This Backyard Chicago Celebration is Full of Special Details: The Real Wedding of Karolina and Matt Kening

Photos ByR.E.M. Video and Photography

Written By

Chrysa Keenon

Date

September 17, 2020

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Karolia and Matt crossed paths when they were students at Loyola University Chicago. “After starting our relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend at Loyola, it only felt right that we also begin our relationship as husband and wife there,” Karolina says. Despite COVID-19, the couple was still determined to celebrate their new union one month after their original wedding date.

Karolina estimates that she tried on over 100 gowns before she found the perfect one for her. Because she wanted a unique style, she imported her dress from Poland, a country that has roots from her family.

Due to the pandemic, Karolina and Matt had to shift their large ceremony plans into an intimate celebration. “We cut out a lot of the extra details,” Karolina admits. “Safety was the most important detail of our COVID wedding. Besides that, we just wanted to have a celebratory dinner with our closest family and friends.”

What we love

The couple’s celebration was filled with special details, such the groomsmen’s Chicago-themed socks, custom ordered bridal masks and a car parade! “Knowing there was a story with every part of our wedding made it very special,” Karolina says. “Even though there are many difficult and unfortunate news surrounding Coronavirus, everything for our wedding seemed to fall in to place.”

Advice from the couple

“Your wedding day will be the most special day no matter how you celebrate,” Karolina says. “I didn’t believe other brides who had a small COVID wedding when they said that they had the most perfect day, but now I do. All the extra details surrounding your day are special and fun, but the love you share with your spouse is at the core of the entire day. Even as we move forward from the effects of COVID, I would strongly recommend reconsidering what elements you are including in your wedding.”