MARIA BRACHO & GREGORY BECK

June 25, 2016 Winnetka, Illinois

Photographed by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

MARIA BRACHO & GREGORY BECK

RESOURCES

Beauty

Robyn Tornabeni Productions - hair Darcy McGrath Make-Up - makeup Bridal Gown

Peter Langner

Bridal Salon

Ultimate Bride

Bridesmaid Gowns

Alfred Sung

Cake

Alliance Bakery

Calligraphy

Pen Graphics Studio, Inc. Catering

Entertaining Company

Consulting

Reva Nathan & Associates Entertainment

Arlen Music Productions

Favors

Voluspa

Floral & Lighting Design/Aisle Runner

Kehoe Designs

Invitations

Magnificent Milestones

Jewelry

Burland Harold & Son

Cartier

Irene Neuwirth

Linens

BBJ – Table Fashions

Mothers’ Gowns

Monique Lhuillier; Teri Jon Photography

Bob & Dawn Davis Photography Registries

Bloomingdale’s

Material Possessions

Peachtree Place

Williams-Sonoma

Rentals

Tablescapes Event Rentals

Shoes

Badgley Mischka

Veil

Vera Wang

Venue

Kenilworth Union Church

Private Residence

Three and a half years later on a trip to Venezuela to see her beloved family, Greg asked for their blessing to marry Maria. He decided to propose while the two were out walking their dog, George. Maria felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see her sweetheart on one knee. “We went back to our house right after he popped the question and Greg surprised me again with a scrapbook he’d been making the last few years of our memories together,” she gushes. “It ended with a picture of the ring and the proposal date!”

Eight months of planning felt like a breeze to the bride. “There were a lot of moving parts because we decided to hold the reception at Greg’s parents’ house,” she notes. “So, I was surprised by how easy and organized everything was!” One sunny June day, the doors of the church swung open to reveal two columns of white pews adorned with clusters of lush verdure surrounding blush, yellow, and ivory blossoms. “A red runner down the aisle is commonly used in Venezuela, so that was something I really wanted,” explains the bride of the bold-hued fabric leading to the altar.

As attendees gathered in the chapel, Maria and Greg had their “first look.” The bride showed off her drop-waist, A-line gown with illusion details and floral embellishments to her handsome groom, who wore a deep blue suit. “Those few minutes when it was just him and me felt wonderful!” exclaims Maria.

Following their religious ceremony, the newlyweds exited the building along with the bridesmaids and groomsmen – all clad in coordinating navy ensembles – to take photos under the stunning bespoke floral arch that featured blossoms in shades of pink, yellow, periwinkle, and alabaster. During the wedding party’s photo session, guests made the short trip to the Beck family home for the reception.

“Our vision was timeless, simple, and clean – not too much, not too little.”

The clear-tented backyard was filled with round tables showcasing crisp linens and centerpieces brimming with the same colorful arrangement of flowers used in the floral structure at the church. “Our vision was timeless, simple, and clean – not too much, not too little,” reveals Maria. Wooden elements could be found in the chairs, tent frame, and even the dance floor itself. “Our live band was perfect,” says the groom. “They played throughout dinner – there was even dancing between dishes!”

To satisfy any cravings for something sweet, Maria and Greg offered a four-tier cake featuring alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla with meringue, buttercream, vanilla bean, and strawberry cream fillings. The bride’s advice for engaged couples is to be direct: “During planning, make sure to mention all the ideas in your head – even if they don’t seem feasible. From there, narrow them down and pick your top priorities.”