Love among the Dinos: A Fall Wedding at The Field Museum

It was so much fun to work with Lara and Brett on their Fall wedding at Chicago's acclaimed Field Museum. They truly embraced the vibe of the venue with florals and decor that transported guests to a feeling of being in the forest, while also putting so much of their personality and influences into the day. Check out the fantastic photos by Laura Witherow Photography:

Instead of a traditional ceremony set-up, we did a Chuppah in the round, with guests on all sides. 

The couple was literally surrounded by family and friends!

With little dinos on the cover, even the programs gave a nod to the extra special and unique venue.

As the newlyweds recessed down the aisle, they passed under the traditional sword arch, welcomed by the groom's military buddies.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

A room with a view - guests dined with the elephants and Maximo the Titanosaur.

Luxurious blue velvet linens with tall manzanita tree centerpieces made for a gorgeous tablescape.

Artwork of the Chicago skyline served as a beautiful guestbook that can be hung in their home.

A POW/MIA table honored those who have served our country.

'90s Cover Band "As If" kept the dance floor packed.

(Can you spot a rare appearance by yours truly in the background? Clipboard always in hand!)

Bride & Groom stormtroopers were guarding the sweets table!

Congratulations to Lara and Brett!

Vendors:

Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Venue - The Field Museum

Florist - Kehoe Designs

Lighting - Frost

Band - As If

Photographer - Laura Witherow Photography

Video - Amor in Motion

Caterer - Blue Plate 

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Elements of Military Weddings

With Veteran’s Day having passed and Thanksgiving around the corner, we take a look at the traditions of military weddings.  In military weddings, special customs demonstrate the honor of individuals who have served our country.

photo from munaluchbridal.com

Engagement   

Of course, the ring completes every engagement. Midshipmen and cadets may give their fiancées a smaller version of their class ring as an engagement ring, instead of the traditional diamond. 

Attire

The main noticeable difference at a military wedding is the attire, with military uniforms replacing tuxedos or suits. The particular uniform can differ depending on the style of wedding, season, and guidelines found in the Government-manual of uniforms. 

The “mess” dress uniform is typical for formal weddings. If the wedding is semi-formal or more casual, service or class-A attire is appropriate.  If any groomsmen serve in a different branch than the groom, they can simply wear their uniforms of comparable formality. If the bride is in the military, she may wear her dress uniform, though most opt for a traditional wedding gown. Family and guests who are active or retired military may also wear uniforms, if they choose.

If the groom and groomsmen are in military dress, then boutonnieres are not used and they simply wear their military decorations.  

Location

            

Often military couples will get married in a military academy or a chapel on base, though they may opt for their own church, synagogue, or wedding venue.  The chaplain of the base may officiate, since the bride or groom may already have close ties with him, and the chaplain will do the ceremony for free.    

            

Seating at the ceremony can be slightly different from the typical wedding, as well. Guests who are currently serving or  have served in the past should be seated according to rank.

Music

For music, the couple may opt for regimental compositions or the theme song of the branch for which the bride or groom serves. 

Decor 

Flags can be placed around the venue to show the couple’s patriotism. Brides can add flowers around the flag to help accentuate the look.

Customs

            

After the ceremony, the bride and groom will leave the sanctuary greeted by guards holding ceremonial weapons.  The newlyweds will usually stop and kiss as they walk through the guards (making for a great photo op!).  Don't be surprised if the bride gets a pat on the butt, as she exits the arch of guards, welcoming her into that branch of service. 

photo from tampabridalshops.com

The cake cutting makes for another fun military tradition. The groom offers his sword to the bride, and they then make the first cut of the cake together holding his sword. That's one oversized cake knife!

photo from laynecorbin.wordpress.com

Military weddings are impressive to see, and incorporating military customs into the wedding allows family and guests to share in the pride for the bride or groom who serves, as well as the pride for this country.


*Natalie Gudel contributed to this article.

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