Chicago Backyard Foodie Wedding: Lissa + Ben

chicago foodie wedding

Lissa + Ben are total foodies with a relaxed and organic sense of style. For their charming Chicago backyard wedding, they wanted a truly communal celebration that would reflect their love of food + family. They styled a setting with all of the rustic charm of a casual summer dinner party and called upon the talents of those closest to them to help make their day all the more memorable. The succulent centerpieces were grown by Ben’s mom, all of the wooden serving boards and spoons were made by the two of them + the incredible-sounding menu was handcrafted by the people they love!  Seriously sounds like the best of days! Here’s even more from Lissa about how everyone came together to make their dream wedding a reality:

Neither Ben or I love the idea of putting on a wedding, but we both loved the idea of inviting dear friends and family into the backyard I grew up in for dinner, drinks and good-for-your-soul dancing. So we took this approach, and everyone jumped aboard. My entire neighborhood freely volunteered for the grungy leg-work. The meal was prepared in my parents’ kitchen by colleagues of mine. My brother built the table that our families ate around. The whole day felt effortless and abundant.I felt like I couldn’t help but be completely present to the beauty and joy that everyone brought with them, shared and lingered upon. It was difficult to stop dancing and leave at the end of the night.

Sarah Culver, thanks so much for sending these pretty photos our way + big congrats to Lissa + Ben!

bird invitation

wedding rings

red heels

bridesmaids

succulent boutonniere

wedding party

ceremony programs

Our Musical Choices

Processional: We Move Lightly – Dustin O'halloran / Fly – Ludovico Einaudi

Recessional: Untitled – Odessa Rose

First Dance: Trust in Me – Etta James

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Right after the ceremony, as soon as Ben and I got to the end of the recessional, he lifted me off my feet and we both burst into tears. I've never experienced joy and relief so tangibly.

bride and groom

wedding party

flower crown flower girls1

bride and groom

bride and groom

menu

herb plate setting

succulent centerpieces

succulent centerpieces

foodie reception


Doesn’t everything look amazing? What a treat to have such talented friends, who can cater your wedding like pros!

foodie reception

foodie reception

foodie reception

reception

cheers

soap favors

first dance

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Enlist the help of those around you. Asking for help can feel like burden-sharing. And it is - which is brilliant! Make use of the gifts and talents of the people you love. My favorite part about our wedding was that it felt like a true collaboration of our friends and family and in that way the day became participatory for everyone and much less overwhelming.

photography: Sarah Culver Photography // florals: Tessa Richardson (friend of bride) arranged them - they were picked at Weichart Farms // wedding dress: J.Crew // bride's shoes: Macy's // hair stylist: Shannon Smith // makeup artist: Shannon Smith // catering: Sandra Costa, Annie Ittersagen, John Thorpe (friends of bride) // ceremony: Knoch Knolls Park // reception: Bride's parent's home // farmhouse tables: Chicago Farmhouse Tables // suit: Banana Republic // men's pants: J.Crew // ties: J.Crew // bridesmaids' dresses: ASOS, Anthropologie // flower crowns/wreathes: Jill Fecht (mother of bride) // menu recipes: Lissa Fecht (bride) // dessert: Yolanda Peterson (friend of bride) // caramels: Anna Chleboun (sister of groom) // favors: Anna Chleboun (sister of groom) // planted succulents: Mary Chleboun (mother of the groom) // head table: Fecht Design // gift table: Fecht Design // menus: Lissa Fecht / Krista Chael (painting on invitations, programs) // program: Lissa Fecht / Krista Chael (painting on invitations, programs) // invitations: Lissa Fecht / Krista Chael (painting on invitations, programs) // handmade linen napkins: Robin Hersma (friend of bride) // art design: Krista

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