Selena & Ben

Bride and Groom first look at The Kimpton Gray Hotel

Albany Capture Photography

Twilight-Inspired Wedding at The Library at 190 LaSalle Chicago

Ben and Selena’s story began with a playful Tinder exchange about wine — even though, as Selena admits, she doesn’t actually drink it. What started as a laugh turned into a three-hour first date talking about movies like The Matrix and Aliens, and the rest, as they say, is history.

When they reached out in April to plan their August wedding, they came to me with a vision inspired by the Twilight films — moody greenery, candlelight, and Pacific Northwest-inspired romance. Ben, originally from Maine, loved the idea of incorporating ferns and deep green tones that reminded him of home.

The morning of the wedding day was equally calm and full of excitement. Selena was very excited to try on her custom-designed wedding gown by Laury Bride and completely stunned her husband-to-be by how stunning she looked.

The couple had warm summer weather for some quick wedding party photos in Downtown Chicago before the ceremony. The wedding ceremony took place in the marble lobby of the 190 S LaSalle building in front of the stunning golden staircase. The staircase was adorned with lush greenery, and romantic taper and pillar candles for a romantic backdrop.

After the ceremony, guests transitioned to The Library on the 40th Floor, where Ben and Selena’s vision really came to life. In addition to the romantic Twilight theme, the couple leaned into their shared love of books with custom bookmark escort cards for guests, to an incredibly stunning custom wedding cake by Flourish Cake Design in Chicago. Designed to look like a stack of books, the cake incorporated their colors and was finished with handcrafted leaves made of sugar. The library blew guests away and exceeded Selena and Ben’s expectations!

The reception was full of love, laugher and A TON of dancing. Ben and Selena’s guests enjoyed a delicious meal inspired by Ben’s Italian background and Selena’s southern roots. The evening was full of heartfelt speeches before everyone transitioned to the dancefloor to get the party started. Later in the evening, the guests were graced with a sweets and a Tiramisu cart as they danced the night away. Even with just four months to plan a wedding, the result was seamless — an evening that felt like a movie, yet entirely real. From the moody palette to the personal touches, every detail told their story: two people who found connection in laughter, shared passions, and a love that feels both grounded and extraordinary.

The Details:

Birdcage and Blushers: Full-Service Planning & Design

Getting Ready Hotel: The Kimpton Gray

Ceremony & Reception: The Library at 190 LaSalle

Photography and Video: Albany Capture

DJ: DJ Gemini of Spark Entertainment Group

Florist: Vale Of Enna

Catering: Food For Thought

Wedding Cake: Flourish Cake Design

Linen: BBJ La Tavola

Signage and Stationery: Adorable Stationery

Custom Bridal Gown: Laury Bride

Bridal Shoes: Valentino Garavani

Considering tying the knot at The Library at 190? Contact us today to learn how we can bring your wedding to life at this luxury wedding location!

Alyson Thompson

Alyson Thompson is the owner of & lead wedding planner at Birdcage and Blushers Weddings, A Chicago-based wedding planning company that supports couples in Chicago and beyond. She is passionate about creating experiences that feel truly authentic and reflective of each couple's vision.

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