If you told me Chicago could feel like Italy, I’d probably need to see it to believe you. Then Lauren and Mitch got married, and suddenly I was ready to book a one-way ticket to Italy and order an Aperol Spritz. I have been WAITING to show you this Italian inspired day since it happened! 

This wedding was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

From the butter yellow bridesmaid dresses to the olive trees brought in for the ceremony, every detail was so elevated, intentional and WONDERFUL. I simply love these two!! 

They really took time to care for their guests each step of the day. From the limoncello shots before the ceremony to the props on the dance floor. They designed a day to love on their people & let them have the MOST fun. 

This Day Felt Like a Little Italian Magic, But In Chicago

Lauren looked effortlessly chic in a sleek, silky gown with a delicate scarf moment, while Mitch went classic in a black tux with a bow tie and suspenders. The bridal party brought the color with soft butter yellow dresses and fresh, colorful bouquets by Revel Decor.

The setting at Revel Space was the perfect backdrop. Warm brick, arched doorways, lush greenery, and an open courtyard gave the day that European-meets-Chicago feeling. Imported olive trees framed the ceremony, and guests were treated to limoncello shots before things even got started.

(Because why wait until dinner to start celebrating?)

Planner, Kalila Harris, kept the entire day moving beautifully, while Rare Bird Beauties brought Lauren’s effortless bridal look together. The result was polished, but never overly formal. Exactly the kind of wedding where you could look stunning and still fully let loose.

The entire Italian inspired day was so completely perfect, everyone really got lost in the moment of it all!

The Italian Inspired wedding Was All About the Guests

Lauren and Mitch wanted their wedding to feel like one big Italian dinner. Lots of romance, lots of food, lots of laughter, and a whole lot of fun.

And they absolutely nailed it.

Lime Light Catering brought the dinner experience to life, while Jeni’s Ice Cream made an appearance on the dance floor for a late-night treat. There were cookies, Auntie Anne’s,, endless props, and plenty of little surprises woven throughout the night.

The music from Bird x Butterfly and Innocenti Strings helped set the tone early, before Toast and Jams DJ took over and turned the reception into the kind of party you literally never want to leave. There were napkin tosses, wild dance moves, colorful wigs, and more than a few moments that absolutely needed to be photographed.

And photographed they were.

Lauren and Mitch also took portraits around the Art Institute of Chicago before the ceremony, giving their gallery that classic Chicago backdrop alongside the more intimate, editorial moments from the day. Premier Trolley helped keep everyone moving, while Oak House Films was their videographer who documented all the in-between moments of their Italian inspired day, too.

This was such a beautiful Italian inspired day… I’m still dreaming about it! 

More than anything, this wedding felt like Lauren and Mitch. Their people were everywhere. Laughing, crying, dancing, cheering, and fully showing up for them.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime couple surrounded by once-in-a-lifetime friends and family, celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime kind of day.

I felt truly honored to be there as their Chicago wedding photographer and document all the special love they poured into making this day one of a kind.

And now?? I’ll always think of Lauren and Mitch when I have an Aperol Spritz.

This Italian Inspired wedding was romantic, ridiculously fun, and yet another reminder that the best weddings don’t just look beautiful. They feel like one giant celebration you never want to end.