It was a beautiful day at the Grand Geneva, and Lexy couldn’t have been more excited to marry David! Who knew that a snowy proposal in the early hours of the morning would lead to this very moment?! These two were grinning ear to ear, from the gorgeous first look in a grassy field to the eruption of bunny hops on the dance floor. David and Alexys look at each other like they have found treasure, and they have! Their wedding was a total celebration, full to the brim with love and laughter. It was a blast partying with these two and their crazy friends (and the Leap Weddings crew!!), what a way to kick off a marriage!
David was straightening his tie, and got ready to see his bride.
The best first-look ever!
Then we met up with the wedding party for some more photos.
Check out these gorgeous bouquets by Lily Pots!
The wide open spaces made us feel like kids again…
This group was ready to dance…
Some of the family photos were a bit challenging.
Time to get married!
Red Moon Theater!
Lexy and her mom operate a pastry shop, and they made a mountain of delicious deserts!
A tender father-daughter dance…
David and his mom…
Time to party!! (The David Rothstein Band was rocking the dance floor!)
Congrats Alexys and David!
Second photographer: Jamie Hartley
Videography: Ben Mahoney and team, Leap Weddings
Hair and makeup: Gigi Earl (hair) The Grand Geneva WELL Spa (Make up) Bride did her own make up
Florist: Lilypots, Lake Geneva, WI
Ceremony location: The Grand Geneva
Reception location: The Grand Geneva
Event Planner: Lorrie Galek and Alexys Galek Chandler (Kaitlin Wille, The Grand Geneva Wedding Coordinator)
Officiant: Rev. Joan Pape
Cake: The Grand Geneva- Wedding Sweet Table, Dessertful Bakery (Bride and Mother of the Bride’s Bakery) West Dundee, IL
Caterer: The Grand Geneva
Wine Bike/Cocktail Napkin Girl: Red Moon Theater
Invitations/Stationary: Studio M Creations Palatine, IL
Dress: Bella Bridal St. Charles, IL
Accessories: Family Jewelry, Macy’s, Grandmother’s Bracelet
Suit/Men’s accessories: Men’s Warehouse Algonquin, IL
DJ/Band: David Rothstein Music Company
First Dance: Van Morrison “Steal my Heart Away”
Mother/Son: Rod Stewart “Forever Young”
Father/Daughter: Tim McGraw “My Little Girl”
Lexy describes David as: Loving, Thoughtful, Silly, Nurturing, and Dependable
David describes Lexy as: Fun, Loving, Thoughtful, Selfless, and Loyal
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
A&D: There were so many moments that really were so special to us. One of our favorite moments was our first look. Other memorable moments were walking into the ceremony room, first dances, speeches, garter and bouquet toss, and taking a moment to look around and soak in all the people at our wedding during the reception.
What was your favorite detail?
A&D: We loved the flowers, our sweet table, and we have heard the wine bike and napkin lady were such a big surprise and such a hit!
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
A&D: David and I surprising the guests with our garter toss. When David was removing all the funny things from under my dress!
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
A&D: Enjoy the day as much as you can. No matter what, it will be your perfect day. Don’t look for things that are not what you expected. Have fun, when you are enjoying yourself it is contagious to all of your guests. DANCE! Dance the entire night, make sure you dance with everyone.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
A&D: NOTHING.. The day was our perfect day, at the end of all the planning and hard work-you are marrying your best friend.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
A&D: Hard Rock Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A little history…
How did you meet? (How long have you known each other?)
It seemed as if our paths crossed often before we even knew each other’s names. We both attended the same high school without even knowing. We both also worked at the local YMCA as teenagers, and wouldn’t you guess, we still did not know each other. Several years after the YMCA David ironically worked a summer job with Adam, Lexy’s brother. It was during that time Adam actually introduced us for the very first time. During those years, Lexy and David went off to college, dated a few people, and then found each other at a local watering hole, Lamplighters in Palatine, IL! David finally worked up enough courage to ask Lexy out on a REAL date! Our first date was at Kirkou Bistro in Lake Zurich, Illinois. It was very obvious right in the beginning that we were meant to be!
After dating a year, we were already looking for a place to live. We found our beautiful home in Lake in the Hills, IL. Here we began to build our little nest and filled it with furry kids, Digby and Major.
When did you know he/she was “the one”?
Pretty much right when we started dating. We were inseparable, and knew in our hearts that we had searched and waited for each other for a very long time.
Describe the proposal.
January 29th, 2012 marked not only Lexy’s 26th birthday, but the day our lives forever changed…for the better of course! David planned a very special birthday celebration for Alexys. Literally before the crack of dawn, David had Alexys and the doggies loaded in the car and off they went for a little adventure. The only hitch was that Alexys had to agree to wear a mask so she couldn’t see where they were going. David drove them back to Lamplighters in Palatine. Of Course, Digby and Major knew exactly what was going on, but being great furry kids they kept their snouts shut! They waited patiently while David guided his blindfolded beloved out of the car, then they got out and enjoyed the gentle, early morning snow that was falling. As David removed the mask, he pulled a little wooden box out of his pocket and got down on one knee. Opening the box to some bling, David asked, and heard the love of his life give him a teary but resounding “Yes” to his marriage proposal.
That morning driving home before the sun was even out, we decided we had to share the news with Lexy’s mom and dad. We woke them up and immediately called David’s parents. Once we made that call it was contagious, we called everyone to share the wonderful news!
This day continued at our house celebrating with our closest friends. This will be a day we will never forget, it was just the best day ever!