A Tale of Two Worlds: Marina & Zach's Chic Chicago History Museum Wedding

Love Story

They say when you find your soulmate, you just know. For this darling couple, the spark was instantaneous when they first locked eyes at the office back in 2018. "A few months later, we started dating,” Marina recalls.

Date nights soon became their haven, stealing any extra moment together over delicious dinners, cozy weekends, and romantic adventures. Each passing season wrapped them tighter in its loving embrace as their bond grew deeper. Five blissful years flew by before Marina and Zach decided to unite their lives forever on September 1st, 2023.

After a year awash in wedding visions, the bride and groom's elegant Chicago affair finally came to life on September 1st, 2023. Hosted in the breathtaking garden of the Chicago History Museum, their ceremony was the epitome of European romance.

Inside the soaring cathedral of Fourth Presbyterian Church, surrounded by 100 cherished guests, the lovers promised each other forever. Joyful tears flowed as their friends and family bore witness.

But the true magic was the union of two families from opposite ends of the world. “Our extended families met for the first time that day (mine from Serbia and Zach's from Kentucky). I'll always remember how much fun they had and how well everyone got along. They were instant friends and seemed as if they'd known each other forever. Seeing them so happy was a key moment,” Marina adds.

Morning details

The stationery suite with classic invitations and day-of paper products was designed by the creative bride herself through Minted and Zola. Marina also hand-picked her engagement ring and Cartier wedding bands with Zach.

On the wedding day, Marina wore her mother's earrings as her 'something blue,' her grandma's wedding band, and her great-grandma's wedding band pinned to her bouquet.

Bride getting ready

"I had my eye on this dress for a few years before I got engaged. Once I started looking, I shopped around for about 6 months, then my bridal boutique in Chicago called Netta for approval on shipping it from California to Chicago so I could try it.The collection was 2 years old at that point,so they only had the sample size left at the California location,where she's based out of now, " she recalled. "When it shipped, I only had time to try it in once but I knew it was the one!"

Marina glowed as she prepared for her big day, joined by her inner circle of loved ones. Surrounded by her cousin, maid of honor, mother, sister, and best friend, she relaxed and got ready at the gorgeous LaSalle Chicago.

The bride's final bridal look included a sweeping veil, Dior slingback pumps, a Chanel clutch, and the special family heirloom jewels pinned to her bouquet. Her peony bouquet from The Secret Garden florist added the perfect romantic touch.

Groom getting ready

While the ladies lunched on beverages and giggles, Zach held court with his own inner circle, including his brother and best friends. Though a few natural nerves sprang up, his trusty groomsmen kept the mood light with joking and camaraderie.

Clad in a refined tuxedo, Zach was the image of sophisticated elegance, but inside he was bursting with anticipation to finally meet his bride.

First Look

Tradition gave way to passion as the couple chose to glimpse each other before the ceremony. Seeing his gorgeous bride for the first time, Zach was left speechless. "She looked gorgeous and I was trying to hold it together," he said.

Marina was overwhelmed with emotions as well. “I was excited to finally get to marry my best friend. I was also hoping he liked my dress/make up choices,” she laughs.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

After soaking up their first look, the couple wandered the streets for romantic portraits, posing in front of the stunning church and courthouse architecture. "We chose the courtyard because it's so beautiful that time of year," described the couple. Yet classic as the backdrop appeared, the couple's chemistry breathed modern life into each frame. Five years deep yet still in the honeymoon phase, their joy was spellbinding.

Ceremony

Guests wept watching the groom tear up as Marina glided down the aisle to an instrumental version of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri. Though surrounded by loved ones, the couple only had eyes for each other.

The garden ceremony exuded romance and created the most magical memories. Vows intertwined with meaning and affection sealed their promise of forever.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Following the announcement of "husband and wife", Marina and Zach took photos around the reception venue. The Chicago History Museum's neoclassical facade made a regal setting for their sophisticated portraits. "We loved the architecture of the building as a backdrop," stated the couple.

Wedding Venue & Decor

A vision of timeless European glamour guided the wedding design with a black, white, and green color palette, but the grandest decoration was Marina herself, waltzing on a cloud in her husband's arms. The Chicago History Museum provided an elegant canvas, needing little added decor. "We love the look of European villas," explained the couple.

Reception

As Chris Stapleton crooned "Joy of My Life," tasting their first dance as man and wife was a treasured delicacy for Marina and Zach. They had found their missing puzzle piece, now joined in marital bliss.

“Our photographer, videographer, and hair and make-up team were truly the best ever and completely exceeded all of our expectations,” adds Marina.

With open arms, two families came together, bonded by the newlyweds who brought them all together. Serbian, Kentuckian, lifelong friends - now one united front. Laughter, joy, and celebration flowed freely through the glowing reception. An exquisite feast kept spirits high late into the evening.