Emily + Sal: A Seamless Wedding at Ignite Glass Studios
Emily LeClair and Sal Mascali loved the modern and creative atmosphere of Ignite Glass Studios but wanted to add some natural and personal touches to meld it with their unique wedding vision. Elegant greenery, fun additions to the décor and heartwarming menu items made their dream a reality on October 1.
See how the welcoming vibe of their BBQ theme combined with a dynamic venue and brilliant entertainment to create an unforgettable wedding experience.
Igniting the Mascalis’ Unique Wedding Dreams
Sculpting Ignite Glass Studios to the Mascalis’ Vision
When meeting on-site with their Tasty Catering event planner, Nikki Stavropoulos, the Mascalis shared their love for natural beauty. With a beautiful lawn in the Urban Garden, continuing their desired ambiance throughout the space was as simple as weaving in natural elements and elegant lighting from the outdoor areas through the indoor space.
A white, navy and deep merlot color scheme was the perfect complement for the greenery and gold accents laced throughout. Tables were topped with garland runners and gold votives, and the card table was equally enchanting. From ceremony through reception, guests were enamored by the simply beautiful décor.
A Beautiful Ceremony Surrounded by Fruit Trees
At 5pm, among fruit trees, a lush lawn and a colorful backdrop, Emily and Sal tied the knot. Their touching ceremony would have been enough to move their 162 guests, but the dynamic downtown Chicago setting with bold natural elements left them in awe and excited for what would come next.
A Cocktail Hour with Views of the Chicago Skyline
At 6pm, when guests gathered on the Rooftop Deck, countless photos were snapped and memories made as guests gazed out at the incredible city views. With the bar open and culinary delights circulating, guests got a bird’s eye view of the party to come. As guests took great delight in the good company and vistas that surrounded them, the Mascalis’ wedding hashtag #mascalifornialove got lots of love.
Our staff circulated with these passed hors d’oeuvres that gave guests their first glimpse of the BBQ-themed menu that would satisfy them all night:
- BBQ bites: Mini cornbread topped with BBQ pulled pork and “slaw”
- Sausage rolls: Italian sausage wrapped in puff pastry with fresh herbs
- Mini Vienna hot dogs: Pure beef hot dogs served on a bite-sized bun with ketchup and mustard
A Simply Delicious Custom Dinner
At 7pm, guests headed over to the gorgeous Main Room where they found their tables and two open bars. Considering the newly-wed Mascalis’ love for natural beauty, the reception space was particularly fitting with its oversized windows that gave guests a stellar view of the outdoors.
In this modern and industrial setting customized to cultivate a naturally beautiful wedding atmosphere, guests found an incredible buffet. Each item—cooked by our skilled chefs using the most tender meat and freshest vegetables—was equally delicious. But guests appreciated the flexibility of choosing among these two entrées and sides:
- Stuffed chicken: Chicken breast stuffed with red pepper, spinach, artichoke hearts and caramelized onions in a lemon cream sauce
- 18 hour BBQ beef brisket: Premium beef brisket in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
- Stuffed peppers: Red peppers stuffed with brown rice, roasted spinach, charred tomatoes in roasted tomatillo and green chili sauce
- Herb roasted potatoes: Baby red skin potatoes with garlic, rosemary and parsley
- Green beans: With carrots and roasted red peppers in a light butter sauce
Additionally, guests were able to enjoy our Waldorf chop salad and assorted bread rolls.
A Lively Wedding Reception
When guests stepped onto the dance floor with the band playing, they once again enjoyed a meaningful moment, because the groom used to perform with this talented group and did so once again that night. The dance floor was full of great energy and joy as guests enjoyed good company, fine music and stellar evening views of the garden lit up with string lights—a seamless connection from the outdoors inside and reflection of the Mascalis’ wedding vision.
A Final Creative Treat
By 8:30pm, guests already knew they would take home unforgettable memories of the evening. But the Mascalis had one more surprise in store. Do-Rite Donuts created a donut wall that was so impressive that nearly all guests had to snag a photo in front of it. With greenery woven into the presentation, the Mascalis’ love of natural beauty was once again a wonderful undertone to this innovative display.
While they sipped on Hawaiian Kona coffee and enjoyed a donut or two, guests relaxed and soaked up their final moments at the Mascalis’ wedding. And, on their way out, they even had the option to grab a donut box to take a few home as a tasty reminder of the good times and unique experiences cultivated by Emily & Sal’s beautiful wedding at Ignite Glass Studios.
Photos by: ILUVPHOTO