NYE LOVE : CAILY + PAUL

Let's kick off the new year with a favorite New Year's Eve fete...Caily to Paul, The Blackstone Hotel. 10, 9, 8...here we go.

Since 1910, The Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and politicians. Appropriately named “The Hotel of Presidents,” this historic Chicago hotel hosted several heads of state, from Teddy Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. The Astors, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts were frequent visitors, as were icons Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rudolph Valentino. The hotel also had a notorious streak, favored by legendary mob bosses “Lucky” Luciano and Al Capone.

Caily and Paul loved blending the illustrious Chicago history with modern manzanita, hundreds of orchids and hydrangea, and a european masquerade as the clock struck midnight.

Is it me, or does this gorgeous ballroom feel more Versailles than Chicago?

Is there anything more elegant than a midnight New Year's masquerade?

Both ceremony and reception featured centerpieces composed of suspended candles, crystals, florals and dozens of candles.

The detailed cake icing mimicked the wedding cake like moldings of the turn of the century ballroom.

Caily chose a glamelia for her bouquet, featuring a single oversize "rose" composed of 100s of perfect rose petals, wired together just hours before the wedding fun began.

The Blackstone is filled with magnificent architecture at every turn, creating magical moments for "first look" photos prior to the ceremony without ever leaving the front door.

Here comes the bride...our beautiful, sweet Caily.

So much love...so much romance...so much beauty.

Alternating low floral centerpieces included cylinder vases filled with roses, summer stock, tulips and more.

And by gosh - there was dancing. We could barely get the ready to party Paul's Irish family to take seats for dinner - it was incredible fun!

Cheers to you sweet Caily + Paul - we love you so. Cheers to new years!

Planning, Florals, Lighting, Stationery A Perfect Event

Venue Blackstone Chicago

Photography AveryHouse