Jack and Valerie Hayford first met in downtown Chicago. As Valerie walked past Jack on Michigan Avenue one sunny day, it was love at first sight for the couple. After dating for two years, Jack planned an elaborate proposal on the Navy Pier Ferris wheel. The couple knew they wanted a Chicago wedding to honor the special city where their love story began.
On May 15th, 2022, Jack and Valerie tied the knot in an elegant affair at the iconic Navy Pier Crystal Gardens venue. With stunning skyline views, tradtional ceremonies honoring both families, and an ambiance of pure class, it was the fairytale Windy City wedding they had always imagined.
The Venue – Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens
The couple chose the renowned Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier for their ceremony and reception. This one-of-a-kind glass atrium features vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
First opened in 1916, the Crystal Gardens has an illustrious history as a gathering place for society events and celebrations. Today, it continues to host weddings and private events in an atmosphere of elegance. Jack and Valerie were drawn to the venue’s timeless beauty, proximity to downtown, and meaningful views of the lakefront.
As guests arrived on the big day, they were treated to sweeping views of sailboats gliding across the lake’s shimmering blue waters. Strings of twinkle lights were woven elegantly throughout the soaring atrium. Navy Pier truly was the ideal backdrop for Jack and Valerie’s romantic, sophisticated affair.
Traditional Ceremony Honoring Both Families
Jack comes from a devout Catholic background, while Valerie has Jewish roots. To honor both of their beloved families, the couple blended traditions beautifully for the ceremony.
Valerie’s uncle, a rabbi, co-officiated with the Hayford’s longtime Catholic priest. They opened with a traditional chuppah ceremony, with Jack crushing the glass at the end. Later, they exchanged vows while holding a rosary from Jack’s grandmother. Readings were given in both English and Hebrew.
The blending of traditions was a touching representation of their two families coming together. Jack and Valerie also involved their newphews and nieces in the ceremony. Valerie’s adorable flower girl nieces Emma and Chloe scattered roses down the aisle in their pretty white dresses.
Valerie’s Stunning Lace Wedding Dress
Valerie wore an exquisite gown by Pronovias designer Vera Wang. Her dress featured a flattering sweetheart neckline, delicate lace overlay, and full tulle ballgown skirt.
She completed the look with an elegant cathedral-length veil edged in lace appliques. The veil was a tribute to her late mother, who also wore a cathedral veil at her Catholic wedding ceremony years ago.
Valerie looked every bit the fairytale bride, and Jack was left speechless when she walked down the aisle toward him. Her gorgeous gown was the perfect culmination of old and new – just like their wedding theme.
Their Adorable Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
In addition to Valerie’s twin nieces as flower girls, the couple had an adorable ring bearer – Valerie’s 5-year old nephew Mason. He took his job very seriously, carrying the ring box down the aisle on a white satin pillow.
Halfway down, Mason became distracted waving to his mom and stopped to grin at the guests. Laughs rippled through the crowd as the best man had to gently nudge him along.
The couple loved involving all the kids in their ceremony. It added moments of levity and fun while also reinforcing that their wedding was a new beginning for their families together.
An Elegant Cocktail Hour Overlooking the Lake
After the ceremony, guests moved into the adjacent reception space while the wedding party took photos around Navy Pier. They enjoyed an elegant cocktail hour against the backdrop of the glittering lake and cityscape.
To carry their color palette through, the couple chose vibrant purple and cream floral arrangements by Stems floral design. The centerpieces paired white peonies and roses with accents of violets and hydrangeas.
Waiters passed hearty hors d’oeuvres like mini Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza bites. A jazz trio played classic tunes, adding to the ambiance of their vintage-glam reception.
Touching First Dance and Father-Daughter Dance
The real party kicked off after Jack and Valerie’s grand entrance into the reception ballroom. For their first dance, they swayed to Etta James’ “At Last” – the perfect song for their long-awaited wedding day.
Valerie then shared an emotional dance with her dad to Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely.” There was hardly a dry eye in the house watching the touching father-daughter moment.
Jack also danced with his mother, who was overjoyed to see her son’s wedding day. The parent dances were a special way for Valerie and Jack to honor their families as they started their own.
A Fairytale Beginning
Jack and Valerie’s love story began in downtown Chicago when their eyes first met on Michigan Avenue. After dating for two years, Jack proposed in an elaborate manner on the iconic Navy Pier Ferris wheel. The couple knew they wanted to have a Chicago wedding to honor the city where their romance blossomed.
A Stunning Venue with a View
For their ceremony and reception, Jack and Valerie chose the renowned Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. This glass atrium venue boasts vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, and a rich history dating back to 1916.
Blending Traditions
To honor their respective Catholic and Jewish backgrounds, Jack and Valerie beautifully blended traditions during their ceremony. A rabbi and Catholic priest co-officiated, incorporating elements like a chuppah, rosary, and readings in English and Hebrew.
A Fairytale Bride
Valerie looked every inch the fairytale bride in her exquisite Vera Wang gown with a lace overlay and full tulle skirt. Her cathedral-length veil paid tribute to her late mother, leaving Jack speechless as she walked down the aisle.
Memorable Moments
Adorable moments added levity and joy to the day, like the couple’s nephew Mason stopping halfway down the aisle as ring bearer to wave at his mom. The couple cherished involving their nieces and nephews in the celebration.
Conclusion:
Jack and Valerie’s Chicago wedding was the epitome of elegance meets tradition. Surrounded by stunning skyline views and loved ones, they blended customs to beautifully honor both of their families. From Valerie’s lace gown to their adorable flower girl and ring bearer, the day felt like a fairytale.
As the new Mr. and Mrs. Hayford jetted off to their Hawaiian honeymoon, they were grateful for the outpouring of love on their special day. They look forward to building a life together in the Windy City they both call home. It was a picture-perfect wedding in the heart of Chicago for the two soulmates.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s )
When did Jack Hayford marry Valerie?
Jack Hayford married Valerie on May 15th, 2022 in a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Navy Pier Crystal Gardens in Chicago, Illinois. The couple had a traditional blended ceremony that honored both of their family backgrounds and religions. After dating for two years, Jack and Valerie tied the knot surrounded by loved ones in the iconic Chicago venue with stunning skyline views. Their wedding day blended elegance and tradition flawlessly.
How many songs did Jack Hayford write?
Rev. Jack Hayford has composed over 400 hymns, songs, and musical works, according to Rev. Carlton Young, editor of the UM Hymnal. Hayford’s prolific creative talents have shaped church music through his many spiritual compositions.
Who was Jack Hayford second wife?
Pastor Jack Hayford was predeceased by his first wife Anna after over 60 years of marriage. He leaves behind their 4 children, 11 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and second wife Valarie.
Also, read more: Can You Wear White Shoes To A Wedding?
