Chicago History Museum

Jesse & Hunter’s Wedding

Chicago History Museum Black Tie Event

When Jesse and Hunter first reached out to me with their vision for their wedding, I knew it was going to be something truly special. They wanted a timeless celebration—an event that, when looked back on, wouldn’t be pinned down to any specific year. Their goal was to create a beautiful, classic wedding that could have taken place a decade ago or a decade from now.

Details of Chicago History Museum Wedding

The color palette they chose was black and white with silver accents, complemented by cream and blush florals. Jesse and Hunter wanted every guest to feel like a part of their intimate wedding party, so they asked all guests to wear black, with the exception of the Maid of Honor, who wore white.

The Venue

The Chicago History Museum was the perfect backdrop for their timeless celebration. The venue’s black and white tiled floor, chandeliers, and expansive windows set the tone beautifully. They adorned the space with stunning florals from Saville Flowers, which only enhanced the venue’s inherent elegance.

The reception was held at Sepia’s private dining venue, which features silver and grey with mirrored accents. Jesse and Hunter designed their decor around these features, incorporating a silver mirror for their seating chart and shimmering place cards with silver tassels placed on guest napkins.

Given that all of their guests traveled to Chicago for the wedding, Jesse and Hunter wanted to highlight the city’s beauty throughout the events. Jesse’s sister, a talented graphic designer, created table numbers and matchbooks featuring Chicago landmarks, including the Chicago History Museum, Sepia, and a yacht for firework viewing. To show their appreciation for their guests’ efforts to celebrate with them, they displayed wedding photos of every married couple in attendance in various silver frames surrounding their wedding cake.

The Florals – By Saville Flower’s

Saville Flowers designed the breathtaking florals, which included Jesse’s organic garden-style bridal bouquet with luxe seasonal peonies in blush and white, altar and aisle arrangements, and an entryway arrangement to greet guests as they arrived at the museum. All ceremony florals were repurposed for the reception, maintaining a cohesive and elegant aesthetic.

Their Story

Jesse and Hunter’s love story began at the University of Oregon. They started dating in their senior year in 2018, and after graduation, they pursued their PhDs at Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, respectively. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, their commitment to each other only grew stronger. Hunter proposed on June 3rd, 2023, in a beautifully decorated apartment, marking the beginning of their journey to becoming husband and wife.

The Ceremony

The most special moment for Jesse and Hunter’s Chicago History Museum Wedding was their ceremony. Their officiant, Talia, crafted a beautiful ceremony that included individual shoutouts to most of their guests, creating a personal and intimate atmosphere. This allowed Jesse and Hunter to connect with their family and friends, alleviating nerves and creating cherished memories.

The Grand Finale

The unforgettable day celebrating Jesse and Hunter’s ‘I do’ all around Chicago culminated in a magical yacht ride with their closest family and friends. Watching the fireworks light up Lake Michigan was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Advice for Future Couples Getting Married

Jesse and Hunter’s advice for future couples is to not feel bound by any specific traditions or customs. It’s your wedding day, and you should feel ownership of every moment. If a certain element brings discomfort or dread, take it out! If you want to add something unique—like a fireworks cruise instead of a traditional DJ with dancing—go for it! Your family and friends are there to celebrate you in the way that you intend.

The Team that made it all possible:

• Ceremony Venue | @chicagohistorymuseumevents
• Florist | @savilleflowers
• Quartet | @cloudgatequartet
• Dress | @thebespokebride
• Glam | @glamatelierchicago
• Reception Venue | @sepiapd @sepiachicago
• Wedding Cake | @sweetmandybs Gluten Free Cake | @Deflouredbakery
• Boat | @freespirityachcruises
• Stationary | @beaconlnweddings
• Signage | @bryndagostinodesign
• Bus | @charterup
• Photography | @finedetailed.collective
• Second Photographer | @emeraldandglassco