A Small Wedding at Rosebud Prime

Darcy and Adam had a small, mostly family wedding in the private second floor room at Rosebud Prime, 1 South Dearborn on Friday at noon. Rachel Flores, the manager told me after the wedding that it was their first wedding and they would welcome other small weddings there. Rachel and the staff were certainly helpful and even though I did not stay for lunch, the restaurant has some very positive reviews on Yelp.

I had talked earlier with Darcy about what she wanted included in the ceremony and emailed a full script to both she and Adam for their review. Because those attending were very close family and friends, we included a Pledge of Support in which I asked, “Will you, the family and friends of Adam and Darcy, you who know and love them best, pledge to them your honesty, compassion, and support? Will you continue to be quick to encourage and slow to criticize, ready to share both tears and laughter? Will you continue to share with them the deepest concerns of life—whether in grief or in joy. If you will pledge these gifts to Darcy and Adam, answer: We will." Everyone enthusiastically responded, “We will.”

So if you are planning a wedding for around 20 people, check out Rosebud Prime.

Wedding at Independence Grove in Libertyville, IL.

Anthony and Gina were married on Friday evening in The Native Garden at Independence Grove. It is a pleasant setting for an outdoor wedding if the weather cooperates. A major storm front had moved through the area earlier in the afternoon but it cleared up nicely for the wedding. The reception was held later in Audubon Hall.

It was a large wedding party, eight bridesmaids and seven groomsmen, a ring bearer and two very cute flower girls who had been in four other weddings and were I think more calm about their role than some of the bridesmaids. Premier Events were the DJ’s and were extremely helpful and attentive, a delight to work with.

Independence Grove is a popular venue for weddings. The catering manager told me that they had two weddings on Saturday and two again on Sunday, he was hoping for more good weather because they were all going to be outside. It’s a long drive from downtown Chicago and with highway construction everywhere what should have been an hour drive was more than double that. Even the guests from the suburbs were commenting on the traffic. If you are looking for a pleasant setting for an outdoor wedding, lots of free parking and a good setting for your reception I would encourage you to look into Independence Grove, Call Events at Independence Grove at 847-247-1111 or visit their website.

Technorati Tags: Wedding, Minister, Spiritual, Chicago, Non-Denominational, Wedding Officiant

Weddings at A Tavola

I had never heard of A Tavola, located at 2148 W. Chicago Avenue until I was asked to conduct a wedding there in January when Marge and Rick got married in their favorite restaurant. I looked it up on Yelp Chicago and they have 39 rave reviews. Normally I don’t attend receptions but Marge is the sister of some friends that I don’t see very often so when I had the opportunity to catch up with them and have a great meal, I just couldn’t pass it up.

There were about 30 guests and the ceremony was short and intimate. Rick’s four children from his previous marriage and Marge’s three daughters also from a previous marriage were their attendants. Wow, what an attractive group they were! The meal was fantastic if you want more details look at the Yelp website.

A few months later another couple asked me to conduct their wedding at A Tavola and I was thrilled to say yes. So yesterday Lindsey and Trajan had a 6:00 wedding with ten guests in the small and intimate upstairs room at A Tavola. I arrived before anyone else and was greeted by the friendly staff. I ended up talking for about 20 minutes to the chef/owner, Dan Bocik who was having a salad before the start of a busy evening. I discovered that they have a charming outside patio in addition to the first and second floor rooms. It was a perfect evening for dinner outside. I enjoyed a plate of cheese, bread, olives and olive oil while Dan and I talked.

I didn’t stay for dinner last night but I had been back in May for another great dinner with some good friends. So, if you are looking for a place for a small and intimate wedding in a charming setting with food that is outstanding I would strongly encourage you to contact A Tavola. They have a small and selective menu always based on fresh ingredients and in addition to their menu, shown on the website, they have daily specials. Call them at 773 276-7567 for reservations.

Fulton’s On the River

I first visited Fulton’s, located at 315 N. LaSalle Street, a couple of years ago when The Knot sponsored a party there for its Chicago vendors. The party was hosted on the outdoor patio which looks out on the Chicago River with great views of the loop.

Recently I have conducted two weddings at Fulton’s. Carolyn and Tom were married there in April and Hanh and John were married there this afternoon. Jamie Patrick, the sales manager was wonderful to work with and made my job much easier.

The wedding was held in a long narrow room with views of the Chicago River and cocktails and an endless supply of wonderful appetizers were served on the outdoor patio along the river. It was a perfect spring day in Chicago and setting could not have been better. I didn’t stay for the reception but I did peek into the spacious lower-level dining room that was elegantly set for dinner.

It was a genuine pleasure for me to get to know Hanh and John as we prepared their unique ceremony. It is rare when a bride and groom memorize their vows but John and Hanh did just that and it added a very special touch. I also had a great time talking with some friends from Washington DC who used to attend the church where I was a pastor here in Chicago. Barbara had worked with Hanh in DC before she moved here. Barbara had introduced me to Hanh and John which led to the honor of conducting their wedding. Glen Abog was the photographer and I have asked him for one of his professional photos to post here later.

Couples who are looking for a waterfront wedding and reception site will I think be very happy with Fulton’s On the River, give them a call at 312 527-1417