Monee Wedding | August 14th, 2010

Summer weddings in Chicago are our favorite! Picture perfect weather and lush outdoor scenery provide the perfect backdrop for any reception. This past weekend we had the opportunity to take things outside and enjoy the summer weather to the absolute fullest. This week’s wedding reception was for Brad & Lindsey Holwerda (Schutt) and the town we traveled to was a small town on the far south side of Chicago called Monee. The weather was hot and the clouds were to a minimum, making this Monee Wedding picture perfect!

Brad & Lindsey’s Monee Wedding Reception kicked off around 6:00pm with lakeside cocktails and orderves for all of their friends and family. Due to the hot weather most people stayed in the shade so they could relax and enjoy the summer sun. A large white tent was provided by Mario’s Catering in Worth, Illinois. This tent provided most of that shade for cocktails and dinner.

Around 6:45pm it was time to get our bridal party lined up and energized for their introductions. The song that Brad and Lindsey chose for their introduction song was “Say Hey” by Michael Franti! This was a perfect summer song and really fit their summer theme quite well. If you get a chance be sure to check out their Monee Wedding Video to get a sneak peak.

During dinner we also played plenty of summer songs to stay within the theme. Some of those song artists included: Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and even a little UB40! It was so much fun playing these summer songs because it really set a positive tone for Brad & Lindsey’s cocktail and dinner hour.

This positive tone and energy really came into effect when it was time for dancing. We opened the dance floor off around 9:00pm as the sun was beginning to set. The song that Brad and Lindsey chose for their first dance was “Then” by Brad Paisley. This has been a really popular song at weddings this year and for good reason too! If you get a chance be sure to download it off of Itunes. I know you’ll like it.

After the first dance was complete we then transitioned into our Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances. Both dances went down without a hitch and when they were completed it was time to pump up the tempo and let the good times roll.

If you get an opportunity be sure to check out Brad and Lindsey’s Monee Wedding Video. This video will give you a first hand look into this Outdoor Chicago Wedding and perhaps give you some ideas for your Chicago Summer Wedding!

Special Songs for the Night:

• Introduction:  ”Say Hey” – Michael Franti
• Cake Cutting: “1, 2, 3, 4″ – Plain White Tees
• First Dance: “Then” – Brad Paisley
• Father/Daughter:  ”Forever Young” – Bob Dylan
• Mother/Son: “My Wish” – Rascall Flatts
• Bouquet Toss: “Here For The Party” – Gretchen Wilson
• Garter Toss:  ”Sharp Dressed Man” – ZZ Top

Monee Wedding Vendors:

• Photography: Jessica Jill Photography
• Photobooth: Hot Shots
• DJ: Monee Wedding DJ – Stevie