My Best Friends Wedding

 

I mean!!!

Have you ever seen a more gorgeous bride? 

The weekend festivities started off on Thursday. 

I hadn't seen Joel is 3 weeks, and we met downtown without Leo! It was actually such a fun reunion, and we were even able to sneak in a lunch date at our favorite taco spot - Big Star.

Afterwards, Joel and I headed to Amanda's, got dressed up for the rehearsal and walked over to the church with the bride to be.

 

The rehearsal got a touch scary when the church coordinator "got stuck in traffic" and then never showed up, but we rolled with it.

Dinner was at Toppo Gigio, and it was such a fun night seeing everyone and getting the celebrations started! 

Since the rehearsal was on a Thursday, that gave us all of Friday to just hang out. I had breakfast with one of my best friends (and fellow bridesmaids) Sara, saw her beautiful new house in Ukrainian Village, and got checked into the hotel.

The bridesmaids had a nail appointment and then met for drinks at the Drake.

That night, the bride and I turned in very early. We had pizza with Amanda's family, watched a few episodes of Modern Family, and went to bed right around 10pm to ensure the bride got as much rest as possible.

The next morning we were up and at um' by 6:30, and down in our getting room by 7:30. I was the first to get finished, so I was happy to keep everyone's mimosa's filled! 

The getting ready party is always my favorite part of the day. The energy is so high and positive, everyone is giddy, and us girls had a blast.

And Amanda transformed into a bride model and literally looked perfect.

Before we knew it, it was time to load up for the church.

The ceremony was perfect, and I had to hold back from losing it in front of everyone as I kept my eyes on Andrew both holding back nervous giggles and tears.

It was truly amazing, and after some group pictures outside of the church, we headed out on a trolley to take pictures at Lincoln Park Zoo.

 

 

We finished pictures a little early and got to enjoy a few minutes of the cocktail hour before our entrances.

The room of the reception was breathtaking (The Knickerbocker in downtown Chicago) and Amanda's DJ was on point too (Toast and Jam). 

 

The whole night - (and thankfully, even my speech) - went really. really well, and will forever go down as one of the best weddings I've ever been too.

 Congrats Amanda & Andrew! We love you!