Chicago-based musicians Susie Inverso and Justin Amolsch styled their artistic, alternative wedding to reflect their laid-back, creative life. Personal collections of photos and curated mementos throughout the venue showcased their passion for music, love for one another and affection for their little family of pets. From start to finish, Candice C. Cusic Photography documented their big day.
Justin and Susie met playing music together eight years ago. “We both play in a crazy marching band in Chicago called Mucca Pazza,” Susie said. “A couple days after my first rehearsal with the band, we had our first date.”
Susie said there were a lot of small “forever” moments for her:
First, when we decided to be “official” boyfriend and girlfriend. Then, when he said “I love you.” Then, a month later, when I said it back. Then, when we were packing to move in together, and he did something funny, and I thought “This is such a great decision!”
Those moments became more and more frequent over the years, but whenever I brought it up, he’d say he didn’t want to get married. This wasn’t a deal breaker for me. As my mom would say, “Do you want to get married or do you want to be with Justin?” Easy answer there, so I resigned to the idea of being with Justin for life, but not being legally bound.
One day, it was as if a switch flipped and he decided he had to do it; we should be married ASAP.
The proposal was a surprise, too. And, Susie explains, she somehow planned her own engagement party without know it:
Every year, Justin plays French horn in Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, and it’s been a tradition since the beginning of our relationship for me to see the show on Christmas Eve. He got me amazing seats that night and afterwards took me up to the roof of the theatre and proposed there.
It was a beautiful night and there was champagne waiting for us in the restaurant downstairs. Little did I know I had planned my own engagement party by saying the week before “Maybe we should have a few friends over for appetizers and games on Christmas Eve.” He secretly invited about 40 people and it ended up being a big fun celebration with some of our best friends!
Justin and Susie’s big day was full of special moments. Even when it rained, something amazing happened:
The best thing about our wedding is that it was tailor-made for both of us; not just the bride, not just our families. We did it our way and we did it together. We made it low stress, affordable, and personal.
The double rainbow was the best unplanned moment. I was a little disappointed that it was raining and we couldn’t do the outdoor photos I wanted, but when that rainbow happened, we couldn’t believe it! The other thing I love about the day was how many loved ones were there for us, and how they keep telling us how much fun they had.
Their photos tell the story not only of Justin and Susie’s big day but of their life together, from waking in the morning to walking back up the aisle as husband and wife. Kudos to this couple for doing it their way and to Candice C. Cusic Photography for conveying this awesome couple’s journey in such a personal way.
Fam.
Matching pet-family love
What they love about one another: “His sense of humor, his generosity, his outgoing personality, the way he lets me be me.” – Susie “Her artistic vision, her sense of adventure, and she’s not bad to look at.” – Justin “There’s that sense of humor I mentioned.” – Susie
Susie chose a soft, feminine halter dress from House of Brides Couture. We love the floral pattern, flowy skirt, sweetheart neckline and knee-to-ankle-length high-low hemline of this alternative wedding dress.
Velvet is so hot right now. These lace-up high top combat boots in burgundy are one of the best things we’ve seen all fall. Shop this look here and here.
Wedding kitty with wedding jewelry that belonged to Susie’s grandmother.
Lacey boot socks add a layer of softness to the velvet combat boots to complete this alternative bridal look.
First look! Justin’s burgundy three-piece suit with black and gold bow tie is a perfect complement to Susie’s floral dress and burgundy boots.
Polaroid photos of the couple throughout their relationship have been tied together with twine to make a very special garland.
A little liquid encouragement
S M O O T H.
The unexpected rain gave Justin and Susie the perfect wedding photo props, an uplit umbrella and…
Double rainbow! We can’t think of a better symbol of good luck for a wedding day.
Susie and Justin were married at The Hideout, a local bar and live music venue “for irregular folks who just don’t fit in, or just don’t want to fit in.”
One of the sweetest moments: when the first dance becames a sing-along
Sweet wedding serenade
Congratulations, Susie and Justin! May you make music and happiness together for many, many years to come! – IDY
Photography | Candice C. Cusic Photography // Venue | The Hideout, Chicago, Illinois, USA // Bridal Boutique | House of Brides Couture // Jewelry | Bride’s grandmother