Just The Two Of Us

Location: River East Art Center, Chicago, IL; Cake: Take the Cake, Chicago, IL; Caterer: Blue Plate, Chicago, IL; Event Planner: Melissa Phillips, Simply Perfect by Melissa, Chicago, IL; Event Design and Décor: Heffernan Morgan Designs, Chicago, IL; Lighting: Frost Lighting, Chicago, IL; Entertainment: Diva Montell, Chicago, IL; DJ: Julian “Jumpin” Perez, Chicago, IL; Menus: Elizabeth Grace, Chicago, IL; Favors: More Cupcakes, Chicago, IL; Hair: Kuklas 2 Beauty Lounge, Addison, IL; Makeup: Angela Castonzo, Atlanta, GA; Shoes: Jimmy Choo; Wedding Gown: Peter Langner at Ultimate Bride, Chicago, IL; Videography: Watermark Studios, Chicago, IL; Photography: David Wittig Photography, Chicago, IL

Jeannine Fratto and Michael Fontana met while Jeannine was working at a local restaurant that Mike happened to frequent. After several months, Mike "finally" invited Jeannine to lunch. "I tried to not look overly eager by saying yes too quickly, but I couldn’t resist his charm and quickly accepted," says Jeannine. And, just as she expected, "everything about the date was perfect." They immediately clicked and knew something special was about to unfold.

After dating for some time, Mike decided to take Jeannine out for a nice dinner on a random weeknight, but an unsuspecting Jeannine was in the mood to relax at home. "After much persuading, Mike convinced me to go to dinner at a small, local Italian restaurant," remembers Jeannine. "He had prearranged a private, romantic table in the corner just for the two of us."

Pleasantly surprised by everything, Jeannine had no idea that she was about to be surprised again. Mike began asking her questions about the future. Jeannine answered, but was a little unsure as to where the conversation was going. "I told her that I had a gift for her," says Mike who is notable for always "giving great gifts." At that moment, Mike pulled out her present, "a gorgeous diamond ring," and asked Jeannine to marry him. Jeannine, of course, said "yes!"

When it came to planning, Jeannine knew pretty quickly what she wanted for their wedding: "swanky, contemporary, fun and purple." Known for being very stylish, Mike and Jeannine like to stand out. "We wanted a party unlike any other that we had seen or attended," shares Jeannine.

Their guests were treated to a lounge-style experience from the ceremony to the reception, which featured loveseats and plush chairs. For the ceremony, guests were seated in the round as the couple exchanged vows standing beneath a five-foot chiffon drum shade suspended from the ceiling, which encapsulated five crystal chandeliers creating an elegant "glow to the room," says Jeannine. Afterwards, everyone moved into the two-floor reception for a decadent four-course dinner, while a live vocalist made her way through the room.

Later in the evening, Julian “Jumpin” Perez and professional "mix" DJ with a Chicago radio station, kept everyone on the dance floor into the wee hours. The night ended with passed late night snacks, sweets and a cappuccino bar. As parting favors, everyone was sent home with an individually-wrapped More Cupcake. It was exactly what Jeannine and Mike imagined and nothing like anything their guests had ever experienced. You could say it was quite possibly, perfect.

Location: River East Art Center, Chicago, IL; Cake: Take the Cake, Chicago, IL; Caterer: Blue Plate, Chicago, IL; Event Planner: Melissa Phillips, Simply Perfect by Melissa, Chicago, IL; Event Design and Décor: Heffernan Morgan Designs, Chicago, IL; Lighting: Frost Lighting, Chicago, IL; Entertainment: Diva Montell, Chicago, IL; DJ: Julian “Jumpin” Perez, Chicago, IL; Menus: Elizabeth Grace, Chicago, IL; Favors: More Cupcakes, Chicago, IL; Hair: Kuklas 2 Beauty Lounge, Addison, IL; Makeup: Angela Castonzo, Atlanta, GA; Shoes: Jimmy Choo; Wedding Gown: Peter Langner at Ultimate Bride, Chicago, IL; Videography: Watermark Studios, Chicago, IL; Photography: David Wittig Photography, Chicago, IL