The Bold and the Beautiful
‘Red’s my favorite color – what else for my wedding?’
Newly wed: Margie O’Connor and Chris Grady Image courtesy Datu Ramel Photography, Chicago
THE COUPLE: Margaret O’Connor, 27, and Chris Grady, 27
THE DAY: July 29, 2006
THE PLACE: The ceremony took place at Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Church in Winnetka, Ill. The reception followed at the backyard of the bride’s parents’ home.
THE PLAN: Margie knew she always wanted a reception at home. “My parents bought the house mainly because they fell in love with the backyard. It is just so beautiful.” And with both the bride and groom coming from large families (more than 100 first cousins between the two), the O’Connors’ back lawn transformed into a space fit for stadium crowds.
THE HEAT FACTOR: Margie and Chris took a chance with Mother Nature for their outdoor reception, and while the August humidity might have won, it didn’t conquer. “You really have to worry about the weather, but I figured out that if you have the right people there, it could be 100 degrees or torrential downpour and it wouldn’t matter because everyone would have fun anyway.”
THE BRIDE WORE: A strapless silk organza gown with rouching by designer Jenny Lee.
THE GROOM WORE: While guests wore typical summer wedding attire, Chris and his groomsmen formed a formal bunch in traditional tuxedos.
CEREMONY SENTIMENT: Born into a family with a history of musical talent, 15 of Margie’s cousins led by her uncle Matt stood up on the altar with the couple to sing and play their instruments during the ceremony.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: Margie and Chris skipped the traditional 3-piece classical group and had her cousins’ band (with all members in high school) play during the cocktail hour. “We wanted fun music from the start. And these guys can play any song you ask. People began dancing the second they walked into the house, and once they found out the band was related to me, they were even more amazed by their talent.” Even family gets a break. A second band took over after dinner and the fancy footwork didn’t skip a beat. “We had 400 people there and every single person was on the dance floor.”
‘Room for stadium crowds’: Seating for 400 in a backyard tent, bedecked with roses of all shades of red. Image courtesy Datu Ramel Photography, Chicago
THE FLOWERS: When it came to all floral decisions, Margie had a one-word answer: red. “I told the florist I loved red, and she created bouquets, arrangements and centerpieces in all different shades of the crimson color. Blends of contrasting tones and textures of roses of all sizes caught everyone’s eyes.
THE FEAST: Guests started with summer favorites: garden vegetable maki rolls, Brie and pear quesadillas, tomato-and-basil mini-pizzas and crab cakes. Keeping the crowd energized for dancing, dinner consisted of a dual plate of beef tenderloin and sautéed halibut with tomato-and-basil salsa. Margie’s love for red even made its mark on dessert: Strawberries adorned the buttercream confection served to guests.
THE ROYAL TREATMENT: While guests loved the food, Margie and Chris loved the service even more. “Everyone told me that they never had to wait in a line for a cocktail.” Margie and Chris even had their own personal waiter, a treat they didn’t even request. “He just followed us around all night to make sure we were taken care of.”
UNREHEARSED EMOTION: After an amazing speech from her soon-to-be mother-in-law at the rehearsal dinner, the groom’s family played a slide show for the couple. Chris’s father had passed away when he was 11, but that didn’t stop Mr. Grady from taking center stage in the photomontage. “It made everyone really miss Mr. Grady, but, at the same, time it made us all feel like he was there celebrating and smiling with us.”
FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY: For Margie and Chris, the dancing made the day. From their first dance to Ryan Adams’ “When the Stars Go Blue” until the second band played their last set, the shindig never slowed down. The crowd-pleasing move? The band broadened their fan base when they got down with the guests and played their instruments on the dance floor. “We saw a sea of smiles and laughter and knew everyone was having a great time – our friends and family celebrating together on one dance floor – that is what made us truly happy.”
 |
