had an easy time mingling, and everyone expressed how smoothly things went. All in all, it was the most enchanting night of my life." -- Christine Minyo-Berger
Vendors
Ceremony + Reception: Maggiano's Little Italy, Chicago // Photography: Furla Studio // Officiant: Pastor Peter Nickel // Bride's Gown: Weddings 826 // Hair: Robyn Tornabeni // Makeup: Dori Mae Makeup // Bridesmaids' Dresses: David’s Bridal // Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse // Stationery: Invitations by Dawn // Flowers: Anthony Gowder Designs // Sweets: Maggiano's Little Italy
