“When Tyler and I were out on our first date, I texted my mom and best friend when he went to the restroom to say, ‘I think I met my husband,’” Lindsay Kessler reflects. And right she was! Tyler Dailey popped the question overlooking the Chicago lakefront, just steps away from where the two would say their "I dos." They celebrated with lunch at the restaurant where they had their first date.

The couple’s research and Pinterest boards helped their planner and wedding team perfect their unique celebration, which highlighted their separate tastes in a unified way in terms of décor. “Hollywood glam, lush, romantic, unique, and modern elegance all rolled into one,” the bride says. The wooden elements and stunning architecture represented Tyler, and Lindsay’s glitz was showcased in the sophisticated chandeliers and drapery.

The ceremony began with a Champagne toast, followed by the procession of bridesmaids, bridesmen, and groomsmen in trios. A dear friend and officiant, who introduced Lindsay to Tyler, retold the story of their first encounter before the couple recited their personalized vows. The nuptials ended shortly afterward with Tyler breaking the glass in honor of the bride's Jewish upbringing. “We wanted to keep it under 20 minutes so that everyone could eat, drink, and be merry!” Lindsay confides.

Guests indulged in a festive, nontraditional menu during the reception. Mini alcohol and soda bottles were paired deliciously with the sliders, tacos, and other hors d'oeuvres. Keeping their soirée “different,” the couple replaced the traditional wedding cake with an alfresco dessert bar and coffee lounge. “We selected rich individual desserts that we knew our guests would love. Cheesecake pops, mini apple crumble pies with ice cream, lemon bars, pumpkin bars, fruit, the works!” she describes. Tyler and guests were later surprised with a doughnut truck parked outside the venue. The fun continued as everyone danced to the Chicago Cubs’ walk-up songs, reflecting the couple’s favorite baseball team. The victory song “Go Cubs Go” played later in the evening as the team won the game to go to the World Series that same night.

Reflecting on her own planning, Lindsay recommends research and trusting in your planner and/or vendors to create your ideal celebration. “Demonstrating your vision through photos and examples to your planner and your vendors was extremely helpful, because it enables the planner and vendors to do their job,” encourages the bride. “After all, they are the experts for a reason!”