From their first date, it seemed like Sarah Wilkins and Christopher Raggs had been together forever. “Our server thought we were married, even,” Sarah notes. It wouldn’t be much longer until they were. Three months later on her birthday, Chris gave Sarah a heartfelt birthday card before popping the question. Just over a year later, they tied the knot in Chicago. 

Planning the wedding kept the couple busy. “I naively believed there would be a period where we could kick up our heels and be happily engaged, but no,” admits the bride. They found an event space with large windows close enough to see the summer fireworks at Navy Pier, a priority for Sarah. Another important factor was including peach flowers in the floral design. “That tradition was passed gown from the women in my mother’s family who all had peach flowers for their wedding,” the bride shares. Kesh Events helped to bring this vision to life, and with the help of the planner, they even came up with a name for the style of the celebration. “I believe they called it ‘Southern Charm with a Modern Flair,’” Sarah remembers. “I wanted a clean and crisp design, and they gave me so much more!” 

In a room awash with peach uplighting, the bride walked down the aisle arm in arm with her mother. Sarah wore a romantic gown by Legends Romona Keveža from Bella Bianca Bridal Couture with a full tulle skirt and an illusion neckline with cap sleeves and floral embroidery. Her bridesmaids were chic in white floor-length gowns with varying necklines, while her soon-to-be husband and his groomsmen were sharp in classic black tuxedos. 

The reception featured a similar floral design to the ceremony, but with violet uplighting to add to the nighttime atmosphere. Square tables were adorned with tall centerpieces featuring clear vases with lush blooms in shades of white and peach accents, with cascading orchids as the finishing touch. The longer rectangular tables were topped with beds of fresh blossoms surrounding three crystal candelabra with cream pillar candles ensconced in hurricanes, which were beautifully captured in photographs by Carasco Photography. 

In addition to the stunning four-tier cake featuring a fondant flower with petals extending down to the base, guests enjoyed apple, cherry, peach, and blueberry pies that gave the festivities a homey feel. “That was a dream of mine from when I was a young girl,” confides Sarah. Though she wishes they had given more consideration to having a “first look,” the bride was more than happy with the décor. “I do not think my wedding would have been as magical without it,” she affirms. “We all felt as if we were in the clouds that night. It was surreal.”