The Wedding Story of Sarah & Tommy Littel

Photos ByJessica Eileen Photography

Written By

Carri Fras

Date

June 7, 2017

Categories

Tags:

Indiana University was where this couple first met. However, it was in Chicago, a place they now call home, that their wedding story began. After getting engaged on a bridge overlooking the city in Chicago’s gorgeous and timeless Lincoln Park, Sarah and Tommy were eager to begin planning their dream wedding, and they knew South Bend, Indiana was just the right place for their both classic and modern nuptials. It was convenient for their family members that lived there, yet close enough for their many Chicago friends.

With few initial ideas in mind, Sarah started from scratch.“I spent some time looking at blogs and images from weddings I liked,” Sarah says. “I knew I wanted the entire day to be timeless, but also modern enough to reflect our style as a couple.” Sarah’s research led her to The Brick in South Bend and, for her, it had the blank canvas appeal she dreamt of and the great timeless elements she desired. “The Brick was the perfect modern industrial venue that allowed us to layer on our own personal touches,” she says.

In fact, Sarah stumbled upon some great inspiration from WeddingDay that allowed her to fine-tune her details. “I found the blog when I started digging around for vendors,” Sarah recalls. “It’s super helpful to see the space you are getting married in transformed for different weddings, so you can see what options you have. The Brick is a blank slate so I really used the photos the site had up of our venue specifically.” With her mom by her side, Sarah was able to tackle the rest of the planning and details.

When it came to the decor for this couple’s dream #mclittelwedding, they knew they wanted something classic and Sarah had always loved stripes. She says, “We kept everything black and white, with the flowers and mixed metals being the only contrasting elements.” Sarah’s vision included greenery-filled flowers mixed with neutral hues and pink tones that would pop against The Brick’s white linens and walls.

The stunning bouquet florals included Nosegay, Quicksand Roses, white standard roses, ivory Majolika spray roses, White Freesia and dusty miller, while other floral elements included white Hydrangea, Bells of Ireland, green mini hydrangeas, blush tulips, sophy pink roses, Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, Salal and Italian Ruscus. Silver mercury candlesticks and garlands of green graced the tables. In addition to the florals, the paper goods were an added touch to the overall theme. “We had our invitations custom designed, but printed our own menus programs, and name tents,” says Sarah. “Investing in a high quality printer was a must for us!”

Another must was the couple’s caterer of choice. “We knew we had to have Navarre Catering do the food,” says Sarah. “Kurt Janowsky is a good family friend of ours and we knew no one would be able to deliver more delicious food than his team. We received more recommendations from him as well as some friends I had who were married in the area.”

Last, but certainly not least, is Sarah’s gorgeous gown. Desiring something a little different yet timeless, she decide on a Jesus Peiro dress from Nordstrom and it was absolutely the perfect fit. “It was elegant, modern and it fit my personality perfectly (plus, it had pockets—big win!),” she says. Editor's note: Sarah even got to see where her wedding dress was made during her honeymoon (a trip that included a week in Greece, followed by five blissful days in Barcelona)!

WHAT WE LOVE

We find that brides choose very creative ways of ensuring that sentimental touches are added to their special day. This wedding was no exception. “It was very important to my husband and I that our wedding reflect the amazing marriages both of our parents had. I carried my grandmother’s handkerchief in my pocket that day and had handkerchiefs monogrammed for each of the bridesmaids and both my mother and mother-in-law. I also used my grandparents' cake topper from their wedding day.”