Martini Magic

When Kelli’s cousin introduced her to Mike at a college graduation party, there was an instant attraction. “ I had a slight crush on Mike when I first met him ”, admits Kelli, a hairstylist. “He was very funny and outgoing and a lot of fun to hang out with.” For Mike, who works as a machinist, the feeling was mutual. “My first impression of Kelli was that she was beautiful,” he says. “I couldn’t wait to take her out on a date. “Shortly after that first meeting, Mike took Kelli out to celebrate her 21st birthday. “We went out more and more and we always had a lot of fun together. She became my best friend, ” Mike says. “I fell in love with her and knew after about six months that I couldn’t imagine myself without her.” The pair dated for about 2 years before becoming engaged. The proposal took place at Cafe La Cave Restaurant in Des Plaines where Mike took Kelli the day before her birthday.

Kelli noticed that Mike had brought a gift with him to dinner, which he gave to her while the waited for their food. Kelli opened the box to find tissue paper and crystals, along with a ring. Mike then got down on one knee. “I was very happy and very surprised, ” Kelli says. “I had no clue at all. It was exciting.”

Kelli and Mike exchanged vows at Queen of the Rosary Church in Elk Grove Village. The location was particularly meaningful to the bride, who had attended Queen of the Rosary School from pre-school to eighth grade. Even as a child, she knew the church was exactly where she wanted to have her wedding. “As a little girl you always think of your wedding day, ” Kelli says. “So when it’s actually happening and you look around and see all your family and friends there, it’s just a moment you’ll never forget.”

Kelli sparkled in her wedding gown, a strapless style boasting a sweetheart neckline and crystal embellishments on the top and bottom. A matching veil and tiara completed her eye-catching look. “It looked like a Cinderella dress,” Kelli says. “That’s why I picked it. It was very sparkly and pretty.” For her bouquet, Kelli carried a round, bubble-like arrangement of beautiful white roses with crystals for a touch of glam. Bridesmaids carried rounded bouquets of bright fuchsia blooms.

The couple’s modern, sophisticated reception featured fuchsia and black colors throughout as well as one distinct theme - martinis. From the ice-sculpture martini bar to tables named after the clever concoctions, such as “flirtini” and “tequilatini,” Kelli and Mike’s vision was definitely a hit with guests. The couple also incorporated bold fuchsia flowers that seemed to burst from their dramatic centerpieces, which reminded Kelli of large martinis. “My friends and I have always loved martinis, ” the bride explains. “From there, [Mike and I] thought it would add to the theme to add the martini names for tables instead of just doing table numbers.” addition to a wide selection of martinis, Mike and Kelli’s guests were treated to a menu style dinner that allowed them to choose filet mignon, tilapia, or Chicken Vesuvio, a Chicago favorite, made to order. Mini martini shakers in fuchsia and black filled with M&Ms of the same colors were the perfect party favors. Attached to the shakers was a recipe for making the “wedding cake martini.” Guests also received mini fuchsia colored martini gel candles with Jordan almonds.

The following morning, the newlyweds enjoyed breakfast with their wedding party and close family members. They left for Maui a week after the wedding. “I’m glad we had that week to kind of relax and see our family and friends and have time to pack and not be rushed with everything,” Kelli says. “I think we would have been exhausted if we had left the very next morning.”

Additional Info

First Dance
“Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams

Something Old
Kelli’s grandmother’s handkerchief

Something New
Kelli’s jewelry

Something Borrowed
A bobby pin from Kelli’s sister

Something Blue
Blue in Kelli’s grandmother’s handkerchief

Enjoy the day! It goes by fast!