A traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a fun and lively reception, Lizzy and Tom shared their “I do’s” on a gorgeous Fall evening in Northern Illinois. From their obsession with the University of Illinois, their scheme of bright fall wedding colors, their choice of unique bridesmaid dresses, to their "party-hard" attitudes as they danced the night away, the couple’s vibrant personality was reflected in every aspect of their gorgeous wedding day.
Q. How did Tom pop the question?
A. In this relationship I am the planner of everything, so when Tommy actually started planning dates, I knew something was up. Tommy had planned dinner reservations and threw out the idea of getting dessert before dinner (which we never do!) and he ended up taking me to Ghirardelli Chocolate—one of my favorite places. Right after our order came out, Tommy asked the waitress to take a picture of us and as he did, he got down on one knee! After he proposed, there was no dinner and we went straight home to share the news with our families.
Q. What was your favorite part about the wedding day and why?
A. Besides the feeling of relief and happiness, my favorite part was dancing the night away with my new husband. We passed out sunglasses on the dance floor to all of our guests as we danced to "I wear my sunglasses at night!" and just had a blast celebrating us!
Q. What part of planning did you find the most difficult and why?
A. Most of the time what you want is not what you can afford, so you have to change your decisions to fit that budget. I especially had difficulty with the flowers because I honestly didn’t know anything about them! After I decided on the florist, the fall wedding colors, and the types of flowers I wanted, my florist called to say she was pregnant and due the week of my wedding. I had to start my florist search all over again and re-do my original design to stay on budget.
Q. Why did you choose Kennedy Blue?
A. I had 7 bridesmaids and of those girls, 4 lived out of state. Using the Kennedy Blue Find-Try-Buy service was perfect because I could pick the styles and color I wanted, have samples shipped to the girls out of state, and also have a few sent to me. I also wanted to pick unique bridesmaid dresses that could be worn again so that it wasn’t a one-occasion dress. The dresses were great for mixing and matching styles to fit everyone’s body type, but still looking uniform together. I loved them!
Q. What advice would you give to other brides?
A. There is always something you can be booking, ordering, crafting, or working on so start planning early even if it feels like the day is far away! It will save you from tons of stress later on when you are running around with your head cut off for the last 2 months before the wedding. I also suggest trying to include people close to you in the process. Lots of people will reach out asking to help. Include them in a dress fitting or to help you make place cards or stuff invitations. You will appreciate their help and make them feel special!
Photography by: Essence Weddings
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Taking Your Measurements
For the most accurate measurements, do not measure over your clothing. Your measurements should be taken while wearing undergarments similar to the ones you will wear with your dress. The measuring tape shouldn’t be pulled too tight or have too much slack, and should always be parallel with the floor.
Wedding apparel is typically sized differently than retail clothing, so keep in mind that it’s not uncommon to find yourself requiring alterations.
Compare these three measurements to the Kennedy Blue size chart above. It is very important that you order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. For example, if your bust measures 40.5” (size 12), your waist measures 31” (size 10) and your hips measure 41.5” (size 8), we advise that you order a size 12, and get your dress altered down to custom fit your body.
Bust Size
Wrap the tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust (not underneath the bust).
Waist Size
While standing up straight, bend at the waist to one side. Take the measurement where the natural crease happens in your side. This should be a few inches above your belly button. Stand up straight and do not “suck in” when taking this measurment.
Hip size
Standing with your feet together, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt to get this measurement.
Depending on the fabric, a dress can be altered down up to 2 full sizes, but can be very difficult to let out as there is only about .5 inch of fabric to do so at the seams.
Ordering anything smaller than a size 12 would not fit in the bust area. Please note: Our bridal gown size chart is different than the bridesmaids sizing and is listed below.
Danielle Salazar
Author