#EternallyLibert Elaborate Courthouse Wedding
While working full-time at Hoosier Mama Pie Company in Evanston, Tia met a group of people who said they were moving into the storefront next door at the AMLI Building.
On May 8, 2024, Sweetheart Ink Tattoo opened, and Tia was their first customer. (Check out the articles about Sweetheart Ink and Tia: ‘A piece of the puzzle to Evanston’: City welcomes only tattoo shop and Evanston embraces Sweetheart Ink Tattoo.)
Hanging out with the tattoo owners David and Bella every day on her break at work, she learned that they were engaged. Excited for their love, Tia offered to plan their wedding, so David and Bella Libert had an elaborate courthouse wedding on July 8, 2024.
Support Every Step of the Way
For Bella and David, they planned their own engagement party, but they didn’t know how to plan a wedding. Since Tia was married and planned her own divorce party, she knew all the legal requirements and how to plan a fun and memorable event! Tia met with Bella almost daily to check in on her needs and help assuage any fears. Tia also drove Bella to all of her appointments and advocated for her every step of the way.
Invitation, Website, & RSVP Design
Bella and David provided photos to Tia, and Tia created their invitations and wedding website. They wanted a “romantic goth” wedding, and after seeing some of their Pinterest inspiration, Tia knew just how to make their content spooky and divine.
Invitation for David & Bella Libert's wedding
Website home page for Bella & David's wedding
Invitation for David & Bella Libert's wedding
Tia helping Bella into her car
Tia with Bella and David in the Alice Millar Chapel at Northwestern University
Bella and David at their courthouse ceremony
Tia helping Bella into her car
Full-Day Itinerary
Tia planned the entire day--making it full, fun, and festive. First, the couple got ready separately. Then, they took photos and privately exchanged vows at the Alice Millar Chapel. Next, they had their courthouse ceremony. After that, they had a 40-person reception at Wildfire in Glenview. In the end, Tia drove the newlyweds home.
Originally, they wanted photos at the Bahá'í House of Worship, but it was too hot in July to comfortably take outdoor photos. On the drive home, they passed by the temple, and Tia took extra photos of David and Bella before leaving them to enjoy their wedding night.
Activity Creation
For an interactive reception, Tia created activities that could be done solo, with others, and just with the newlyweds. Activity cards asked prompts like “Since we said “‘til Death do us part,” what should be on our bucket list?” To encourage guests to take photos at the reception, Tia created a photo scavenger hunt. During dinner, Tia emceed “The Shoe Game,” but instead of using shoes, the newlyweds used black (groom) and white (bride) skeleton arms! All activities were crafted specifically for Bella and David within their romantic goth theme.
David and Bella holding up skeleton arms during an alternative to the "Shoe Game"
Signage for Scavenger Hunt Photos
Love Notes card that reads: Write a note to the euphoric couple: David & Bella Libert
David and Bella holding up skeleton arms during an alternative to the "Shoe Game"