1. Real Weddings

A Whimsical, Garden-Inspired Wedding at Lehmann Mansion in Chicago, Illinois

Everything about the whimsical, garden-inspired wedding of longtime sweethearts Jamie Schaufel (28 and in merchandising) and Alex Majkrzak (28 and an

Everything about the whimsical, garden-inspired wedding of longtime sweethearts Jamie Schaufel (28 and in merchandising) and Alex Majkrzak (28 and an entrepreneur) showed their love for each other and for everyone who was a part of their special day. “We didn’t keep a limit on who would be standing up at our wedding,” says Jamie. “We just knew that we wanted every single person who played an instrumental part in our 10-year journey.” The classic pillars and arch at Lehmann Mansion in Chicago, adjacent to a rose garden, was perfect for their intimate outdoor ceremony. Peggy from Buss Flower Shop took the bride’s dream of a romantic garden-inspired wedding and made it into a reality. “Our bouquets were breathtaking. I loved every single arrangement because it was exactly what I envisioned,” says the bride. Britta Marie Photography captured all the sweet details and helped Jamie and Alex feel comfortable around the camera. “Britta was my absolute favorite person to work with. She has this creative eye for details and possesses a true talent,” says Jamie. One of the most romantic details of Jamie and Alex’s wedding was their first dance. The bride tells us: “Alex has this thing with slow dancing. We will slow-dance in the middle of grocery store aisles, while we’re waiting for our car to fill up with gas, in line for the movies, in our kitchen… He brings out this side of me that no one has seen before and makes me do embarrassing things that I secretly love because they are with him. Slow-dancing in public was and is definitely still one of them. No matter where we are, he still sings the same song while we slow-dance: ‘Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers. There was no better song choice for us to dance our first dance. I cried the entire dance, trying to comprehend how my dream of dancing to that song on our wedding night was now a reality.”

Lehmann Mansion Wedding Venue in Chicago
Alex designed Jamie’s art deco engagement ring to look "different" and unique to his bride. Jamie says people comment on her emerald-cut double-halo ring and say, "It’s so you!" “I truly feel like it represented the entire theme of our wedding,” says Jamie.
“Our bouquets were breathtaking,” says Jamie. “Every arrangement was so well thought out and had the perfect amount of greenery and roses.” David Austin roses, freesias, veronica, dusty miller and ivy added to the romantic style.
Flowy, Layered Ball Gown Wedding Dress
“I wasn’t planning on wearing a veil for the ceremony, but I am so glad I did,” says Jamie. “It complemented my entire look and made me feel like a bride.” She also incorporated a belt that she transformed into a bohemian headpiece for extra sparkle.
The ceremony at Lehmann Mansion was held outdoors under a classic arch adjacent to a rose garden. Two large floral displays on each side of the pillars softened the atmosphere.
“My wedding dress was the first dress I tried on,” says Alex. The bride felt balanced between the fitted bodice and flowy, ruffled skirt. “It brought my dream of elegant fashion mixed with garden princess to real life.”
Emerald-Cut Double-Halo Engagement Ring on Chicago Bride
Escort-Card Display at Lehmann Mansion
The wedding cake consisted of four square tiers, each with a different pattern: rosettes, quilted, gift-wrapped and beaded. “I designed the look for the baker, Bridal Cakes by Ann, and she created it perfectly!” The cake topper read “Best Day Ever”—"it truly was,” says the bride.
“I told my florist ‘garden-inspired, romantic and whimsical,’ and she went crazy!” says Jamie. “I loved every single arrangement because it was exactly what I'd envisioned. Peggy listened to my dream and made it a reality.”
Intimate Garden-Themed Head Table at Lehmann Mansion
The bride collected all the floral vases so that no two dining tables looked alike at the reception. The flowers matched the bouquets but were enlarged, and each table held four candles to create a romantic, intimate ambience. The couple also had custom table numbers: Each had the couple’s names written in gold font with a blush or gold number.
Jamie and Alex like to slow-dance together in public places as Alex sings the song “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. “There was no better song choice for us to dance our first dance. I cried the entire dance, trying to comprehend how my dream of dancing to that song on our wedding night was now a reality,” Jamie says.