Couture Shines With Rainbow-Dressed Wedding Party and Ballgowns for the Grooms in This Illinois Wedding

A love story rooted in serendipity, food, and fierce style came to life in October, when Eduardo and Kevin celebrated their union in a bold and beautiful fall wedding at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford, Ill. With a theme of “For the Love of Glamour,” the couple infused every moment with meaning, fashion, and a whole lot of heart.

“In 2022, our love story began,” shared the couple. “After growing individually, we both once again swiped right—spoiler alert, it worked OUT!”

Instead of endless chatting, Eduardo and Kevin met up right away for a date over all-you-can-eat sushi. “It was love at first bite,” they said with a laugh. Their shared love of food would continue to ground their relationship, as they spent time creating recipes and sharing meals with loved ones.

While there wasn’t a traditional proposal, Eduardo—who works in the bridal industry—still had a quiet, romantic moment to remember. “One day Kevin got on one knee and asked me to marry him. Just me, him, and our home—it couldn’t have been more perfect.”

As plant lovers, Eduardo and Kevin knew Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens was the ideal venue. With its glass walls and lush botanical surroundings, the space set the scene for a sophisticated and heartfelt ceremony. Guests were seated in a circular arrangement, creating a sense of unity and intimacy during the unplugged ceremony.

“We walked down the aisle together to a custom edit of Lady Gaga’s ‘Is That Alright’—our DJ changed the lyrics from ‘a little boy, a little girl’ to ‘a little boy, a little boy,’” Eduardo shared. “It was such a special moment.”

The ceremony included personal vows, a traditional arraz and laso, and a surprise speech from Eduardo’s mother. “She expressed her love and acceptance of us, and even made us custom flower crowns,” he added.

Opting for minimal ceremony décor to let their fashion take center stage, the couple skipped florals and instead styled the space with gold chiavari chairs, some of which were draped in lush chiffon.

Eduardo and Kevin’s fashion choices were nothing short of spectacular. “I wore a custom ballgown. I knew I wanted something both impeccably bridal and extravagantly unique,” Eduardo explained. “I wanted to mix masculine and feminine elements. My husband wanted to feel like a regal king—with lace, sparkle, and strength.”

As a couture designer, Eduardo created every single outfit worn that day—from their own looks to the vibrant wedding party attire. Each member of their court of honor wore a custom color representing the rainbow flag. “Red for life. Orange for healing. Yellow for visibility. Green for growth. Blue for peace. Purple for spirit. Pink for unconditional love. And white—our shared color—for sacred union and divine truth,” explains Eduardo. We wanted to be the epitome of queer wedding couture—mixing silhouettes, traditions, and symbolism,”

After the ceremony, guests were led by a traditional mariachi band to cocktail hour at the conservatory. The reception décor embraced a glamorous black-on-black color palette with touches of iridescent and gold.

Each table centerpiece included framed photos of Eduardo and Kevin growing up—an emotional and personal touch. Custom acrylic seating cards and invitations carried through the iridescent theme, while custom champagne flutes and a peacock at the sweetheart table added extra flair.

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Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple opted for a lavish dessert table. Their guests were also treated to thoughtful thank-you gifts: small potted plants from the couple’s own home garden, each with care instructions.

Eduardo recalls the big celebration, “Being in the wedding industry, I’ve seen so many people get married. I never thought I would get to experience this for myself. When I met Kevin, I knew the day would come. It was a dream come true.”