The Rehearsal + Dinner at Jibby’s

The wedding site was on a cute grassy hill in Forrest W. Bo Woods campground, overlooking Lake Shelbyville. While the lake itself is a favorite among fisherman and boaters, Krista + Adam knew that it would be the perfect outdoor spot to have their wedding.

The flower girl and ring bearer were a little bit shy during the rehearsal. Promises of ice cream made their pouts fade ever so slightly.

Groomsmen wait in anticipation…

Krista practices her walk with Ronnie…

I love Adam’s smile here! These two are adorable together!

After rehearsing their vows, they skipped off into the distance… or were they giddy about the amazing rehearsal dinner to come?!

Hey – anybody ever watch Trading Spaces? I swear this isn’t a tangent…

Well, I was the biggest fan of that show. I have the smock and everything. I read the T.S. book cover-to-cover. In high school, I would sit in front of the TV, a bag of ritz-bitz cheese flavor in hand, and secretly wish I was trading spaces with one of our neighbors (even though we live in don’t-talk-to-your-neighbor-everyone-to-themselves-silicon-valley). Doug Wilson was one of my favorite designers on the show, mostly for his cocky attitude and crazy design concepts (ahem… wine labels for kitchen wallpaper?!).

Anywho…

After his long run on Trading Spaces he hosted a few other shows and then continued his own design business + bought and renovated a bar/restaurant in a small town in Illinois… Jibby’s in Sullivan!

Once the rehearsal was over, everyone drove to Jibby’s Bar & Restaurant (19 N Main Street, Sullivan, IL), an attractive, classy restaurant in Sullivan’s central square. I was immediately impressed by the slate gray and deep blue color scheme, the white ceramic accent pieces and wainscoting, and the black and white photos of celebrities from yesteryear. I kept oohing and aahing and didn’t make the “Doug Wilson’s Jibby’s” connection until we were driving back to Chicago!

All of us were in a curtained-off private room. The bridal party (and our dates!) sat with Krista and Adam. The bride’s family sat with the groom’s and other family members occupied the smaller booths…

Rustic loaves of bread dusted with dried rosemary and oregano were delivered to our table on butcher blocks. Was it just me or did their butter taste extra fantastic?

My dinner plate: salmon with a cool dill sauce, asparagus spears, and sweet potato fries. (Kyle’s pick included broccoli and mashed potatoes along with an identical salmon filet. The mashed taters were really good!! You could tell they used red potatoes and left the skin on – much more rustic, no?)

Joe and Wally, two of Adam’s brothers, sat in front of us. We discussed jobs, beer varieties, and the picky bartender who was triple checking IDs (a neighboring group for a 21-year-old’s bday party + underage friends sneaking up to the bar = everyone suffers). My drink of choice: Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy with 2 slices of lemon (of course). This tongue-twister 4.2% ABV is only available April – August and man am I glad I got a taste of their wheat & pale ale blend.

Dessert was either a cup of fruit or chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream…

After dessert, Krista + Adam passed out gifts to everybody. Bridesmaids received bracelets, necklaces, and either earrings or a headband < < I don't have pierced ears! The groomsmen + ushers opened monogrammed flasks. I loved all of Krista's jewelry picks! She's one stylish cousin :)

And now for more pictures:

Adam + Krista, the glowing couple …and the “glow” had nothing to do with spray tans ;)

Check out that slightly more pale couple above. Oh, wait, that’s not Casper + his lady friend, it’s just Kyle + me. Didn’t you know that alabaster is SO in.

Groom + his men (left to right): Brian, Wally (or Mathew if you want to be formal about it), Adam!, Jake, and Joe.

Bride + her ladies (left to right): Alix, Me, Krista!, Maria (Shannon had to work. Boo.)

And below is a lil’ collage of family photos:

1. Ben + Maria, Adam + Krista, Vickie + Ronnie
   Maria is the older sister and Ben is her [hilarious] new hubby. I loved Maria’s dress!! Note to self: surf Dillard’s website!
2. Brian, Krista + Adam, Mari Dell, Nicholi, Wally, and Joe
   Adam is one of four boys! Joe’s the oldest, then Adam, Brian’s third, and Wally’s the youngest.
3. Krista + Adam with Aaron + his gf Toni (alpha love, girl!)

Classic sisters + mom shot…

Squint to check out my turquoise ring in the picture below. It’s a hair tie wrapped around twice. Cool, huh?! Later that night, I lost the hair tie and had to spend the rest of the trip sans ponytails. Darn.

It’s safe to say everyone enjoyed their time at Jibby’s! Krista and Adam are so perfect for each other :)

Question: Pretend you are on Trading Spaces. Do you hope they re-do your kitchen, living room, or bedroom??

I’d choose my bedroom. Luckily, my roommate Shirley already “designed” the living room and kitchen. My room is extremely mismatched, but I’m rarely there to let it bother me too much! I’m the girl who has picture frames on walls with no pictures in them…. really, my room needs a makeover.

-Lauren