Anna and Hank were married on a gorgeous May day at Café Brauer, a classic Chicago venue in Lincoln Park. Their wedding day was full of so much joy, anchored by the constant smiles on both of their faces. Angela Renee Photography was there to capture every moment: the rooftop first look, wedding party photos on the Nature Boardwalk, and the stunningly beautiful ceremony and reception with a statement floral arch and floating candles from Vale of Enna. Their “classic meets modern” vision was brought to life with tones of green, white and gray that imbued effortless elegance into the historic Café Brauer Great Hall. Check out some of our favorite memories from their delightful day below!
Connecting over cocktails, as told by AFE owner and lead planner Jen
“I met Anna at what is now one of my favorite West Loop bars, Blind Barber. I fully admit that I walked by the entrance three times before figuring out how to get in! I was really excited to meet Anna, as she was the cousin of one of my favorite brides from a few years back. There’s something really special about getting to plan multiple weddings within one family — I joke that after I do two weddings in a family, I become an honorary family member. It was quick to see that Anna and I were going to have a good time working together in planning her and Hank’s day.”
Kind Words from the Bride
“Jen & A Fresh Event was the best decision I made in my entire wedding planning process. As a type A planning person myself, I was worried about handing everything over to someone else but Jen’s no-nonsense, positive, and light-hearted attitude at our first meeting put me at ease. Jen is incredibly organized, thoughtful, and generous. She made me feel from beginning to end as though everything was under control – because it was! I was able to thoroughly enjoy the entire planning process and the wedding because Jen kept me so calm. She is fun to be around, takes your budget seriously, and is genuinely one of my favorite people I’ve ever met. I’ve already recommended her to multiple other brides!” (Read more on The Knot!)
Three Reasons We Loved This Wedding
- The bride and groom are both big travelers — they met while studying abroad in India! They chose to name each of their tables after a destination they’ve been to together.
- They were so excited about dancing that they couldn’t wait until after dinner! The couple invited guests on to the dance floor as they walked into the main room for dinner and did a full dance set before sitting down.
- The cake topper was the same one that Anna’s parents used for their wedding!
We loved working with Anna and Hank and wish them many joyous years together!
Vendor Team
Venue: Café Brauer // Catering: Tigerlily Events // Photographer: Angela Renee Photography // Videographer: HWu Video // Getting-Ready Hotel: Ambassador Chicago // Ceremony Music: String Theory // DJ: Style Matters // Floral + Decor: Vale of Enna // Lighting: Frost // Hair: Kate Johnson Artistry // Makeup: Joanna B Artistry // Transportation: Absolute Dream Limo // Bride’s Dress: Alyssa Kristin + Ette Tailor // Menswear: SuitSupply
