A Love in Full Bloom: Emilie & Mitchell’s Dreamy Wedding at Chicago Botanic Garden

Emilie and Mitchell’s love story began with a simple Instagram DM and led to a breathtaking wedding at Chicago Botanic Garden, surrounded by lush greenery, twinkling lights, and heartfelt moments. From their emotional first look to a lively reception under dazzling mirror balls, every detail reflected their deep love and unique journey. With stunning florals, romantic lighting by MDM Entertainment, and a picturesque setting, their wedding was truly a dream come true.

Emilie and Mitchell’s Dreamy Wedding at Chicago Botanic Garden

Emilie and Mitchell’s journey started with a simple Instagram DM and led them to the most breathtaking wedding at Chicago Botanic Garden. With lush gardens, romantic lighting, and heartfelt moments, their special day was nothing short of magical. From their intimate first look to a dance-filled reception under twinkling lights, every detail was designed to reflect their love.

If you’re searching for inspiration for your own Chicago wedding, keep reading to relive Emilie and Mitchell’s unforgettable day!

A Love Story Meant to Be

Emilie and Mitchell’s journey to their wedding at Chicago Botanic Garden started in the most unexpected way—at a wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in November 2019. Mitchell, a groomsman, and Emilie, a friend of the bride, first noticed each other at a swim-up pool bar.

At the time, Emilie thought Mitchell had a girlfriend, so their interaction was brief. But fate wasn’t done with them yet.
That night, they found themselves on the same park bench while their friends cozied up nearby. They spent hours talking, laughing, and wondering about each other.

As the weekend ended, neither asked for the other’s number. But just when it seemed like their story might be over before it began, Emilie’s phone lit up. An instagram DM from Mitchell popped up—two simple words that changed everything.

From that moment on, their lives became a whirlwind of long-distance flights between Chicago and Austin, deep conversations, and a love that grew stronger with each passing day. And on a perfect evening, surrounded by flowers and twinkling lights, their journey came full circle at their magical Chicago wedding.

Getting Ready: The Perfect Start to a Perfect Day

The day started with Emilie and her bridesmaids getting ready in a beautiful bridal suite. There was music, laughter, and, of course, some happy tears. Emilie looked absolutely stunning thanks to Beauty by Ann Krause, who worked her magic on hair and makeup. The bride’s natural beauty was enhanced with a soft, romantic look—perfect for the garden setting.

Meanwhile, Mitchell and his groomsmen had their own fun prepping for the ceremony. Laughter, toasts, and a few last-minute tie adjustments filled the room as they suited up for the occasion.

One of the most special touches? Emilie designed her own wedding invitations! The personal touch made every guest feel even more connected to their love story.

With everyone looking their best, it was time for the first big moment of the day—the first look.

A First Look Straight Out of a Fairytale

As Emilie made her way to meet Mitchell, she was surrounded by the vibrant greenery of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The moment he turned around and saw his bride for the first time, his face said it all—pure love, pure awe.

In the quiet beauty of the garden, away from the guests, they had a few moments to soak it all in. The emotions, the excitement, the overwhelming happiness—it was a first look to remember. And of course, Aperture Photos Co was there to capture every breathtaking moment.

Picture-Perfect Moments with the Wedding Party

After the first look, it was time for some fun with their bridal party! Emilie’s bridesmaids looked stunning in soft, romantic dresses, while Mitchell and his groomsmen brought their best “GQ” poses.The photos captured their personalities—some classic and elegant, others full of laughter and playful energy.

Against the vibrant blooms and peaceful water features, these pictures were the perfect mix of glamour and fun, setting the stage for the heartfelt ceremony ahead.

The Ceremony: Saying "I Do" at the Rose Terrace

As guests took their seats at the Rose Terrace, the air buzzed with excitement. The floral arrangements by Flowers by Stem were stunning, featuring soft pastel blooms that perfectly complemented the garden’s natural beauty. Guests took their seats as Mitchell stood at the altar, waiting for his bride.

Then, the moment came.

As Emilie walked down the aisle, time seemed to slow. Mitchell’s eyes welled up as he saw her—his best friend, his forever. The emotions in the air were palpable as they exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to love and cherish each other for a lifetime.

The couple exchanged vows, promising forever in front of family and friends, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the garden. With a kiss that sealed their vows, they were officially husband and wife!

An Enchanting Reception Under the Lights

As the sun set, guests made their way to the reception, where they were greeted by a stunning white sheer entry drape that set the stage for an elegant evening.

Inside, the reception space was brought to life with dreamy string lights and a mesmerizing cluster of mirror balls, creating an ambiance that was both romantic and lively. The stunning entry drape and wedding lighting were provided by MDM Entertainment, transforming the space into a dreamy wonderland.

With the expert guidance of wedding planner Lynne Kennedy from The Gilded Aisle, every detail was perfectly curated.

Guests found their seats, enjoying a beautiful dinner under the soft glow of the lights, as heartfelt toasts and speeches filled the room with laughter and love.

Of course, no wedding is complete without cake! The stunning wedding cake, provided by Deerfields Bakery, was as delicious as it was beautiful.

And then came one of the most special moments of the evening, Emilie and Mitchell’s first dance under the glow of the mirror balls. Thanks to their lessons with Windy City Wedding Dance, they glided across the floor with grace, making their first dance a memory to last a lifetime.

The Bluewater Kings Band kept the energy high all night, filling the dance floor with incredible live music. Guests laughed, danced, and celebrated under the enchanting glow of the Chicago wedding lights.

Capturing the Joy: More Photos from the Reception

As the night unfolded, the celebration only got more vibrant, and Aperture Photos Co. captured every unforgettable moment. From candid laughter between guests to Emilie and Mitchell stealing a quiet dance under the twinkling wedding lighting, the photos tell the story of a night filled with pure joy.

There are snapshots of heartfelt speeches, energetic dance-offs, and even a few emotional happy tears. The stunning images showcase not only the love between Emilie and Mitchell but also the magic of celebrating with the people who mean the most. Every frame is a perfect reminder of just how incredible this Chicago wedding truly was.

Vendor Love: The Dream Team Behind the Wedding

A wedding this spectacular doesn’t happen without an amazing team of vendors. Every detail, from the florals to the music, was executed flawlessly by these talented professionals:

Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden

Wedding Planner: Lynne Kennedy from The Gilded Aisle

Photographer: Aperture Photos Co

Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Ann Krause

Cake: Deerfields Bakery

Rentals: BBJ La Tavola and Hall’s Rentals

Florist: Flowers by Stem

Band: Bluewater Kings Band

Dance Instructor: Windy City Wedding Dance

Drape and Lighting: MDM Entertainment

Let’s Make Your Wedding Unforgettable!

If you’re dreaming of a Chicago wedding that’s just as magical as Emilie and Mitchell’s, MDM Entertainment is here to bring your vision to life. From wedding lighting to dance floors, DJs, and photo booths, we provide everything you need to create an unforgettable celebration.

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