You might recognize the cinematic pink mansion from this wedding
You might recognize this beautiful pink mansion from the timeless wedding movie classic, "My Best Friend's Wedding"! Francesca and Timothy always dreamed of getting married in Italy, but when they found this gem, with its Italian Baroque and Renaissance paintings and gorgeous gardens right in their backyard, how could they resist? Keep scrolling to see more of this cinematic pastel wedding captured beautifully in these photos by Alison Mae Photography.
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the vision: antique elegance
Francesca originally wanted to get married in Italy, so the Cuneo Mansion (home to My Best Friend's Wedding) was the perfect choice in the suburbs of Chicago: a 1914 pink villa with sprawling gardens, an impressive art collection featuring Italian Baroque and Renaissance paintings, and historical antiques. Francesca and Tim served Aperol spritz and gelato to tie in the Italian feel.
Olive Fine Weddings & Events worked with the couple to create a stunning pastel color palette inspired by the venue. Then, Willrett Flower Company took that lovely palette and ran with it, creating gorgeous market basket floral arrangements for the ceremony and cocktail hour, a dramatic floral arch, and an assortment of small arrangements in delicate chinoiserie vases for the reception.
getting ready
In the lavish bridal suite, Francesca sipped champagne with her bridesmaids as they got all dolled up for the big day. Francesca lounged in an ivory satin and lace robe and slip while her bridesmaids wore matching white and blue floral printed pjs.
the fashion
Francesca wore a stunning off-the-shoulder gown with an A-line pleated skirt and wrap detail on the bodice. She wore her hair down in stunning Hollywood-style waves pinned back on one side by several golden flower clips. Her bridesmaids brought the blue in the color palette with mix-and-match dusty blue satin dresses. In keeping with the timeless theme, the groom and his men all wore classic black tuxedos. Then, when it was really time to get the party started, the two made a big switch with Fransceca in a feathered mini-dress and Timothy in a sky-blue tuxedo jacket and matching sneakers! We love it when the groom gets a change too!
a heartfelt tribute
Rosie, the Bride's great-aunt who was like a Grandmother to her, passed just two days before the wedding. It was especially important to ensure Rosie's presence was deeply felt throughout the weekend in meaningful and heartfelt ways. Francesca wore a stunning sapphire ring from Florence, Italy, a cherished heirloom Rosie had planned to gift to her on her wedding day. Her sister, Kadi, wore a ruby ring, another treasured gift from Rosie, received a few years earlier. To honor Rosie’s memory, Francesca’s best friend and bridesmaid stayed up until 1:00 a.m. the night before the wedding, baking gingerbread cookies—Rosie’s signature treat—using her very recipe!
a special performance
A preserved antique, specifically roped off to everyone at the mansion, the beloved 1904 Gilded Steinway piano at Cuneo, was granted to Francesca as special permission to play–an extreme rarity! In this special circumstance, Francesca, who is a lifelong piano player, performed a piece she composed herself that echoed through the silent walls.
the cake
The couple cut into a traditional four-tiered wedding cake decorated with butter cream flowers. Inside revealed a surprise marbled vanilla and chocolate cake that was a hit with everyone!
- Wedding Photographers: Alison Mae Photography
- Venues: Cuneo Mansion
- Event Planning & Design: Olive Fine Weddings & Events
- Flowers: Willrett Flower Company
- Dress Boutique: The Wedding Studio Carmel
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Rare Bird Beauties
- Videography: Harvest Wedding Films
- Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Emery Ann Design
- Caterer: Chic Chef Catering
- Cake: ECBG Cake Studio
- Gelato: Frio Gelato
- Linens: BBJ Linen
- Rentals: A Posh Production
- Band: Rush Street Rhythm
- Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booth
- Travel & Transportation: Second City Trolley