If first impressions matter most, Ross LaBauex didn’t make a great one. He was so late to his first date with Erin Lauesen — 30-year-old dean of students at Piccolo School of Excellence in Humboldt Park — she almost left. “But then I remembered he was real cute, [so] I should stick around to see if a second date would be worth it,” Lauesen says.
Turns out, it was. Two years later in the spring of 2016, the couple was walking on The 606 when he proposed. “I don’t actually remember what I said,” admits LaBauex, 28, co-founder of web-based soccer training company Perfect Soccer Skills. As they got to the end of the trail, Lauesen’s sister and nephew were there to celebrate with Champagne and flowers.
LaBauex describes their wedding at The Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe) as “inclusive.” There were no his or her sides, and the couple got everyone involved — even the bride’s brother-in-law, who played piano for their 350 guests. “He was jamming, playing all these old songs and people were singing,” LaBauex remembers. And the celebration continued even as the couple retreated for the night. “You could still hear him play the piano from the rafters of the elevators,” he says. “What a cool end-of-the-night moment.”
Photos by Alisha Siegel Photography
It’s in the details
Bride’s gown: Isabella, Dimitra’s Bridal Couture, 1009 N. Rush; Dimitrasbridal.com
Bride’s makeup: Cynthia Sally, Blend Beauty Studio; Blendbeautystudio.com
Bride’s hairpiece & bridesmaids’ dresses: BHLDN, 8 E. Walton; Bhldn.com
Groom’s attire: Alton Lane, 49 E. Oak; Altonlane.com
Rings: Raphael Jewelers, 981 Waukegan, Glenview; Raphaeljewelers.net
Wedding planner: Samantha Helmig, Shannon Gail Wedding and Events; Shannongail.com
Cake: red velvet and hazelnut with salted caramel and Nutella frosting, Cake, 1635 W. Walnut; Cake-chicago.com
Decor & floral: bouquet of white hydrangeas, Black Baccara roses, burgundy peonies and ranunculus and white stock, StemLine Creative, 2100 W. Grand; Stemlinecreative.com
Entertainment: Gold Coast All Stars, Goldcoasteventschicago.com; DJ Megan Taylor, Fig Media, Figweddings.net; Glenview Community Church Choir, Gccucc.org
Invitations: Steracle Press; Steracle.com
Tags: 042317
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