Love, Explorations, and Joy: Yulia and John's Unforgettable Wedding Journey
Meet Yulia and John, a Clover couple who were deeply in love and ready to celebrate their "real" wedding after a small ceremony with close family during the pandemic. Despite the distance and challenges (they moved to NYC during our time wedding planning), our team had the privilege of planning their dream wedding in Chicago.
From their shared love of music to their passion for exploring the world, Yulia and John brought a unique vision and personal touch to their special day. Join us as we delve into the details of their beautiful celebration.
Yulia and John shared a love for traveling, capturing their adventures in a shared Dropbox folder named "Explorations." Inspired by their shared experiences and wanderlust, they decided to incorporate the theme of exploration into their wedding. This theme would serve as a symbol of their journey together and their excitement for the future.
A Journey of Tastes and Melodies:
Bonding over their mutual love for music, Yulia and John's connection started with indie rock and expanded to encompass various genres, including jazz, blues, house, soul, and country. As self-proclaimed foodies, they took delight in exploring different cuisines and enjoying dining experiences both in restaurants and through takeout. Embracing their love for new experiences, they even went trapezing on their second date, highlighting their adventurous spirits.
Personal and Professional Paths:
John, a professor of economics at Princeton, and Yulia, a macroeconomist for Goldman Sachs, first crossed paths during their PhD program at the University of Chicago. With Yulia originally from Russia and John from the East Coast, their decision to get married in Chicago held special significance. Their personal and professional journeys intertwining added depth and richness to their love story.
Bringing the Vision to Life:
Yulia and John envisioned a wedding day that would seamlessly transition from a fresh, natural garden party vibe to a more traditional ballroom celebration. Seeking an elegant and intimate atmosphere, they wanted their guests to feel comfortable while also ensuring they had the opportunity to savor every moment together. Clover Events carefully curated their vision, incorporating spring-inspired colors of blues and greens, along with a subtle garden-inspired pattern on their paper goods and dinner linens. These thoughtful details contributed to the creation of an enchanting and personalized atmosphere.
Unique Personalized Elements:
Yulia's love for flatware, particularly spoons, influenced the selection of their flatware, adding a touch of individuality and charm to the table settings.
The couple's love for their adorable cocker spaniel puppy, Phoebe, was honored with a custom map in their invitation suite and a silhouette of Phoebe incorporated into their wedding details. These personalized elements captured their love for their furry companion and added a heartfelt touch to the celebrations.
Vendor Highlights:
Yulia and John collaborated with a team of exceptional vendors who brought their wedding vision to life. Here are the highlights:
Morton Arboretum: The stunning venue provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebrations, perfectly blending nature and elegance.
Gingko Catering: With their expertise in culinary delights, Gingko Catering crafted a memorable dining experience for the couple and their guests.
Temerity Photography and Hunter Floyd Films: These talented photographers and videographers beautifully captured the essence and emotion of Yulia and John's special day, preserving cherished memories.
Thistle & Plume: The florist expertly created floral arrangements that complemented the garden-inspired theme, adding natural beauty to the celebration.
BeatMix Entertainment/MixTape: The DJ and entertainment team ensured a lively atmosphere, keeping the dance floor buzzing with an eclectic selection of music.
Magnificent Milestones: The wedding stationery designer provided unique and customized invitations, including the special custom map and Phoebe silhouette.
BBJ LaTavola: The linen and event rental company offered high-quality linens that enhanced the overall aesthetic of the celebration.
Zen Events (Officiant): The officiant crafted a heartfelt and personalized ceremony, reflecting Yulia and John's love story.
We Only Do Pretty: The makeup and hair team ensured Yulia looked radiant and felt her best on her wedding day.
Unforgettable Memories:
The highlight of the evening was the surprise video arranged by Yulia's maid of honor, featuring heartfelt messages from family and friends who were unable to attend the wedding. This emotional gesture touched Yulia deeply, reminding her of the love and support surrounding their union.
Yulia and John's wedding celebration embodied their love for exploring, music, and each other. Clover Events was honored to bring its vision to life, seamlessly blending a fresh garden party atmosphere with an intimate ballroom experience. With personalized elements and an unwavering focus on their love story, their wedding day was an unforgettable journey of joy and celebration.
