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If twinkle lights, greenery, and lots of feels are your thing, Melissa & Marcelo's Illinois sustainable AirBNB intimate wedding is going to give you some serious wedding goals.
The Couple
Melissa & Marcelo met at a Brazilian restaurant when she was out to dinner with her mom and he was bartending. Melissa's thought Marcelo was cute and Marcelo was definitely flirting, so Melissa's mom gave her a little push to continue the conversation. They hit it off and as they say, the rest is history.
The Vision
Melissa & Marcelo live & work in Chicago, so they wanted an opportunity to get away with their guests and slow.it.down. They found the cutest B&B (Lincoln Way Inn) in a small town near the Illinois/Wisconsin state line and knew it was the perfect location to host their 100 closest friends and family for a weekend. Once they booked the eco-friendly & sustainable property, the rest of the vision became clear: cozy, romantic, and organic.
Getting Ready
The girls got ready with onsite hair and makeup in an apartment suite separate from the main inn, while the guys spent the morning hanging out in the main house.
First Look Vibes
Melissa & Marcelo's love is undeniable to anyone who knows them. Passion radiates from their souls connecting them in an uncommon way. Their first look was moving as they both shed tears of joy and excitement over making it to this day.
The Ceremony
Officiated by a mutual friend, their ceremony was covered with special moments unique to them. Their moms processed in together. Melissa's divorced parents gave her away together. Marcelo's daughter & nephew recited a poem. Marcelo serenaded Melissa with the song that played on the radio the night they met on the guitar she bought him as a wedding gift. They then made a sustainable exit as their guests tossed eucalyptus leaves.
A Charming Cocktail Hour
One of Melissa's wish list items was to have a charcuterie board cocktail hour. Lincoln Way Inn delivered with a STELLAR display. The addition of an open bar with signature drinks, a country lemonade and tea station and a surprise 1st dance before dinner was the cherry on top of an already amazing day.
Dinner Al Fresco & a Party Under the Stars
After Melissa & Marcelo's first dance, they cut their chocolate & strawberry jam naked cake, & guests were treated to a yummy dinner al fresco catered by the very same Brazilian restaurant that Melissa & Marcelo met at just a few short years prior. After dinner, they transitioned back to the dance floor to dance the night away under the country stars to a shared set between a Brazilian Band and a live DJ.
Planning & Styling by Lillian Rose Events // Venue: Lincoln Way Inn // Photography: Danielle Marie Images // Floral: Weeds Flower Shop // Catering: Brazil Express Grill // Bartending: Crystal Cork // Hair: The 815 Beauty Chef// Make Up: Make Up Glow by Natalie // Band: Bossa Tres // DJ: Main Event DJs