Late last year I got a call from my cousin Kelly’s Aunt Lynnette. She was throwing my cousin’s wedding shower and was wondering if I’d be up for flying to Chicago to photograph it. Of course I said yes! The only stipulation was I had to keep it a secret. She wanted my being there and photographing to be a surprise.

I could barely contain myself as I boarded my early morning flight two days before the shower. I was at my Aunt and Uncle’s house by noon and we were making plans for me to pop out at dinner that night and surprise my cousin. She legit had no idea I’d be there that weekend and cried when she saw me. But who am I kidding…I cried too.

For our entire lives, Kelly has been obsessed with the color green so when I found out the shower theme was “mint to be” I was definitely not surprised. The shower was held in the Barrel Room at Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant in South Barrington. It’s was such a cool and unique space for a shower.

Kelly’s aunt went above and beyond with all the details and decorations. Floral arrangements in oversized wine and martini glasses decorated the cake table, mimosa and sangria bar and entrance way. Guests entered the room beneath a large balloon archway which was also a super fun backdrop for lots of group photos.

Kelly and Bobby will be getting married at the gazebo at the Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island in northern Michigan. Mackinac Island is a historic site and is only accessible by boat. Once on the island, there are no cars. All travel on the island is done by foot, bicycle, or horse and carriage. It is a very cool, unique place, and Kelly knew right when she got engaged that that is where they would be married.

Lynnette wanted to make sure to include elements that paid homage to Mackinac Island, so she had a graphic designer friend make the coolest accordion photo display with each panel featuring a black and white photo of Kelly and Bobby and a unique cutout at the top, including a dancing couple, a horse and carriage, a gazebo, and the Mackinac Bridge, which was displayed on the cake table. Also on the cake table were photos of the couple’s furbaby and “dog of honor,” Ivory. The ombre mint green cake from Mariano’s was covered in sugar star confetti and was freakin delicious!

Each table had a centerpiece of a simple calla lily in a mint colored milk jar, along with jewel and foil confetti and mini picture frames with photos of Kelly and fiance Bobby, which also served as favors.

Speaking of favors, there was no shortage of goodies for each guest to take home. Along with the mini photo frame, guests were also treated to a mini bottle of wine covered in glitter. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! Everyone also took home a bag full of swag from the Pink Pony…Kelly’s absolute favorite bar on Mackinac Island. Everyone got a hat or visor, and a wine glass or tumbler from the famed historic island gathering place.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t bring up the gifts my Aunt and Uncle had made for the occasion. Having just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, they were even more meaningful. My Aunt had the top half of her wedding gown, along with some of her veil, made into a top for Kelly to wear to the rehearsal. And my Uncle had two of his rings remade into a beautiful necklace. They were such unique and sentimental ideas.

There was so much love in the room. Family had come in from Michigan and Texas and everyone was over the moon to celebrate with the couple. The food at Cooper’s Hawk was sooooo good. It was such an epic way to prep for the couple’s destination wedding.

BRIDAL SHOWER TEAM

Venue / The Barrel Room at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, South Barrington, Illinois
Floral Designer / Barrington Flower Shop
Cake Artist / Mariano’s

Check out their adorable at home engagement announcement with their dog Ivory.