Jenna & Pat’s Old Post Office Wedding

October 13, 2022

October 13, 2022

We clearly go in hiatus when we are in the busiest times of the year. But we’re excited to start blogging again! Starting with Jenna & Pat’s wedding at the Old Post Office. Their wedding was supposed to happen in Spring of 2021 but later moved to Fall 2021 due to pandemic related reasons. With that decision, it allowed them to have 250 of their favorite people in one gorgeous venue on October 15, 2021. The day could not have been more perfect. Before we dive into the photos, we asked the bride + groom a few questions!

What was the biggest ‘insider’s tip’ you learned about your venue throughout the planning process? Anything future Old Post Office couples should know?

“My biggest tip is kind of a cliche one but… don’t be afraid to ask questions – the team is there to help make your dream come true! For example: the cocktail hour space had some pillows that I didn’t love the look of. I thought asking TOPO to change it out might be rude/expensive/too much work, but I’m glad we asked – Jamie and her team were happy to assist by removing the pillows completely which make the space perfect in my eyes. Also, visit the venue AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE to make sure you truly are getting a feel for the space/flow/layout.”

What made you fall in love with your venue?

“The Old Post Office just screams iconic Chicago – classy, elegant, bold… it was the only venue we walked into where we literally just said WOW as soon as stepping foot inside, and everytime we walked in after!”

Were there any vendors you wished you hired that you did not? Or any vendors you thought were unnecessary after reviewing the planning?

“MINTED!!! UGH!! Support local or small biz owners instead!”

What’s the tastiest thing your caterer provided that others should try if they use the same company?

“Growing up Italian, in the restaurant industry, working for a food content company, and having a Chicago food IG — food truly NEEDED to be the most important and memorable thing at our wedding. Beyond Catering was a dream to work with from start to finish in all facets. Having pasta before your entree is a part of our Italian tradition, so naturally we had to incorporate a pasta dish. We were so grateful that we were able to pull off a pasta course with not just one, but TWO different kinds of pasta for our 215+ guests! However, my favorite/tastiest thing that Beyond provided though was one that I didn’t even get to see IRL because I was hanging out with my bridal party during cocktail hour- our epic antipasti table, complete with a butcher slicing fresh prosciutto! It was the most beautiful and perfect addition that I think really helped to elevate our cocktail hour. Think of it as an Italian charcuterie board that’s 20 feet long. Guests still rave about it!”

What’s your favorite part of the entire wedding day?

Jenna: “Literally everything!!! Doing a first look with not just my dad, but with him and my three brothers also. Seeing how handsome Pat looked for the first time as I walked down aisle. I also loved the private time on the trolley and in The Vault at TOPO that we got to spend with our bridal party, aka our best and closest friends and family. We even paid the trolley extra to get additional drives around the block before heading inside (SORRY DANIELLE LOL). Also, being able to walk into the historic Lobby at The Old Post Office with just Patrick and I before guests filled in was magical- it was truly special to see the vision I dreamed of and that Danielle, Jamie from TOPO, Lale from Beyond, Jenna from Avant Gardenia, and the whole team worked so hard to bring to life.”

Pat: “Not doing a first look with Jenna and seeing her for the first time walking down the aisle and how beautiful she was. Being able to incorporate our little “touches” throughout the day like our favorite drinks as specialty cocktails and seeing our pup Chance at the Church and having him on our cocktail napkins and signage. Having time to spend with our bridal party on the trolley and vault at the Old Post Office was really special too.”

Was there anything you spent money on that you regretted in the end?

“There were some things that I wasn’t sure if they’d be worth it as “extras” when we spent the money at first – a coffee cart with custom cup sleeves, cocktail napkins with our dog’s face on them, a mirrored seating chart, more flowers… but all of it ended up being so worth it to make my vision come to life.”