A Ceremony Full of Reverence and Sweet Details

St. Clement Church, nestled in Lincoln Park, set the tone for the day—elegant, traditional, and deeply meaningful. The pews were dressed with soft ribbon, and large floral pieces by Bonnie Flowers framed the altar in lush green, white, and blue. The ceremony was officiated by Father Radley Alcantara, with music by Jeremy Kiolbassa on the organ that echoed through the historic space.

MaryGrace and her bridesmaids shared a first look on a rooftop, while her father got his own special moment at the church just before walking her down the aisle. They didn’t see each other before the ceremony—holding onto that heart-stopping first look at the altar.

They honored their faiths and families with a floral offering to the Virgin Mary. With help from her mother, Sonia, and bridesmaid Elisabeth, MaryGrace carried forward a family tradition that added a soft, sacred touch to the day.

Style That Felt Just Right

MaryGrace wore a timeless Suzanne Neville gown—elegant and structured with just enough softness to mirror the setting. Matthew looked sharp in classic Black Tux, the perfect complement to her look. The wedding party brought the palette to life in dusty blue chiffon from JJ’s House, with floral accessories that tied it all together. It was a vision—romantic but unfussy, elevated but deeply personal.

Elawa Farm: Nature, Nostalgia, and One Big Party

From the moment guests arrived at Elawa Farm, they were welcomed into something special. The reception unfolded across multiple spaces: cocktail hour in the paddock, dinner under a glowing tent, dancing in the barn, and sweets in the wagon shed. Each location had its own rhythm and purpose, but together they told one cohesive story.

The décor leaned on texture, natural tones, and timeless details—farm tables with personal place cards, thoughtful signage, florals repurposed from the ceremony, and a soft wash of candlelight that made the whole space feel cozy and elegant.

A memory table honored family stories. Escort cards came with handwritten notes. Guestbook prompts asked loved ones to leave letters for the couple to read in the years ahead. Every element felt like them—intentional, a little nostalgic, and filled with heart.

Dinner, Dancing, and Gelato Dreams

Huegah Catering brought the flavor with a plated dinner that felt like a love letter to comfort and celebration. Bent Fork Bakery provided the cake, and Sweet Home Gelato rolled in a cart for guests to sample scoops in the summer air. There were sweets. There was dancing. There was gelato. Enough said.

And oh, the dancing. Bluewater Kings Band kept the barn bouncing all night—with Jill on the mic and Brandon leading the way—while a family friend, Jitz, stepped in during the band’s break to play Italian accordion, a charming nod to Matthew’s heritage. These weren’t just performances—they were memories in the making.

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Logistics, But Make Them Lovely

Naturally Yours Events, with Evelyn at the helm, handled every detail with care. From the trolley rides between the Ambassador Hotel and the church, to the head table arrangements and vendor meals (avocado allergy noted!), the day ran like clockwork. Guests were free to be present. MaryGrace and Matthew were free to feel everything.

Transportation was seamless, thanks to Absolute Dream Limousines and AME Ground Transportation, who shuttled guests from moment to moment with ease—right down to the couple’s late-night getaway car.

The Vibe

There’s something magic about a wedding that doesn’t just reflect a couple’s aesthetic, but their values. MaryGrace and Matthew’s day was polished, yes—but also relaxed. Traditional, yet personal. Joyful and grounded. It was the kind of celebration that made you want to slow down and take it all in.

And that’s exactly what they did.

Vendor Credits