February 23, 2013, Katie and Tyler arrived at Villa Siena for their wedding ceremony and reception. The couple met at a sport’s bar where they were both cheering for the Bears. Tyler noticed Katie cheering and invited her over to his table where they spent the rest of the night together. While the couple may happily share a love the Bears, their two families are divided with the groom’s family rooting for the Chicago Bears and the bride’s family being Green Bay Packers’ fans. Despite the division in the families, Tyler proposed on the couple’s three-year anniversary. They were on a ski trip in California. When Katie went to slip her hand in her left glove she found the engagement ring in it.
The ceremony was filled with friends and loved ones and Katie’s kindergarten class. She invited the entire class to attend the wedding. On each guest’s seat was a stone that the guest was asked to channel his or her good wishes and positive vibes into. The stones, according to Irish tradition, are then placed into a jar so the bride and groom have a memento to remind them of the love and happiness of all those in attendance.
Tyler wore a white tie, vest and shirt with a tuxedo with satin piping and a calla lily in the lapel. The groomsmen wore green vests and ties and also had tuxedos with satin piping. The flower girl had a ton of fun walking down the aisle with a huge smile on her face.
Then the bridesmaids announced the beginning of the ceremony, walking down the aisle in black strapless knee-length dresses with green flowers. The maid of honor had a greens sash around the waist. Katie’s face lit up as she began her walk towards her groom in a strapless dress with fitted bodice and sweeping skirt and veil. She wore her hair swept up with a simple necklace. The bridesmaids all signed her shoes.
The officiant talked about the special trips the couple took together and of their wishes for the future. He read Dr. Suess’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go. Katie’s godmother read a special verse during the ceremony and one of Tyler’s groomsmen read the couple a list of life advice.
A four-tired cake with fresh flowers on top and green satin ribbon around each tier offered sweet treats along with favors of Prickly Pear lollipops. A live band sang an acoustic version of Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder.
Congratulations Katie & Tyler. May your lives together be filled with the brightness that came from you both on your wedding day.
Photography by: Lasting Images Photography