Every wedding centers around two families joining together, but Kelly and Ricardo’s Chicago History Museum wedding took it a step further. Their day was about bringing together two cultures.
After the sun went down and the entrees went out, Kelly and Ricky’s friends took hold of the mic for their wedding toasts. Each speaker reiterated the same two facts:
- Kelly is the most kind-hearted, loyal person you’ll ever meet
- Ricky is a go-getter who will talk to anyone about anything for a long time
I got to experience this firsthand when I met the couple over drinks. As soon as we wrapped up timeline talk, Ricky suggested, “let’s get out of here and hit up Lottie’s”.
And just like that, a short-and-sweet meeting about logistics turned into 5 hour bar-hopping excursion across Bucktown. Over platters of apps and cans of Truly, the three of us talked about every topic under the sun.
That’s how I learned that Kelly and Ricky’s story started at a White Sox game.
Kelly’s brother-in-law, an avid Sox fan, invited a group of friends to Comiskey Park. That group included his co-worker, Ricky. He spent the rest of the game “following Kelly around” (Kelly’s sister’s words), and “the rest was history” (the couples’ words).
On their fifth anniversary, Ricky had a weekend full of surprises planned. It started with him recreating their first four dates. After the fourth date, the couple came home to a living room filled with rose petals and candles. Ricky got down on one knee and Kelly, of course, said yes.
3 years and a mini bernedoodle named Kane later, they finally got to call each other husband and wife.
Modern Wedding at the Chicago History Museum
Bucking tradition, Kelly and Ricky had a mixed gender wedding party.
Kelly’s side, made up of her sisters and friends she’d made over the years (from childhood besties to coworkers-turned-friends) wore navy Jenny Yoo dresses.
On the flipside, Ricky’s crew (made up of cousins, co-workers, and lifelong friends) rocked maroon tuxes and matching maroon dresses.
Separately, Kelly and Ricky’s sides obviously looked great. But when the wedding party came together? They packed a color punch that made everyone on Michigan Ave stop and compliment. Literally.
And when it came time for their bilingual ceremony on the Chicago History Museum terrace, the two colors tied in with the overarching theme of Kelly and Ricky’s wedding—the joining of two families and two cultures.
There’s a saying in the wedding industry: This is the only time both your families and friends will gather together in one room. And, from the get-go, it was a priority for Kelly and Ricky that everyone in that room felt included.
This meant a bilingual wedding ceremony (complete with double-sided programs and Spanish readings) and Mexican music blaring on the dance floor. It allowed Kelly and Ricky to kick off their marriage in a way that celebrated who they are, both separately and, finally, together.
Despite the July heatwave, I had a blast documenting Kelly and Ricardo’s July wedding at Chicago History Museum. Check out the film for yourself (and maybe even crack open a Truly while you’re at it).
Kind Words from the Couple
Thank you so much for capturing our special day. We will cherish this film for the rest of our lives.
The Wedding Vendors
Planner: JPB Designs // Photographer: Jennifer Kathryn Photography // HMUA: Nika Vaughan Bridal // Dress: Rime Arodaky Aston Gown via Alice in Ivory // Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo in Navy // Tuxes: National Tuxedo Rental // Florist: Flowers for Dreams // DJ: Fig Media // Caterer: Paramount Events // Paper Goods: Minted // Transportation: Windy City Limousine // Wedding Cake: Bittersweet Pastry Shop
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