A Nautical-Themed Wedding at the Columbus Park Refectory in Chicago, Illinois

While planning their May wedding at the Columbus Park Refectory in the heart of Chicago, to-be-weds Jessica McGuire (27 and a personal trainer) and Aaron Isaacs (38 and a government contractor) quickly settled on an overarching theme for their spring nuptials. "One of our first trips together was a boat expedition where we learned to sail," Jessica says. "That trip alone inspired our vintage nautical theme." It helped, then, that their choice venue featured a unique mural of Christopher Columbus's three well-known ships in the dance hall. "It was exactly what we were looking for to complete our look," Jessica says. Dressed in a Sottero & Midgley Adorae design, the bride and her groom exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by trees before retreating inside of the refectory space to celebrate with 50 guests. A color palette of gold and navy was paired with unique nautical touches – like a personalized life preserver, compass escort cards and bronze anchor place cards. "We even had some eye patches and a treasure chest card box that read 'Pirate's Booty'," the bride laughs. While guests spent the night dancing in the venue's open pavilion, the newlyweds treated family and friends to an unconventional wedding dessert in lieu of a traditional, tiered cake. "We brought in dessert from Black Dog Gelato," Jessica explains. "We enjoyed Oreo Mint, Cherry Chocolate Chip and Vanilla with Sea Salt – it was amazing!"