There was no better way to begin 2022 than with a wedding of our daughter. First of all, imagine planning a wedding in less than two months during a pandemic with all its mandates, finding a dress, a venue, ordering flowers, and so much more. Our firstborn daughter, Kristina, and her husband-to-be, Joe, did just that late fall of 2021. Not to say it was easy finding a venue and reception during a pandemic, and both requiring limited guests and masks, but as it turned out the best venue for the wedding was right in our own backyard.
This is the magnificent Adler Arts Center, the pride of our town, built in 1864 as a farmhouse, with additions and renovations done along the way until 1941.
A peaceful winter view out one of the decorated windows. Thank you Joseph’s Florist!
The home has a classic look and Kristina wanted to find a dress that fit the atmosphere of the home. She found the perfect one, sort of like Downton Abbey meets the Great Gatsby!
The detail!
The stunning antique Cameo belonged to my grandmother. My father gave it to her the day he left to serve in World War II.
The handsome and wonderful groom, Joe.
The room where the ceremony was held could only accommodate thirty guests, which meant only fifteen guests apiece for Joe and Kristina, and mostly just family. Talk about hard! But come next summer Joe and Kristina are having a celebration bash at a big farm in Wisconsin so unlimited friends and family can come. That will be a future blog to watch for!
The ceremony was beautiful with the minister from our church officiating and a talented harpist for music.
Instead of vows to each other Joe and Kristina wanted to do something special. Joe (a former music teacher) sang a love song to Kristina, and Kristina recited her favorite Shakespeare Sonnet 116 to Joe. It was a lovely and touching ceremony in a gorgeous room filled with love from everyone.
After the ceremony everyone gathered in a beautiful and bright sunroom for wine and treats while we waited for the bus to arrive that would take us to Chicago for the reception. After the bus was late Kristina called the driver to see what the problem was. He replied that he was outside waiting. Kristina looked out the window. No Bus. He insisted he was right there. “Where is there?” she asked. “Adler Planetarium in Chicago of course,” he answered! Someone obviously told the driver to go to Adler, but failed to say Adler Arts Center in Libertyville, and the driver assumed Adler only meant one place, the famous Adler Planetarium in Chicago, forty miles away. Kristina had her sister and Matron of Honor Kara call the company and they quickly sent another bus, but this time it was a very huge and comfortable one that held way more than thirty people! While waiting a brief time for the new bus, our gracious Adler host Amy gave everyone a tour of the estate while the photographer took a few more photos.
I still marvel at how a wedding as wonderful as this could have been planned from scratch for every detail, during a pandemic, over Christmas, and it all went off without a hitch, except for the bus, (but it makes a good story!) in a small amount of weeks, not months.
Now about the equally exciting reception. You will have to wait for the next blog to read about that. And talk about surprises. One almost brought the house down.
Stay tuned.
So beautiful ! The bus story will become legendary—stressful when it happened, but as you said, will be talked about for years to come.
Barb, it was a shock at that moment but having the story now seems worth it!
What beautiful pictures. So wish we could have been there. Happy for everyone.
Wish you could have been here too.
Ohhh my!! What a lovely, gorgeous bride and venue! Handsome groom as well! Thanks for sharing your happy day.
My first thought about the delay in getting to the reception, “What about the food?!” We’ve all experienced the stress of having to speed up or delay a meal, but I certainly haven’t had that pressure with a wedding meal or reception.
Hi Denise! I’m so happy to hear from you. As for the food, the restaurant was called right away and they were so understanding about the bus mishap and assured us it would be no problem for them. And it wasn’t because every course was perfection!
That shows the restaurant’s professsionalism on several levels! Looking forward to “Part Two”!
Congratulations on arranging a spectacular event during a very challenging time. Both the bride & groom are looking so happy & radiant. The “Adler” (you know which one!) was a great setting for this lovely occasion.
All my best wishes for a life filled with happiness & good health.
Congratulations once more!!
Thank you for the kinds words, Sandi. It was such a happy day at the “Adler!”
Congratulations to the beautiful bride & handsome groom, and all the family. Lovely pictures to remember their joyous day. Can’t wait to see pictures & read about part 2! Thanks for sharing. Our daughter & husband did the same thing with having a small wedding in Dec. & recently had a large second wedding celebration in Sept. with all their families & friends. Both were such a blessing. And we have another daughter marrying in 2023. So exciting. Again congratulations & may the Lord richly bless Kristina & Joe with an abundance of love & joy in their life together.
Thank you, Kim, for your good wishes and kind words! I love how both of our girls did the same small wedding then big celebration later. Is it Kayla getting married next year? Exciting!