Ali & Ian’s Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Ali & Ian: A Timeless Chicago Love Story at The Ritz-Carlton
Ali and Ian’s wedding was a masterclass in sophisticated Chicago elegance, hosted entirely at the iconic Ritz-Carlton at 160 E. Pearson, from the morning prep suites to the final dance in the Grand Ballroom.
Morning Preparation & Details
The day began with a buzz of activity as Ali, her seven bridesmaids, and both moms gathered for hair and makeup with the teams from George Salon and Sonia Roselli, while the guys assembled over lunch in their own suite, our cameras catching the sharp final details of ties and cufflinks.
The Emotional First Looks
One of the most cinematic sequences of the day came mid-afternoon: a touching first look between Ali and her father, Danny, in the privacy of the bridal suite, followed by a breathtaking outdoor reveal between Ali and Ian, the emotional core of their highlight film.
The Ceremony in the Concord Ballroom
The couple exchanged vows in the Concord Ballroom before Judge Lorna. The soundtrack was a highlight: a soulful processional blending “Fix You” and “Higher Love,” the classic “Canon in D” for Ali’s entrance on her father’s arm, and, in a twist of pure joy that signaled the party to come, a recessional to Kanye West’s “Good Life.”
The Celebration in the Grand Ballroom
Gold Coast Entertainment opened the reception with a 30-minute high-energy dance set before dinner, ensuring the floor was never empty.
- The speeches: heartfelt words from Ali’s parents, the best woman, a groomsman, and the couple themselves.
- The first dance: soulful and slow, to Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is.”
- Family traditions: Ali and Danny to the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There,” and Ian with his mother to Boyz II Men’s “A Song for Mama.”
- The cake: a traditional Lithuanian chocolate-covered cake from Racine Bakery, a personal cultural touch cut just before the dessert buffet opened.
- The after-party: late-night snacks and a DJ carrying the celebration to 2 AM.
The Creative Team
- Videography: 312FILMS
- Event planning: LOLA Event Productions (Lori Stephenson)
- Photography: Emilia Jane Photography
- Venue & catering: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
- Floral & decor: Revel Decor
- Music: Gold Coast Entertainment
- Hair & makeup: George Salon & Sonia Roselli
- Lighting & dance floor: Sound Investment & Elegant Event Lighting
- Paper goods: Magnificent Milestones & Mary Zabrin
- Cake: Racine Bakery
Love The Ritz-Carlton? See more celebrations there: Hannah & Allen, Megan & Chad, and Christiana & AJ.
Planning a Ritz-Carlton wedding? See our Ritz-Carlton venue guide or check your date →
