Jason Howell is big on surprises. So when he took his girlfriend of five years to Alinea (1723 N. Halsted) for dinner and a carriage ride afterward, she thought nothing of it. “I thought it was an early Christmas present,” says Lisa Doogan, 25, assistant property manager for Draper and Kramer. When the carriage stopped, however, Howell, 29, got down on one knee. “ ‘Oh my God’ was the only thing I could say for the next few minutes,” Doogan laughs.

The couple set August 15 — exactly seven years after they met — as the date for their red and gray-themed wedding at The Rookery (209 S. La Salle). “Lisa loves roses, so we had big red roses on each table,” says Howell, manager of financial reporting and analysis for Advanced Group. Thanks to Blue Plate, their 91 guests never went hungry: After a three-course dinner, boasting spinach and artichoke salad, blue cheese-encrusted steak and parmesan risotto, the catering company passed around late-night snacks like mini root beer floats, chocolate shakes, Chicago-style hot dogs and cheeseburgers.

Photos by Anne Buskirk

It’s in the details

Bride’s gown: Demetrios, Macy’s, 111 N. State; Macys.com

Bride’s shoes: Christian Louboutin, 58 E. Oak; Christianlouboutin.com

Bride’s jewelry: Arabella, Macy’s, 111 N. State, Macys.com; New York Jewelers, 11 N. Wabash, Nyjchicago.com; Swarovski, 540 N. Michigan, Swarovski.com

Bride’s hair & makeup: Mario Tricoci, 900 N. Michigan; Tricoci.com
Groom’s attire: custom by Daniel George Custom Suits, 155 N. Michigan; Danielgeorgecustomsuits.com

Bridesmaids dresses: Ann Taylor, 600 N. Michigan; Anntaylor.com

Groomsmen’s attire: Black Tie Formalwear, 2657 N. Clybourn; Blacktietuxes.com

Rings: New York Jewelers, 11 N. Wabash; Nyjchicago.com

Wedding planner & catering: Lauren Plue, Blue Plate, 1061 W. Van Buren; Blueplatechicago.com

Cake: Alliance Bakery & Café, 1736 W. Division; Alliance-bakery.com

Floral: Henry Hampton Floral, 1335 S. State; Henryhamptonfloral.com

Entertainment: Leslie Stiles, Lesliestyles@gmail.com; The Traveling

Photo Booth, 1732 W. Hubbard #1a, Thetravelingphotobooth.com

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas; Weddingpaperdivas.com