Real Wedding: Jenna and Craig's New Year's Eve Wedding in Chicago

There's no better way to celebrate a new year than with a gorgeous wedding -- and a beautiful sparkly gown! This wedding is especially fun because you may recognize a familiar face among the guests: Something White co-owner Rebecca Somnitz!

From the bride, Jenna:

Craig and I met while getting our MBAs at DePaul University in Chicago. We briefly looked at venues in our home states of Iowa and Michigan, but knew all along we wanted to get married in Chicago so we could share some of our favorite spots with our families and friends.

We found a venue close to home and when the only date available in 2016 was December 31st we knew it was meant to be. For both of us, New Year’s Eve has always meant being with family and friends. My good friend and our officiant was married on New Year’s Eve in 2011, and the first time I traveled to Detroit to meet Craig’s family was New Year’s 2012. Since then we’ve always gathered a big group of friends in Chicago to celebrate.

Once we had a date and a venue, I immediately scheduled an appointment with my old friend, Rebecca. Rebecca and I met while she was living in Chicago, and a group of us traveled to Cleveland for Something White’s opening weekend back in 2010. We tried on several dresses so Rebecca could practice her dress fitting skills, and I fell in love with the Brownstone by Lela Rose. At my appointment I did try on and still love the Brownstone, but ultimately chose Lexington by Watters because it was so perfect for my New Year’s Eve wedding (and party). Rebecca helped me choose my hairstyle, accessories, and was there on my wedding day to bustle my dress and celebrate!

All photos by Jaclyn Simpson Photography.