The Most Elegant Wedding This Year — for 20

When you think of a Sunday evening wedding for 20 people — including the bride and groom — you think of a couple doing something simple, off peak, small.  Last weekend, Linbin and Xueping (pronounced “Shray-ping”) executed the most elegant ceremony I have done so far this year.  (And that is saying something.)

They had exclusive use of the lovely Cuneo Mansion & Gardens in Vernon Hills. That’s a good start.

It was a very hot day with bright sunshine angled right in the eyes of the bridesmaids, best man and me. But by the time the ceremony started, a bit late, the sun had set behind the trees. There was still a bit of light shining on the road when the bride entered on a horse drawn carriage! Notice her veil in the sunlight.

The bride and her father walked down a path with columns and beautiful flowers.

After they exchanged their vows, in English, they spoke of their love for each other in Mandarin — so their parents, who live in China and only speak Mandarin — could understand what was being said. (I love multi-cultural wedding ceremonies.) Notice the beautiful white draped backdrop with purple flowers (the color of the day) draped across the top.

A string trio led by the wonderful Paul Ghica serenaded us with music — while waiting, during the ceremony and during cocktails and hors d’ouerves. Genevieve Manning of Kenmare Catering did a lot of running around to attend to the myriad details of this event. She made it all come together. Well done. The photos, done beautifully and quickly, are by Adrian Natase of Adriannastse Photography, Inc. Thank you, Adrian.

The evening ended with the reception inside the mansion.

The bride, Linbin, e-mailed me on Tuesday. “What a wonderful ceremony you did at our wedding! Everything was beautiful and amazing. Xueping and I are both very glad that we chose your company and you as our officiant.”

I love what I do.

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