As most newly engaged couples do, Danielle and Bill were juggling several dates and venues trying to “line up all of the planets” as they envisioned their Chicago wedding. They knew their party would be no less than 325 guests, which helped them narrow down the list of choices available to them! When they settled on the iconic Standard Club to host their party, their next call was to us to see if we were available to be their Chicago wedding band, and we were so pleased that the planets indeed lined up!

There are few venues in Chicago which can boast as having as rich of a history as The Standard Club. With new venues popping up all over town, it stands proudly as one of Chicago’s most elegant and sought-after locations since the beginning of the 20th century. Their seasoned staff creates a familiar ambiance for consistently exceptional parties year round — add Rachael Steacy Events to the mix and your party will be off the charts!

Danielle and Bill’s party was an American and Greek affair, with plenty of dancing for everyone! Foreshadowing that some of their friends and family wouldn’t be completely at ease with all of the Greek dance styles, Bill’s mom asked if we could provide Greek dance lessons at their rehearsal dinner. This ensured that everyone would feel comfortable dancing at the reception the next night. It was a fantastic idea and a huge success!

On their wedding day, cocktails began at the club in the 8th floor library, featuring our Artistrings pop string quartet yet again redefining guests’ ideas of the ground that a string quartet can cover. With dynamic performances of Havana, Pumped Up Kicks, Move On Up, Lovesong, and many others, guests were primed to enjoy a fun night of celebrating.

Walking into the club’s dining room transported you to a party scene from an opulent Hollywood film (check out these photos!). Stunning candles and gorgeous white floral centerpieces accented the club’s legendary gorgeous crystal chandeliers. A jazz trio set the inviting mood as everyone marveled at their surroundings for dinner and dancing!

After an incredible four-course dinner service, the band began with The Way You Look Tonight/Frank Sinatra for Danielle and Bill, followed by dances with parents. Danielle and her dad Michael danced to Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight and then Bill’s mom Patrice joined him to Leann Womack’s I Hope You Dance…not a minute later, they were mobbed on the floor with everyone excited to join in and celebrate! Check out our Instagram feed for video clips from this wedding.

Oh, and have no fear: Patrice’s dance lessons for everyone paid off ten-fold! The Greek dancing exploded from the first entrance of violin and bouzouki playing together! Thirty minutes later, we seamlessly transitioned back to American music and danced well past midnight.

Thanks to Danielle and Bill for including us as they lined up their wedding vendor universe. What a night!

Finally, our sincere appreciation to Patrice (Bill’s mom), as she sent a wonderful e-mail a few days after the party – now you know why we LOVE what we do 🙂

Dear Carol and Chris,
A week after the wonderful wedding we are all still smiling and talking about the lovely weekend. Danielle’s family made the impossible real; throwing a huge wedding while making it feel personal and intimate.

They filled that large reception room with so much happiness and love every person in the room felt connected.  A big part of creating that joy was due to the wonderful music you provided.

Thank you for helping me bring Greek dancing to the many young people in the wedding party during the rehearsal dinner. It took awhile to get our guests going at the rehearsal, but you lured them into participating. By the next night, at the wedding, everyone felt comfortable enough to jump up and join the dancing circles.

All your music made it a special night for our kids, the bride and groom, and for every other guest!

Thank you so much,
Patrice