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Lauren + Ben
September 7, 2019
Peckish Pig | Evanston, IL
I first met Jackie in college when we were both rushing for a co-ed business fraternity. She was one of my close friends at Loyola University's business school, and we share so many memories - from planning events for our fraternity to going out on the weekends. So, when she reached out to me this July about coordinating her older sister's wedding in September, I was so excited! Not only would I have the chance to hang out with one of the most fun women I knew from college, I would also be coordinating a wedding with her in the city I love! After a few FaceTime meetings with Lauren and Ben, numerous Google Doc questionnaires, and great communication from all of their vendors, we had a great plan for how their wedding day would flow.
Lauren and Ben thought of everything to make their reception a reflection of their relationship – easygoing, thoughtful, and FUN! Their focus was on having a great time with their family & friends and celebrating their new life together as husband & wife. At the very end of the night, they were able to Uber to another bar with their friends knowing I had gathered everything for them. That peace of mind is ultimately what I strive for – the bride & groom not needing to worry about time constraints, permits, or setup – rather, for them to be able to fully enjoy their wedding day. I was beyond grateful to help coordinate their day and celebrate with their family & friends. Lauren & Ben’s wedding day was a day I will never forget!
I knew Lauren and Ben had been dating since before I met Jackie, but I soon learned this wedding was a long time coming. Lauren and Ben had been dating since high school - for 10 years! Hence their hashtag, #BenALongTime. Lauren and Ben started the day at their childhood homes, which are only a couple of blocks away from each other. They chose to have their first look and photos taken at the beautiful Baha'i Temple in Evanston, IL. Their ceremony and reception were both at one of their favorite restaurants, Peckish Pig. Their outdoor patio ceremony space became their dance floor later in the night!
Because their ceremony and reception was at a restaurant, there were strict time constraints around when we could start setting up (3:00pm - after lunch service) and when we had to have everything cleaned up (12am- so they could have brunch service the next day). With guests arriving at 4:30pm and their ceremony starting at 5:30pm, they really needed an extra set of hands! We also had to have certain permits on hand - a Loudspeaker Permit from the City of Evanston since our DJ would be playing music on an outdoor patio, as well as a Tent Permit for setting up a tent outdoors. I helped place table numbers, arrange their guest book & memorial table, set up their seating card display, a few easels & signs, put together bathroom welcome kits, and made sure their handmade macrame table runner was on their head table. All of the details were taken care of while they were enjoying the gorgeous fall day during photos!
Lauren and Ben thought of everything to make their reception a reflection of their relationship – easygoing, thoughtful, and FUN! Their focus was on having a great time with their family & friends and celebrating their new life together as husband & wife. At the very end of the night, they were able to Uber to another bar with their friends knowing I had gathered everything (centerpieces, gifts, cards, table numbers, guest book, photos, etc.) for them. That peace of mind is ultimately what I strive for – the bride & groom not needing to worry about time constraints, permits, or setup – rather, for them to be able to fully enjoy their wedding day. I was beyond grateful to help coordinate their day and celebrate with their family & friends. Lauren & Ben’s wedding day was a day I will never forget!
Interested in how hiring a wedding day coordinator or wedding planner can help simplify your planning process and help you enjoy your wedding day? Reach out to me here - I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!