
Paramount Events Wedding Recap
A Moody Wedding at the Chicago Cultural Center with Rachel & Joe
Couple, Rachel and Joe, partnered with Paramount Events to craft a wedding menu that immersed their 250 guests in a celebration of unique flavors and styles at the iconic Chicago Cultural Center. Our Paramount Events team thoughtfully designed each dish to reflect the couple’s vision. Every detail was meticulously executed from the cocktail hour to the plated dinner service to ensure a flawless experience.
Cygnet Events played a crucial role in bringing their vision to life, creating a dramatic and personal atmosphere. From moody floral arrangements to meticulously curated table settings, every detail was elevated to highlight the stunning food and ambiance.
Behind the Menu: Rachel & Joe’s Inspiration
Rachel and Joe’s culinary preferences included bold, spicy flavors from Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, fermented and tangy foods, fresh herbal salads, and desserts with subtle sweetness and floral notes.

Cocktail Hour: Stations That Wow
The evening began with a dynamic cocktail hour featuring dramatically draped tables curated by Cygnet Events & Paramount Events. These stations were a feast for the senses, offering a collection of flavors and encouraging a social and energetic atmosphere.
This beautifully arranged station offered a variety of flavors and textures, perfect for mingling and sampling throughout the event. We also passed our classic hors d’oeuvres, adding variety and elegance to the spread while guests mingled. Our catering team worked seamlessly to ensure guests enjoyed every bite while mingling and sipping on cocktails perfectly paired with the menu.

A Custom Plated Dinner
As guests transitioned to the Preston Bradley Hall, they were greeted with a stunning tablescape that brought the moody aesthetic to life. Paramount Events crafted a custom-plated dinner menu tailored to Rachel and Joe’s preferences, highlighting bold flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Dinner Menu
Bread Service
Housemade Bread
Country Sourdough & Olive Baguette
Salad
Golden Beet and Esmee Arugula Salad
Goat Cheese, Pickled Golden Raisin, Chickpeas, Toasted Pistachios, Za’atar Vinaigrette
Plated Entrée (Choice Of)
Wood-Grilled Harissa Spiced Hanger Steak
Caramelized Root Vegetables, Crispy Shallots, Herb Salad, Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
Pan-Roasted Whitefish
Sunchoke Purée, Roasted Brussels Sprout, Roasted Sunchokes, Walnut, Lemon, Bagna Cauda, Calabrian Chili Butter
Seared Eggplant Tournedos
Piquillo Pepper and Almond Purée, Labneh, Cracked Bulgar, Grilled Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Black Lime, Urfa Biber Vinaigrette

Late Night Snacks: Chicago’s Influence
From start to finish, Paramount Events worked closely with Rachel and Joe to ensure their wedding paid homage to Chicago. Late-night eats included mini beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs, with french fries and housemade garlic aioli.
The night ended with dancing as the DJ played Rachel and Joe’s favorite tunes, blending Chicago classics with modern hits. Surrounded by laughter, cheers, and loved ones, the evening perfectly reflected the couple’s story.
Vendor List
Photographer: Melody Joy Co.@melodyjoyco | Planning: Cygnet Events & Design @cygneteventsanddesign | Flora: Bottles and Bouqets @bottles.and.bouquets | Ceremony & Reception Location: Chicago Cultural Center | Celebrant: Rabbi Ron Segal | Hire: Arcana Vintage Rentals @arcanarentals | Makeup Artist: Shannon O’Brien @shannicat | Hair: Megan Schnell @meganschnellhair | Catering & Beverages: Paramount Events @paramountevents | Cake: Sugar Fixe @sugarfixe | Stationery: Steracle Press @steraclepress | Entertainment: Matt Roan @mattroan | Lighting: Atmosphere Events Group @atmosphereeventsgroup | Dress & Veil: Danielle Frankel @daniellefrankelbride from Belle Bridal Atelier @bellebridalatelier | Suit: Bode @bode | Engagement Ring: Frank Darling @frankdarling | Shoes: American Duchess @americanduchess | Earrings: Sophie Billie Brahe @sophiebillebrahe | Wedding Party Attire: Immoral London @immorallondon