Irene Michaels and Arny Granat first met nearly 30 years ago at a private dinner for Frank Sinatra’s “Duets” album release in Aurora. “At the time, Arny was promoting Frank Sinatra and I was dating Sinatra’s manager,” says Michaels, founder of social website I on The Scene. “I didn’t see him for 20 years after that.”

But fate brought them together when they reunited through a mutual friend more than two decades later. Ten years after that, Granat, 68, producer and co-founder of Jam Productions, proposed to Michaels while on a holiday vacation in Mexico on New Year’s Eve 2015. “He had said that we’d get married that year,” Michaels says. “[It happened] 13 seconds before the New Year!”

On November 22, the couple exchanged vows at the Oak Park Country Club (2001 Thatcher, River Grove). Upon arriving at the club, their 250 guests were greeted with servers in tailcoats passing out glasses of Champagne. Although the nuptials had an elegant, Old-World feel, Granat and Michaels made sure to infuse their personalities into the day. “Arny is a magician, so instead of the traditional wedding, where all the men walk down the aisle, he decided to appear and disappear out of a magic box during the ceremony,” Michaels says.

For Michaels, the day truly was magical. “People were entertained,” she says. “I hope it’s an inspiration to all those who aren’t having such an easy time finding a mate in life. It’s never too late.”

Photos by Mitch Canoff

It’s in the details

Bride’s gown & jewelry: CB Couture, Contessa Bottega, 1 E. Delaware; Contessabottega.com 

Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade New York, 56 E. Oak; Katespade.com

Bride’s hair & makeup: John Zuluaga, (773) 512-9871; Janine Greff, Morphocosmetics.com

Groom’s attire: Tessuti, 50 E. Oak; Tessutiformen.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Aidan Mattox, Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan; Neimanmarcus.com

Groomsmen’s attire: Hugo Boss, 520 N. Michigan; Hugoboss.com

Catering: Oak Park Country Club, 2001 Thatcher, River Grove; Oakparkcountryclub.com

Cakes: red velvet cupcakes with white icing and the bride and groom’s initials; an assortment of mini desserts

Decor & florist: Bonnie Flower Shop Inc., 3400 W. Irving Park; Bonnieflowers.com

Entertainment: UpBeat Music Productions, 3615 N. Ashland; Upbeatmusicproductions.com