After 2020 pushed their wedding at the Crystal Tea Room plans back a whole year, Jen and Colton were ready to party hard with their friends and family. From the beginning of the day at the Loews and Jen’s parent’s house, to the elegant ceremony at the Shrine of St John Neumann Church, and culminating in an epic dance floor at the Crystal Tea Room, this wedding was one that will linger with us.
Getting Ready for the Wedding at the Crystal Tea Room
Jen was a vision of grace and charm when we arrived to begin photographing her beautiful wedding day. The weather couldn’t have cooperated better, and spirits were high. All her stunning details were laid out for us and we got right to work. The flurry of hair and makeup continued all around us, and Jen was obviously excited. Her sleek wedding dress hung prettily, just waiting for her to put it on. Which she did. It fit like a glove and the transformation from fiance to bride was complete.
Meanwhile, at the Loews Hotel, the guys were also getting ready for the wedding at the Crystal Tea Room. Colton was quite obviously nervous. After fighting with his shirt buttons, realizing he needed to shave, and doing it all again, he was finally dressed in his custom Indochino suit. He looked sharp. As he and the guys finished the final touches, he gathered everyone for a toast. He sincerely thanked them for their friendship and all that they mean to him, toasted to the day, and we were off!
The Ceremony at the Shrine of St John Neumann
If this church looks familiar, it’s because it is. It has two names, and we had been there previously for Monique and Kamil’s stunning wedding day. This time, Jen and Colton met at the end of the aisle and exchanged their vows and promises of forever. The priest who presided over the ceremony was near and dear to the Bidus family. His first convert was Jen’s late grandmother, he baptized Jen, and he has had the joy of marrying her parents and brothers.
When Jen and her dad appeared in the doorway, Colton beamed brightly. The moment they’d wanted for so long had finally arrived. Their traditional Catholic ceremony united them forever as husband and wife. One small problem… The wedding rings had been left on the party bus! Realizing this, Ashley gave up her own simple wedding band along with one of the groomsmen so Jen and Colton had rings to exchange. Never fear, their bands were retrieved just after the ceremony and were put safely on one another’s hand.
Despite this small snafu, their ceremony was beautiful and the newlyweds charged back out for pictures and their wedding at the Crystal Tea Room reception!
Portraits in Old City
It’s no secret we love the Merchant Exchange Building. Jen and Colton loved it too, so we made our way over there for some portraits of them and their wedding party. Things were starting to get a little wild, but everyone was having a great time. Colton was a bit antsy to get to cocktail hour, but settled in when we reminded him gently that he’s doing it for Jen. It’s safe to say he’d do just about anything for Jen.
On the way to the wedding at the Crystal Tea Room reception, some T Swift came on, and it was party on! Jen and the bridesmaids, and even a few of the guys, sang at the top of their lungs and danced in the party bus. Everyone was ready to go when we arrived at the Crystal Tea Room.
Wedding at the Crystal Tea Room Reception
Jen and Colton and their friends celebrated all night long during this posh wedding at the Crystal Tea Room reception! Jen’s dad gave a lovely welcome toast, stating that he and his wife always wanted a daughter. When Jen was conceived, it was decided that if she was a boy, they’d keep trying, and if a girl, they’d be done. She burst onto the scene and their family was complete. Ever since that first moment, she’s been Daddy’s princess, and he wanted and gave only the best for her. Which is why he was so happy when Colton started dating her. He was the best for her, and he was happy to gain a son-in-law.
Jen’s cousin followed with a similar toast, though highlighting a bit of Jen’s adventurous side. They’ve traveled together, enjoyed many nights out together, and she took a little credit for getting Jen and Colton together. She had dared Jen to grab his butt. The rest is history.
Colton’s best man highlighted his selflessness. Colton is willing to go the extra mile and take one for his friends if needed. Including volunteering to be the one hauled off when they got busted at school one time.
From there, the misery of 2020 was shed in a torrent of dancing and merriment during their wedding at the Crystal Tea Room reception. Congrats to Jen and Colton!
