Godfather of the Bride: A Family Wedding 30 Years in the Making

Frank Andonoplas
Sep 3
3 min read

A Wedding Planner’s Journey Comes Full Circle

Thirty years ago, one of my closest friends — who is like a brother to me — got engaged. At the time, I was just starting my career as a wedding planner, and they asked me to plan their wedding.

He was marrying a woman from the Philippines, and because both were Catholic, they held a full Catholic mass at a parish near their new home. The celebration continued downtown at the Fairmont Hotel Chicago, which was a big leap from the banquet hall weddings we grew up attending.

That day marked the beginning of my career as a Chicago luxury wedding planner, and it was an honor to help shape such a special moment for people so close to me.

From Parents’ Love Story to Their Daughter’s Wedding

Fast forward 30 years. Just before celebrating their own anniversary, my dear friends were preparing for the wedding of their oldest daughter, Jessica — who also happens to be my goddaughter. And just as I had done for her parents, I was once again entrusted with planning the big day.

This time, the planning was more complex. Jessica was starting medical school on the East Coast, meaning she wasn’t home for most of the year. We began planning two years in advance to ensure every detail was covered.

Jessica and her fiancé, Connor, decided to marry at Mary Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge, followed by a reception at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont. Because faith was important to Jessica, a traditional Catholic ceremony was incorporated — along with meaningful Filipino wedding traditions like the Candle, Veil, and Cord ceremony.

A Personalized Menu and Elegant Decor

The reception began with personalized touches that honored both families’ heritage. Guests enjoyed an amuse-bouche, pierogi to honor their shared Polish background, a full multi-course dinner, and late-night Chicago favorites — deep dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches.

For décor, Jessica envisioned white while Connor preferred blue. The solution? A blue cocktail hour followed by an all-white reception, featuring elegant draping, a custom monogrammed dance floor, and dramatic lighting.

Floral design: Anna Held Floral Studio (who had also designed Jessica’s parents’ wedding florals 30 years earlier)
Lighting and production: Elegant Event Lighting
Confections: Custom truffles by Katherine’s Confections at each place setting

Every detail reflected thoughtful event design and full-service wedding planning, ensuring a cohesive and unforgettable guest experience.

Dogs, Music, and Memorable Touches

Of course, incorporating Jessica and Connor’s dogs was a must. They joined for photos before the ceremony, and signature martinis were even named after each pup. (I’ve always been passionate about dogs in weddings — years ago, I was even featured on CBS’s The Early Show on the topic!)

The custom monogram tied every element together, from invitations and menus to martini ice luges and take-home sweet bags.

Entertainment included:

Solo piano for cocktails and a string quartet for dinner by Sarlas Music
A live painter, Rosemary Fanti, capturing the evening on canvas
Michael O’Dea of O’Dea Entertainment keeping the dance floor full all night

Wearing Two Hats: Planner and “Godfather of the Bride”

Thanks to my lead assistant Steve, our team, and the wonderful staff at Loews Chicago O’Hare, I was able to transition from wedding planner to Uncle Frank once the festivities began.

It was a rare gift to not only design and execute a wedding but also experience it as a guest, sitting with family, sharing a late-night beef sandwich, and celebrating the love of my goddaughter and her new husband.

This wedding was a true full-circle moment — one that reminded me why I’ve spent decades dedicated to luxury weddings and event design in Chicago.

Planning Your Own Luxury Chicago Wedding

Moments like Jessica and Connor’s wedding are why I do what I do. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration, a grand Chicago wedding, or even a day-of coordination for your big day, I bring over 30 years of expertise to ensure your wedding is seamless, personal, and unforgettable.

Ready to start planning? Contact me today to learn how I can bring your vision to life.