Thomas and Jackie's Wedding

August 25, 2012 marked one of the most beautiful and romantic evenings of this past summer.  My lovely friend, Jackie, married her best friend, Thomas at the historic Great Hall at Chicago Union Station.  The Great Hall's extremely large space, vaulted skylight, and marble pillars exuded a sense of grandeur in its gorgeous architecture.  The table settings exemplified understated elegance with underwater orchids, floating candles, and clean glass vases.  The color palette of the wedding consisted of rich, sumptuous purples toned down by sweet lavender, neutral white, and cool silver accents.  As soon as the sun began to set, the room transformed into a whimsical dining room, softly lit by hundreds of candles and purple lights.  I feel so privileged to have been a part of Jackie and Thomas's wedding by preparing the dessert table.  This was one of the most challenging projects I have undertaken but also the most rewarding.  The Micky Mouse cake pops and Batman and princess cake toppers brought to life Jackie's fairy tale wedding, where a princess marries a hero and lives happily ever after.   Big thanks to Mimi Kwak, Sam Chae, Daniel Chae, and Sunny Park for all your help.  Huge thanks to Wayne and Angela for their wonderful photos.  Photos courtesy of the fabulous Wayne and Angela Photography.  Catering by Jewell.  Flowers by Cattleya Bridal & Floral Design.  Wedding Cake by a local Winnetka Bakery, baker requested anonymity.  Cake toppers created by Liz Shim, owner of Eat Cake Be Merry.

Gorgeous wedding cake from a Winnetka bakery, whose baker requested to be remain anonymous.

The cake toppers suitably reflected the bride and groom's quirky personality. Created by Liz Shim, owner of Eat Cake Be Merry.

Stunning.

Half of the dessert table.

On the Menu: Lemon bars, adult cupcakes (Guinness cupcakes with Bailey's cream cheese frosting and Grand Marnier cupcakes), classic cupcakes (vanilla and red velvet), candied popcorn, strawberry heart thumbprint cookies, s'mores on a stick, cake pops (pistachio, orange, and chocolate), chocolate covered pretzels, jordan almonds, sugar cookies on a stick, red velvet graham cracker s'mores, miniature key lime pies, and chocolate chip cookies.

A pastry box with every sweet confectionery treat was set aside for the bride and groom.

I wanted to make sure Jackie and Thomas were able to try every dessert on the menu, so every item was placed on the bride and groom's table prior to dinner.

Candied popcorn with custom labels.  Recipe can be found here.

A wedding is not complete without Jordan almonds.

White chocolate covered marshmallows on a stick made for a fun candy bouquet.

Thumbprint Heart Cookies filled with strawberry jam, S'mores on a stick, and Orange cake pops dusted with Dean and Deluca sprinkles.

Per the bride's request, Mickey Mouse cake pops were on the menu.

Red Velvet Cupcakes. Recipe can be found here.

White Chocolate Covered Pistachio cake pops.

Sugar Cookies on a Stick with Royal Icing.

Red Velvet Graham Cracker S'mores.

Swirled lollipops with a vase filled with Whoppers brought a nostalgic touch to the table.

Miniature Key Lime Pies.  Recipe can be found here.

Candied Apples.  Recipe can be found here.

For more photos of Thomas and Jackie's extravagant wedding, visit Wayne and Angela's Blog.

Congratulations, Thomas and Jackie! 

Happy eating. 

xoxo

Grace