Mandy & James’s Elegant Chicago Wedding at the Civic Opera House

A Grand Chicago Celebration: Mandy & James at the Civic Opera House

Mandy and James’s multi-day wedding weekend blended culture, elegance, and high-energy joy, culminating in a grand ceremony and reception at the Civic Opera House.

The Journey Begins: The Tea Ceremony

The festivities began Thursday with a traditional tea ceremony at the couple’s home, as families joined together in an intimate celebration of the union to come.

The Big Day: Art Institute First Look

Saturday brought one of the day’s most cinematic highlights: Mandy and James’s first look at the Art Institute’s South Garden, the lush greenery and classic Chicago architecture framing the moment they saw each other for the first time.

A Breathtaking Ceremony at the Civic Opera House

Every detail of the ceremony was meticulously planned by Big City Bride, from vibrant florals to moving musical performances.

• A processional set to Handel’s “Passacaille” and Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.”
• A stunning vocal performance of “L’heure Exquise” accompanied by strings.
• A poignant reading of “Wild Awake.”

Cocktails, Dinner, and Dancing

Guests enjoyed a balcony cocktail hour with signature drinks, the “Vintage Girl” and “Bourbon Palmer,” before a grand entrance to Frank Sinatra’s “For Once in My Life.” Dinner featured braised kalbi short ribs and a cake from Alliance Bakery, with the couple’s first dance to “La La Means I Love You” and a high-energy finale to Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars.”

The Creative Team

• Videography: 312FILM
• Venue: Civic Opera House
• Planning: Big City Bride (Chrissy Magliano)
• Photography: Riverbend Studio
• Floral: K.LA Designs
• Catering: Limelight

Love the Lyric Opera House? See another celebration there: Chelsea & Kevin’s Grand Foyer wedding.

Planning a Lyric Opera House wedding? See our venue guide or check your date →