The Wedding Story of Jenni Pittman and Drew Levy

While many people might never consider that their boss may someday become their “partner for life”, for Jenni and Drew Levi, this is their story. As luck would have it, Jennifer met Drew at her first professional interview after college. Drew soon became Jennifer's boss at the marketing firm where they both worked and after only two years, they became business partners. As professional friends and now partners, their relationship continued to blossom as their work demanded that they spend even more waking hours together. They quickly learned all nuances of each other's personalities, becoming best friends. When Andrew finally got enough courage to cross the “friend” boundary and ask Jenni to an Indiana Pacers game one cold February night, they found they enjoyed their time together. They both also worried about complicating their professional relationship. Weeks later, throwing caution to the wind, they went on their first official date. It was at a local Irish pub where they shared a couple of Irish Car Bombs, and, most importantly, their first of many kisses! Jenni fondly remembers that she and Drew “both instantly knew their connection was a one-of-a-kind love that would lead them to a future together.” She says, “You can't beat life with your best friend.” 

 

THE PROPOSAL

It was on Jenni’s 27th birthday weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee when Drew popped the question. In Jenni’s own words she says, “[We] were up in the mountains, in a beautiful cabin, sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch with steaming hot coffee...Drew could not wait any longer to tell [me] how he felt." He whispered in her ear, asking her if she would spend the rest of her life with him and, in a moment of humor and confusion that followed, Jenni asked him if he was actually doing “IT”. Drew proceeded to laugh and asked for Jenni’s hand in marriage, down on one knee, of course. We say: So. Perfect. Can’t you just hear the “Awwws”?

 

THE PLANNING

Jenni was confident in what she wanted and knew that it was most important to stay true to her unique style and taste. In terms of colors, she wears black, white and gold daily so ultimately the palette is a “reflection of her personal style”. Having not gone the DIY route, Jenni utilized various resources in the planning process. She says,“I had an abundance of help from the coordinators, Kelsey from the [Eiteljorg] Museum and Jenny from Kahn’s Catering.” She noted she also relied heavily on the opinion of her sister, Jessica, while becoming a Pinterest and Etsy “addict”.

 

THE DRESS

It took visiting thirty-five bridal stores within three states in order for Jenni to find the one. However, her hard work paid off! She had a specific vision in mind and, because of that, had a challenge in front of her. She admits she actually tried on very few dresses. Her dress, by Designer Maggie Sottero, helped her quite gorgeously achieve her vision of a dress that was “ultra-modern, sophisticated, different, and simplistic”.

 

SPECIAL TOUCHES

The extra special details Jenni lovingly included were for her husband. She says, “He was not very involved in the planning process, so I surprised him with a few lux surprises like Dom Perignon and Burberry cuff links. I also surprised him with Chicago themed wedding favors for the guests, since he is from Chicago.”

 

THE VENUE

Jenni says, “I choose the wedding venue because I had always imagined myself getting married outside. It was a venue that allowed me to use the entire building, and utilize the inside and the outdoors. Funny, it poured down rain the day of the wedding, so only the indoor space ended up being utilized.”

 

THE FLORAL

In order to achieve the modern, tailored and bold look that the color palette and overall style evoked, JP Parker Flowers used cream and apricot roses, succulents, billy balls, chocolate cosmos, ivory football mums, cream/blush spray roses, coral zinnias, soft pink astilbe, and bright pink sweet william with variegated bush ivy, plumosus, agonis, nagi, silver dollar eucalyptus and black velvet ribbon. The bridesmaids’ bouquets and cocktail table arrangements featured tailored-looking, clutch-style bouquets of varying sizes. Artificial pheasant feathers with touches of babies breath complimented the entire look perfectly, while serving as a bold detail.

 

 

what we love

Jenni stayed true to her creative style and what she loved and the bold results speak for themselves! She has some budget-friendly advice as well: “I would suggest setting a budget and deciding on a few key things you want to splurge on that will ultimately make the day,” she says. “In my case, I had much more simple ceremony décor and held back on floral table arrangements, so that I could splurge on a live band, the venue, the food/open bar.” 

 

 

 

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