Happy Forever-ing

Caitlin and Zach Jecklin’s Wedding
August 4th, 2018

Exactly one year ago today, Zach and I gathered our family and closest friends to witness the most special moment of our lives. I often close my eyes and reminisce in that day. I can still feel the excitement to join hands with my (then) fiancé and pronounce our love for one another. I can feel the best wishes from everyone surrounding us. I feel the certainty of knowing that this is the best decision I have ever made. The entire day was filled with love, laughter, (a few) tears, dancing and celebrations galore.

Our engagement was just over a year. We didn’t use a wedding planner, instead my mom and I planned the whole thing! We spent every Tuesday going over every element of the event.

We worked with the sweetest woman on the invitations. Lydia was able to create the lace design on the invitations from the lace on my dress. We picked a rose gold foil and each invitation was created by letterpress – the same technique used for the Royal Wedding.

Invitations: Letterpress by Lydia

I wore the same veil my mom wore to her wedding. I remember looking at pictures of her when I was a little girl thinking she was a princess. The cap style is so unique, and it filled my heart to have something from my parents’ marriage so close. The veil has a blusher and is cathedral length with little sequins scattered throughout. My mom was even able to stitch some of the extra lace from my dress to the cap of the veil.

Bridal Hair: Lisa Caputo, Salon 833
Extensions: Natalie Ruzgis, Hot Heads
Makeup: Liz Monroe, Chanel
Nails: Lady Legs

Shoes: Christian Louboutin (a gift from Zach)

We always say that getting ready is one of our favorite things to do at the Dollhouse. It was so heartwarming to spend the morning with my mom and bridesmaids getting dolled up.

The dress I wore will forever take my breath away.  After trying on countless dresses at bridal salons all over the country, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to design my dream dress with Mira Couture.

The lace was opulent and whimsical and I was able to add special touches like a touch of pink tulle underneath and a sparkle layer of fabric that made the dress shimmer as I walked.

Dress: Custom designed by Caitlin with the help of Julie at Mira Couture

We chose not to do a first look,  so our first  time seeing one another was as the doors opened and trumpets sang.  I locked arms with my dad and we walked down the aisle.  Zach waited patiently for us to make our way down… blowing a few kisses along the way.

The ceremony was beautiful – every moment filled with special touches and surprises, starting with a little note from Zach that was delivered to me in the Bride’s Room. My mom needlepointed the ring bearer’s pillow, which now has a special place in our home. My second cousin, Father Dan Bachner presided over the ceremony and the bits he included about our path to love touched our hearts.

We were married at Old St. Patrick’s church in downtown Chicago. This is our  parish church that we have spent a great deal of time at, from volunteering to the RCIA program where Zach converted to become Catholic. It was important for us to join hands in marriage with a mutual understanding of our spirituality.

 

Our bridal  party was filled with family and  close friends who are so close to our hearts. It meant the world to have them all stand by our side as we recited our vows, so it’s only fitting to spend some one on one time celebrating together!

We headed to a rooftop for city views and a champagne toast. Before long, we traded limousines for golf carts as we headed to the reception spot, Butterfield Country Club.

Flowers: Phillip’s Flowers
Glitter Champagne: OneHope
Zach’s Tuxedo: Custom made at Formerly Modern
Groomsmen: The Tie Bar
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Flower Girl Dresses: Von Maur
Transportation: Windy City Limousines 

 

Our first dance was to Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra.

Dance Floor & Uplighting: LD Events Decor

All photos were captured by Tatum Photo & Design

Here’s to love,  laughter and #HappilyEverZachlin. The best  is yet to come!