Taylor & Elan’s Summer Wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Taylor & Elan: A Summer Romance at the Chicago Botanic Garden
On July 28, 2018, Taylor and Elan celebrated a day that blended sophisticated city preparations with the lush, natural beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden. From the intimate morning moments to the high-energy celebration under the McGinley Pavilion, our cameras captured every detail of this meticulously planned event.
Morning Preparations & City Vibes
The day began with the ladies at the family home in Northbrook for hair and makeup, while the gentlemen prepared at the stylish Thompson Hotel in downtown Chicago. Our team filmed at both locations, documenting the anticipation and the small details, from the bridesmaids in their robes to the groom’s final touches.
A First Look in the English Walled Garden
The story shifted to the serene English Walled Garden at the Botanic Garden for the couple’s highly anticipated first look, the lush greenery framing the moment Taylor and Elan saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. From there we explored the grounds by golf cart, capturing portraits on the Rose Terrace and at the picturesque Japanese Garden bridge.
The Ceremony at the Rose Terrace
Under the summer sun, guests gathered at the Rose Terrace for the ceremony, with a live string ensemble giving the processional its cinematic pulse: “Your Song” by Elton John for the officiant and parents, Miley Cyrus’s “Malibu” for the bridal party, and a powerful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” for Taylor’s entrance.
The Reception at McGinley Pavilion
The celebration moved to the McGinley Pavilion for dinner and dancing, electric from the moment the bridal party was introduced to Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love.”
- The speeches: heartfelt toasts from the father of the bride, the maids of honor, and the best men.
- The first dance: a romantic moment to Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors.”
- The Hora: emotional family dances followed by the high-energy Hora that brought everyone to the dance floor.
- Late night: an open dance floor and late-night pizza that kept the party going until the midnight farewell.
The Creative Team
- Videography: 312FILMS
- Planning: Clementine Custom Events (Jaci Weber)
- Ceremony & reception: Chicago Botanic Garden: English Walled Garden, Rose Terrace & McGinley Pavilion
- Getting ready: Thompson Hotel, Chicago
Love the Botanic Garden? See two more celebrations there: Jennifer & Josh’s Jewish wedding and Nikou & Anuj’s Indian-Persian wedding.
Planning a Chicago Botanic Garden wedding? See our Botanic Garden venue guide or check your date →
