The Wedding Story of... Shelby & Chad Cysewski

 

After meeting through a mutual friend in Chicago in 2007, Shelby Conroy and Chad Cysewski were immediately drawn to each other. Six years later, Chad proposed at the same restaurant where they had their first date. After a surprise celebration following dinner ?with their families, the planning of a big city, romantic and elegant-themed wedding began.

 

 

 

“I am not one for bright colors in my everyday wardrobe or home decor, which is something I read you should keep in mind for choosing colors for your wedding day,” says Shelby. “Going with our romantic theme, we decided to set a color palette of blush tones and natural color choices.”

 

 

 

Shelby and Chad had a goal in mind the last seven days before their wedding: to relax and take it easy. Her advice is to get everything done a week prior to the wedding. “It was a great feeling not to be rushed and frantic the days leading up to the wedding. At that point, we just let the anticipation and excitement take over!”

 

 

 

To tie in with her romantic vision of blush and natural color choices, Shelby’s bouquet included a combination of soft ivory and pale peach garden roses, peach stock, with soft white ranunculus and blush astilbe with an accent of dusty miller. The stems of her bouquet, along with the bouquets of her maid and matron of honor—her two sisters, were adorned with lace fabric from their mother’s wedding dress.

 

Guest tables featured low silver vases designed with similar flowers surrounded by silver mercury votive candles. Other tables featured translucent, tall glass vases with dark branches individually decorated with fluffy white hydrangeas.?

 

 

 

Selecting the location for their ceremony was surprisingly simple. “Holy Name Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in the city. Matched with the history, the beauty of the long aisle and the beautiful stained glass windows, it was one of the easiest decisions in planning our wedding,” said Shelby. 

 

 

 

After searching for the perfect reception venue, Shelby and Chad fell in love with the Hard Rock Hotel, which paired well with the fun party and lively mood that followed the nuptials.

 

 

 

After trying on nearly 20 dresses at various bridal shops, Shelby visited a Jenny Yoo store in Chicago and fell in love with an A-line gown that had plenty of options to fit her individual style. “When I put my dress on and saw all of the options for ways to tie the straps, I was sold. I was also really mindful of my body type; I didn’t want anything too tight or over the top.”

 

 

 

In memory of Shelby’s mom, who passed away in 2005, Shelby and Chad decided to make a donation to National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (in addition to traditional wedding favors). Shelby also wore her mom’s wedding veil, which was both important and meaningful to her.  “I wish I could wear it every day!”