“Victor + Blanca’s ceremony and reception were filled with pure elegance, romance and a touch of classic vintage. Their winter day’s elegant events started with a Catholic ceremony at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Chicago. The reception venue of Evanston Golf Club located in Skokie was a short drive from their downtown cathedral church ceremony location. With the cold and Wintery weather mix outside, we opted to head to the reception early for some indoor photos inside and around the couple’s reception and the private golf club venue. It was our first visit to Evanston Golf Club and we were impressed with the number of photo opportunities, exceptionally decorated and designed interior with grandeur, chandeliers, dark colors, golden hues, and multiple wood burning fireplaces. And the couple’s second floor rooms were decorated with a touch of B+V’s personal wedding style. Before heading to the club, while stopping at one outdoor picturesque Chicago shooting location, Victor did everything he could to keep his gorgeous new bride Blanca warm. We kept saying just imagine yourselves already on your honeymoon in the sun and on the beach in Mexico. In the end, heading inside although was necessary, but we soon found was also a great idea.

 

All the day’s touches, from the unbelievable detailed european style cake draping with lilic colored flowers, to Blanca’s understated elegance yet simplistic Spanish designer bridal gown from one of my personally favorite dress designers La Sposa, the day was distinctively a total reflection of Blanca’s style. With Victor’s love of classic and vintage vehicles, they booked a stunning, white 1939 Classic Packard stretch limousine getaway vehicle. The reception was a lively event not only for both the bride & groom, but also very entertaining for the guests. With two forms of live entertainment, a 12 person mariachi band playing during the cocktail and dinner, and Victor’s surprise to Blanca of folkloric dancers from Blanca’s families home town of Guadalajara in Mexico at the start of the dancing. ( The art and beauty of the Guadalajara folkloric dance was amazing. )

 

The reception also incorporated Spanish inspired wedding traditions and games, one called “La vibora de la mar” which is basically like London Bridge is falling down. For this game, it was mostly men versus the women, but everyone held hands and moved in a large ring around the groom and bride who stood on chairs in the middle of the dance floor creating an arch by Blanca’s veil under which everyone passed under. Instead of the London Bridge song being sung as the old saying goes, there is no song and instead the rhythm of music is followed and when the music gets faster and faster, the participants struggling to keep the “snake” of people around the room together, while running through tables, chairs and the couple. It was a truly a smiling event and amazing to witness. We loved it.

 

After the “vibora de la mar” there was one more game that followed at the party called “El Muertito” which basically translates to “The Dead Man”. That is when the groom’s friends strip him of his shoes, socks, sometimes his shirt, and carry him like he was dead. The guys tease and joke that since the groom is now married he is as good as dead. Actually, it is supposed to symbolize the death of the groom’s bachelorhood and the beginning of his new life as a lucky married man. :) The groomsmen propelled Victor in the air with some serious height, tossing of the groom.

 

Victor + Blanca we are very thankful in being there to capture the joy of the day and events. We enjoyed documenting the celebration that honored both of their families and heritage. We wish you luck and happiness together. Congrats!”

 

 

 

 

Blanca + Victor’s day incorporated this list of amazing Chicago and North Shore wedding vendors:
Church: St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 1850 N Hermitage Avenue, Chicago
Reception: Evanston Golf Club in Skokie
Bridal Gown Collection: 2010 La Sposa Bridal Collection Barcelona, Spain
Bridal Shoes: Martinez Valero
Make-Up: Erika Gonzalez Giorgio Armani Beauty + Make Up
Hair Stylist: Octavio Trujillo from Estilo Salon
Suits: Calvin Klein
White Classic 1939 Packard Stretch Limousine: Cosmopolitan Limousine Service, Long Grove, IL
Cake: Oak Mill Bakery
Flowers: Bonnie Flower Shop
DJ: Frequency DJ Entertainment
Mexican Folk Dancers: Ballet Folklorico Revolucion – dancers and drummers – as a nod to the bride’s Guadalajara Heritage
Mariachi Band: Mariachi Oro y Plata
Honeymoon: Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Mexico Resort in Riviera Maya

 

Revisit Blanca + Victor recent vintage car engagement and high-fashion engagement photography session’s blog post.