When Arianna Nagaro and Kevin Kinnamon met at a party at Drake University, they had no idea that several years later they’d be celebrating their marriage at a hotel with the same name. The couple wed in Chicago, where the bride grew up and where the surprise proposal had occurred a year and a half earlier. Arianna flew home to Chicago for the weekend, not knowing that her beau had taken an earlier flight. She walked into the living room to find it full of candles and Kevin on one knee. “I said yes, and the rest is history,” she smiles. 

Right away the pair knew they wanted to tie the knot in “The Windy City” with a hotel for the reception. “We both have friends and family from practically all over the U.S. so we felt this was the best and most efficient way to bring people together under one roof without having a huge travel inconvenience,” explains the bride. The ceremony, however, was at the Greek Orthodox Church in honor of Arianna’s half-Greek heritage. Additionally, traditional Greek favors and a circle dance were included in the reception. 

The space for dinner and dancing was awash with gold, including distinctive gilt columns. Thus, the design of the evening heavily incorporated the metallic hue. This was complemented by shades of white and pale blush in the floral arrangements. Varying centerpieces showcased hydrangeas, stock, garden and spray roses, ranunculuses, astilbe, dusty miller, lisianthus, and orchids. As beautiful as the room was, it was the people in it that really made the day special. “We were so excited and so happy to see all our family and friends celebrate us on our special day,” shares Arianna. “We’ve never smiled more.” 

Unsurprisingly, the newlyweds wouldn’t have done anything differently for their celebration. “We had best time on the best day of our life and wouldn’t have changed anything,” the bride affirms. As perfect as the wedding was, they were equally excited for their Mediterranean honeymoon, which was a mix of familiar and new. Arianna had studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and was delighted to show her new husband around – while he was pleased to be in the same country as his favorite soccer league. They then visited Athens and Santorini in Greece. Despite the bride’s heritage, neither of them had ever visited. The food and history of Athens was impressive, but it was the famous sunsets of Santorini that really made an impression. Muses Arianna, “Just being able to be with one another and take in the breathtaking view was a wonderful way to enjoy the honeymoon.”