Kristi & Patrick’s Gorgeous, Heartfelt Wedding at the Geneva National

Kristi and Patrick met through a mutual friend one December night in 2012 at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Viewing the holiday lights and spending the evening together, the two became inseparable. Patrick was living in California at the time, but it wasn’t long before he moved back to Chicago and reconnected with Kristi. In 2016, he proposed right at the zoo where it all started. Patrick recruited friends to film the proposal, then planned a day filled with surprises: brunch with family and friends, rooftop terraces, a limo ride, and karaoke to end the night.

The happy couple planned a wedding around their love of water, with a light aqua, blush, and grey color scheme. “This is also why we wanted to get married at Geneva National, because the pergola overlooks Lake Como. The venue was close enough to get all of our family and friends there, but also included the water aspect — it was perfect for us!”

To prep for the big day, Kristi also attended a bridal show at the Geneva National. The ceremony would be held at the Geneva National’s Lakeview Terrace with the reception indoors in the Grand Ballroom. On the eve of the wedding, Patrick and Kristi celebrated with a rehearsal dinner under the patio lights of the Ridge Hotel. “The scenery was breathtaking.”

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The July 7th ceremony was a particularly special one, as it was three months prior, to the day, that Patrick and Kristi had been married the first time. “On April 7th, we had been married in Pat’s parents’ living room so that Pat’s dad Dennis, who was not in good health, could be there. Dennis was battling cancer and ended up passing away on April 9th. We are so thankful he got to witness our small ceremony.” Kristi’s parents’ pastor, Pastor Dave, led both the intimate living room ceremony and the Geneva National ceremony. “It was so heartfelt. We know Dennis was with us in spirit on July 7th as well.”

Kristi says even the staff at the Geneva National offered amazing support to her and Patrick during the difficult time leading up to their July wedding. “Michelle and Katy, the Geneva National wedding coordinators, sent us cards when Pat’s dad passed away and worked with us throughout the entire year to make us feel valued, supported, and appreciated.”

While going above and beyond to send love and encouragement, the team at the Geneva National also succeeded in giving Patrick and Kristi a wedding they’d never forget, starting with the scrumptious food and drink selection. “We had a drink called the PMAC (Patrick’s nickname — short for Patrick McDonald). It was a light aqua color made with lemonade, vodka, and blue curacao. Guests got a kick out of the name and the drink was a big hit!”

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The dinner menu included a choice of filet mignon with a cognac demi glaze, roasted chicken breast with a brandy mushroom sauce, and pasta primavera. “With seventy-five percent of our guests choosing filets, we didn’t know how great that much meat made in bulk would taste — but we got so many comments on how delicious the filets were. The appetizers were tasty too. We had jumbo cocktail shrimp, vegetarian egg rolls, bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, and tomato bruschetta. Everyone was impressed! The Geneva National did not disappoint.”

Then came Kristi’s favorite part of the reception: the dancing! “I especially loved when my brother and two guy friends lifted me up on a chair over the dance floor, so I could see all the guests and celebrate in the air.” The DJ kept the dance floor rocking. “Pat and I both loved dancing the night away!”

Kristi says another highlight was the sparkler send-off and fireworks that ended the evening. But looking back, the moment that sticks with her the most was riding away with Patrick in a golf cart, following the ceremony. “Pat and I were so thrilled to be together for the first time all day and to be surrounded by all of our favorite people. Someone offered us a beer when we were riding on the cart toward pictures, and I swear a beer never tasted so good. Pat said the same thing. It was like all the nerves were finally gone, we were together, and we could just enjoy the party. I’ll never forget that moment.”

Click on any image to enlarge.

[table]
Bridal Shows Attended~Geneva National
Dance Lessons~McDonald Dance in Arlington Heights
Invitations~Lucky Invitations
Rehearsal Dinner~The Ridge Hotel
Ceremony & Reception~Geneva National
Cake~Bittner’s Bakery
Flowers~Gia Bella Flowers
Music~Music In Motion
Transportation~Geneva National shuttle
Photographer~Cindy Romano Photography
Videographer~Something New Media
Gown~Enzoani from Kathryn’s Bridal, McHenry, IL
Formalwear~Men’s Wearhouse
Rings~Exquisite Jewelers, Palatine, IL
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