Hope’s mother was so pleased to say “Yes!” when Erik walked into her office one day to ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage. Everyone knew that Hope and Erik were meant to be together since the day they met at Cold Stone Creamery. It became official at Villa Siena on February 25, 2012. This event was sure to be a special day because Hope has been a coordinator here at Villa Siena for several years!! This day lived up to its potential and much more! Hope walked down an aisle covered in gorgeous white rose petals after Sam, Chloe and Ellie, the flower girls, carried down an adorable sign saying “Here Comes the Bride.” Hope looked unbelievably gorgeous in her strapless mermaid style wedding gown with yards of ruffles on the bottom. Hope’s father and her step-father both had the honor of escorting her down the aisle. Very sweet! Erik was dashing in his all black tux. The color scheme was formal and fabulous with black, green and white. During the ceremony, the officiant made note that “All good relationships start with ice cream!” After the ceremony, guests enjoyed the delicious hors d’oeuvres while creating their own fun and creative mad lib messages to Hope and Erik! Once cocktail hour was finished the bridal party made their grand entrance to “Howlin’ For You” by The Black Keys, which really got the party started! After a delicious dinner, everyone a sweet treat with the gelato bar! A touching speech by Hope’s mother reminded us all that marriage is supposed to be hard because you are marrying your best friend, and that is truly what Erik and Hope are! Congratulations Hope and Erik, we wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

Photography By: Hagerty Photography

Heidi and Paul were married on a beautiful morning here at Villa Siena, on February 11, 2012. Both Heidi and Paul’s children led the way as the bridal party, followed by Heidi, who looked incredibly elegant and sophisticated in a beautiful knee length gown. The indoor ceremony area was accented by lovely green and white floral arrangements, lining the fireplace mantle and accenting aisle chairs. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a lovely brunch, with paninis, crepes, ravioli, eggs, and potatoes. Yum! For dessert, the cake included flavors of crème brulee and chocolate fudge. To top it off, guests were also treated to sweet treats in mint green-colored boxes! It was the perfect way to complement an already delightful morning. Towards the end of the celebration, a family friend entertained the bride and groom by singing “100 Years” by Five for Fighting. It was beautiful! What better way to start the day than with so much love. Congratulations Heidi and Paul! We wish you and your family the very best in your future together!

Photography By: Ashley Freehan at Urban Life Photography

Sarah and Robert were married at Villa Siena on March 16, 2012. It was a gorgeous spring day for their garden ceremony. As guests arrived they were each asked to add a leaf, using their thumbprint, to a hand drawn tree. When it came time for the ceremony to start, family and friends, as well as Robert, was in awe when Sarah appeared down the aisle, stunning in her strapless sweetheart gown with detailed beading all the way down. Sarah and Robert joined in lighting a utility candle that was personalized with their names and wedding colors, black and red. For cocktail hour, Sarah and Robert treated their guests to two signature drinks; the bride’s choice of “Italian Margaritas” and the grooms “Oregon Duck”. Sarah and Robert danced their first dance together to the song “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait. During dinner, guests were treated to a video presentation of the couple’s romantic journey together. In lieu of favor for family and friends, Sarah and Robert made a donation to the American Cancer Society in their name. At the end of the evening, Sarah and Robert were sent off by their guests in a lovely tunnel of sparkler light. What a perfect ending to a perfect evening. Congratulations Sarah and Robert! We wish you the best in your future together.

Photography by: One Fine Day Photography

Victoria and Trent met on Catalina Island, and their friendship grew until they eventually decided to “take the leap” – on Leap Day 2012! On February 29, 2012, Victoria and Trent were married at Villa Siena. In a beautiful indoor ceremony in the Chianciano ballroom, Victoria and Trent said “I Do” to a lifetime of togetherness. A red runner lined with lovely white petals, and gorgeous red and white flower arrangements came together for an elegant setting for the ceremony. Victoria was positively breathtaking in her strapless princess gown. The reception was magnificent, with pops of red throughout the ballroom. Victoria and Trent shared their first dance to “You and Me” by Lifehouse, ending it with a romantic dip and kiss. Guests were treated to beautiful stem less wine glasses that read: “Trent and Vicki Take the Leap 2-29-12.” So fitting for their extraordinary day! At the end of the evening, Trent and Victoria made a magical exit with a sparkler send-off. They plan to return to Catalina Island for their honeymoon where it all began! AZ Photos created some pretty spectacular images of Victoria and Trent outside Villa Siena. Congratulations Victoria and Trent! We wish you many years of happiness.

Photography by: AZ Photos

On March 4, 2012 Villa Siena was proud to welcome windy city locals who had traveled to celebrate Alexe and Brenden’s beautiful wedding day. Alexe was breathtaking as she walked down the aisle, following her darling son Gavin. After Brenden kissed his lovely bride, the newlyweds came down the aisle to “One Love” by Bob Marley, the perfect song for their ceremony. One of the most touching moments of the evening was when Brenden honored his father with a speech wishing his father could be here with them today and that he was the person who made Brenden the man he is today. Another memorable moment was when Brenden’s brother, Kevin, told Brenden to put his hand over Alexe’s eyes, to look into her eyes and remember this moment forever – because this would be the last time he would have the upper hand. Everyone burst into laughter! After dating for seven years, Alexe and Brenden chose to dance their first dance as husband and wife to “At Last” by Etta James. This fitting song had everyone on their feet clapping and cheering as Brenden and Alexe embraced each other and wowed everyone with a big Hollywood kiss! The rest of the night was filled with 80’s battle dance offs and anthems including “Sweet Caroline” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” It was so much fun to have Alexe, Brenden and all of their loved ones at Villa Siena, thank you so much! We wish you both much happiness together.

Photography by: Photographic Passion

Ellie shared some amazing comments with us about the big day – “Everything went so smoothly the day of the event. Hope is amazing. I couldn’t of asked for a better coordinator to work with.”

Photography by: Drew Brashler Photography