Claire + Chris by Lauren Alatriste

We envisioned a ceremony that would blend romance with a touch of urban charm.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

When they aren’t travelling the world, Claire and Chris divide their time between the vibrant energy of Chicago and the sunny, relaxed lifestyle of Southern Florida. Chris owns and operates a successful excavation company in Florida, while Claire is dedicated to her academic pursuits, currently working toward her second Master’s degree. This dynamic couple shares a deep passion for exploring new destinations, always seeking out the most delicious food and unique cocktail experiences, a love they made central to their wedding celebration.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

Even before they truly met, Claire and Chris’ paths were intertwined. They’ve known of each other since their Pre-K days, but it wasn’t until after college, at a bonfire back home, that their connection finally sparked.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

We envisioned a ceremony that would blend romance with a touch of urban charm, and The Old Post Office offered the perfect setting. The stunning rooftop, with its panoramic views of the city we love, provided a breathtaking backdrop, while the surrounding fields of flowers added a beautiful, natural elegance. The location’s close proximity to our reception venue was the final, perfect detail, ensuring a seamless and memorable evening. We wanted our celebration to be a true reflection of our life together—an intimate and romantic affair centred on delicious food and amazing drinks.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

Planning our wedding was a journey of creating a day that was uniquely ours and a perfect experience for our guests. We were able to pour our hearts into every detail, from the delectable menu and crates of fine wine to the incredible music, crafting an atmosphere that was everything we had dreamed of for ourselves and our closest loved ones. The menu tastings were a particular highlight, a truly enjoyable part of the process. For any couple beginning their journey, our foremost advice is simple: find a wedding planner you connect with, one you can trust completely to turn your vision into a beautiful reality.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

This magical day wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible planner, Jelena of Love Story Weddings and Events. Her unwavering dedication and impeccable taste were evident in every detail, as she guided us through each step of the planning process. She not only brought our vision to life but also introduced us to a team of the most talented vendors imaginable. Our guests were captivated by the seamless execution and professionalism of Jelena and her team, and for weeks after, they couldn’t stop talking about how truly exceptional the entire experience was.

Our planner put us in contact with the most amazing photographer, Lauren Alatriste! Lauren has an incredible eye for details and a love of fashion that matched our own. She and her team captured our wedding day perfectly!

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Every piece of their commitment was beautifully bespoke, with the engagement ring and wedding bands all custom-designed by the esteemed CD Peacock of Chicago. For the groom, Chris chose a timeless and classic thick gold band. Claire’s ring, however, offered a dazzling contrast: an exquisite infinity band set with brilliant yellow diamonds, a stunning piece that perfectly captures her unique elegance.