Elaine & Gerry A Frame Airbnb Wedding
Vendor Team:
Day Of Wedding Coordinators: 618 Events, Maggie Farchmin and Kylie Houchin
Ceremony & Reception: A Frame Airbnb in Fithian, IL
Catering: Pan and Cake Catering
Photography: Anna Longworth
Videography: Gabriel Hallford and Logan Pullen
Florals: DIY
Rentals: Create A Scene
DJ: Tim Williams
Hair: Wild Roots Salon
Shuttle Service: Timi’s Tours
Dresses: Lulu’s
Luxury Restroom Trailer: Illinois Portable Toilets
Generators: Sunbelt Rentals
If ever there was a perfect wedding day it might have been this one. Seriously- the weather was too perfect, the entire day ran so smoothly, the bride and groom were and still are so in love…it was just simply the best! I think Kylie and I would be rich if we had a dime for how many times we said the weather was just too perfect! The previous weekend we both worked a wedding where the weather was incredibly hot and humid with rain so this day was such a breath of fresh air- literally!
I had met with Elaine initially over Zoom for our consultation back in June 2022. She immediately booked and then we emailed some for planning questions and vendor recommendations. It’s funny because they officially booked just days before my son was born (he came 2.5 weeks early so it was a surprise!). They emailed me while in the hospital asking if I could read over their venue contract. I felt terrible because I knew I wasn’t going to have the brain power to fully and accurately look it over for them seeing as I had just given birth and now had a newborn. I emailed them and apologized and they were totally understanding! That was my first sign they were going to be so wonderful to work with. (I did eventually look it over for them and all was good to go!)
In March I helped Amanda with Inspire Your to plan her annual wedding showcase. We had a styled shoot portion of the showcase and needed bride and groom models. I immediately thought of Gerry and Elaine so I emailed them and they were available and interested. They were fabulous and it was so fun to see them in person (since I had only met Elaine over Zoom).
Then a couple weeks later, Kylie and I met with Elaine and Gerry out at the A Frame in March. It was so fun to see the property and talk about their vision.
They weren’t sure where to place the tent on the property as there are a couple grassy fields. One was set back from the lake and house more and was honestly prettier however it created more of a walk for them and the guests. The second was closer and still beautiful as you can’t go wrong with the property! We settled on deciding closer to their wedding date depending on how wet the grounds were. Plus by May the grass would have grown in and leaves on trees, etc.
Our meeting that day in March was rainy and cool but even with not great weather the property and setting was awesome! Knowing I was going to have my first kid for the 2023 season I decided to be extremely “picky” with what weddings and events I personally took on and what Kylie took the lead on. When Elaine initially inquired and we chatted, I knew right away that I wanted to take this on as the venue was unique and a new challenge!
Elaine was a VERY organized bride and had most details all ironed out and ready to roll by the time I was confirming details for final vendor emails. One thing I appreciated about Gerry and Elaine is that they knew what they wanted. For example, after the ceremony, they wanted a moment alone with just the two of them. They knew they were going to be emotional wrecks after just committing their lives to each other so they wanted some privacy to just be and enjoy the “just married” emotions! I loved that! We ensured they had apps from their cocktail hour and their drinks of choice to enjoy while having a moment to themselves.
Elaine planned, coordinated, and created all their own decor. The centerpieces on each table were completely designed and created by Elaine. It was a fairy-esque vibe with moss and geode rocks and home grown flowers on the tables. One of my personal favorite parts is she harvested flowers from her garden the previous summer and pressed them and then made them into signs and decor around the wedding. Super cool and personal!
The morning of the wedding went really smooth with Kylie and I setting up things for Elaine and Gerry and Elaine with her sister’s help also hung some paper lanterns where she wanted them and showed us how to set up the centerpieces. Gerry and his groomsmen had brunch in downtown Champaign before coming out later in the afternoon to get dressed. Elaine and the girls did their own makeup and Jennifer came that morning to fix up everyone’s hair. They were all stunning!
Pictures around the property were a dream with so many fun spots in the trees and by the lake. Gerry and Elaine opted to not have a first look so we made sure Elaine was safely hidden upstairs when Gerry and the groomsmen arrived.
A new trend I’ve been seeing (and loving) is for there to be a happy hour before the ceremony. Gerry and Elaine hosted a happy hour however Elaine stayed hidden away. Guests could enjoy the beautiful property and have a drink while socializing before the ceremony began. Because this is a newer trend, I directed guests that they could indeed help themselves to a drink and hangout before things got started.
One hiccup we ran into was the shuttle bus could not make the turn at the driveway so guests had to walk the long driveway to get to the house for happy hour/the ceremony. We quickly realized the issue and Kylie and I jumped in our cars to drive those that couldn’t walk. The guests were very understanding. I, of course, felt really bad and have made a note to now always triple check dimensions and whether or not a shuttle bus can fit where it needs to go!
The girls wanted to walk out from the house and then down the aisle which created an extra long aisle for the ceremony. That is totally awesome however for grandparents and parents we decided to have them start much closer to. I do love the dramatic effect of a long aisle though! Especially for Elaine and her dad. Elaine had a very specific spot in the song she was walking down the aisle to and through a chain of “signals” we sent her down the aisle at the right time! Whew!
The ceremony and reception had 75 people which was such a fun crowd and easy to manage! They were quick to listen and move when needed (for example when they needed to move from happy hour to the ceremony they all listened and sat down so quickly!). I typically allow a good 10-15 minutes for moving a wedding crowd as most just want to socialize and smile and nod at me when I try to direct. I’ve learned what wording works best (i.e. “we are about to get started” and “If you don’t want to miss…”).
The ceremony was beautiful and emotional and ended with the crushing of a glass! The guests then moved directly into cocktail hour with passed appetizers from Pan and Cake and once again the bar was open.
The first dances and toasts were so special and meaningful. Elaine is such a beautiful crier! It sounds weird to say but some people definitely ugly cry. Not Elaine! Everyone could tell this day meant SO much to Gerry and Elaine. I think that definitely sets the vibe and guests can feed off that energy.
The sun set, the dinner plates were cleared, and the music volume was turned up. Sadly our 12 hours ended there but it was just the most amazing evening to be outside dancing or socializing.
I LOVED working with Gerry and Elaine! Their day was spectacular and I was honored, as always, to play a role in their wedding day!