Where the Heart Is

By
February 2021 View more

From holiday gatherings to summer cookouts, if there was an important event in Katie Martin’s family, you can bet it took place at her grandparents’ home in Minooka. So when her longtime boyfriend Nick Liberatore decided to propose in October 2018, it made sense that he’d pop the question there—and that they’d decide to host their wedding at the family farm, too.
Both 29 and living in Westmont, Martin and Liberatore—an attorney and a physical therapist, respectively—enlisted wedding planner Amy Harloe of Happily Ever After by Amy to orchestrate all the details of turning the sprawling 20-acre property into a proper event venue for a June 2020 wedding.

But as the pandemic wore on, it became apparent that their plans were going to have to change. And so, they rescheduled for September 11. They winnowed the 270-person guest list down to 30 (only immediate family and their bridal party), and swapped out the full band for a solo guitarist—among many, many other changes.

Though the uncertainty of replanning a wedding during a pandemic loomed up until the weekend itself—including their priest canceling at the last minute due to COVID-19 exposure—they were able to revel in some unforgettable moments. For Liberatore, it was looking out at his family and friends as he watched Martin walk down the aisle. For Martin, it was walking hand in hand into their clear-topped reception tent, with candlelit glass globes dramatically suspended from the ceiling. “It wasn’t until that moment, walking in … that was when it hit me: We did this. We made it happen. 2020 doesn’t have anything on us!” Martin says.

Vendors

Venue
The bride’s grandparents’ home, Minooka

Wedding planner
Amy Harloe of Happily Ever After by Amy, Naperville

Photographer
Lilly Photography, Naperville

Bride’s attire
Sottero and Midgley gown from Martellen’s Dress and Bridal Boutique, Lemont

Bride’s accessories
Badgley Mischka shoes from macys.com; jewelry, oliveandpiper.com

Bride’s hair and makeup
Divas Salon & Spa, Shorewood

Bridesmaid’s dresses
azazie.com

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire
thegroomsmansuit.com

Invitations and signage
Kelly Reif Stationery Studio, Naperville

Catering and cake
My Chef Catering, Naperville

Florist
Floral Events, Naperville

Rentals
Marquee Event Rentals, McCook

Entertainment
Guitarist Neil Dixon Smith, Chicago

Rings
Paolucci Diamond Center, Joliet