Emily & Kate
Golden Hours Weddings
An Elegant, Floral-Filled Celebration at The Wellsley Chicago
Some weddings just feel like home — familiar, joyful, and entirely reflective of the couple at the center of it all. Emily and Kate’s September wedding at The Wellsley was exactly that: a celebration of balance, heritage, and so much love.
Emily and I first met through the Chicago Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter, and I was so honored to help a fellow sorority sister plan such a special day. I often refer to Kate and Emily’s wedding as “A tale of two Jewish girls”. When they began planning their wedding, they initially envisioned an elevated dinner party — intimate, design-driven, and full of beautiful details. But as planning unfolded, they realized they wanted something more: a wedding where their community could gather, celebrate, and truly feel their love story come to life.
Wedding day was very calm, as Kate and Emily enjoyed bites and bubbly while getting ready at the Ritz Carlton Chicago with their friends and family.
The wedding goddesses smiled down on us that day, the early afternoon drizzle passed just in time for Kate and Emily’s first look at The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and photos on the Wells and LaSalle Street Bridges, and the Chicago Riverwalk. After not seeing one another all day, the brides were so excited to lay eyes on one another and get excited to say “I do”.
The Wellsley in Chicago’s River North was the perfect venue for Kate and Emily’s celebration. Emily leaned toward classic, timeless design, while Kate brought a creative, modern flair — together, their aesthetic became something effortless and elegant. The Wellsley is classic with a sense of history and character, while also being a little moody and romantic. It combined the brides’ sensibilities perfectly. The ceremony was personal, intimate, and romantic.
The couple was meticulous about every detail, from the custom floral selections to the carefully curated menu. The flowers held special significance. All of the flowers came from Emily’s late mother’s favorite floral shop, adding depth and sentiment to every arrangement. After the reception was set, the brides were blown away by how their vision came together. After taking a private breather, they joined their guests for cocktail hour.
What made this wedding remarkable wasn’t just how beautiful it looked, but how personal it felt. The reception was complete with a spectacular dinner, heartfelt speeches, and way more dancing than the bride’s bargained for. Their Jewish heritage was thoughtfully woven throughout the day — from the ketubah signing to the joyous breaking of the glass, to the challah and honey display that honored Rosh Hashanah the following week. Every decision came from the heart, resulting in a day that was meaningful, relaxed, and authentically them — proof that love, when approached with intention, truly is the ultimate design element.
The Details:
Birdcage and Blushers: Full-Service Planning & Design
Ceremony & Reception: The Wellsley
Catering: Boka Catering Group
Wedding Cake: Bittersweet Pastry Shop
Getting Ready Hotel: The Ritz Carlton Chicago
Stationery: Minted
Photography: Golden Hours Weddings
Videography: Blush and Briar Films
Dj: Groove Is in the Heart Djs
Florist: Fleur de Lis Chicago
Hair & Makeup: Deb Petrielli
Considering tying the knot at the Wellsley? Contact us today to learn how we can bring your wedding to life at this intimate wedding venue in Chicago!
