The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy Wedding Venue

Welcome to The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy

Your Wedding Story Begins here ...

As your guests arrive, a gift table is located in the Gardens along with complimentary infused water.

Guests are seated in the gardens.

As the ceremony starts, music begins in anticipation for the wedding processional.

Cheers to the Newlyweds!

A special toast is given to the bridal party as they head back towards the mansion.

Your Social Hour immediately follows the ceremony...

on the patio

in the Garden Room

and Library

The Lower patio features complimentary guest seating with umbrellas.

Cocktail tables also available for rental.

Your guests can utilize all of the outdoor space for strolling, pictures and conversation.

Guests will enjoy five appetizer offerings, continuously passed throughout social hour.

Guests will see your Wedding cake on display in the Garden Room.

Optional signature cocktails

Bars are located in the Garden Room and Library to utilize (two bars dedicated for over 100 guests).

As social hour is ending, an appetizer tray is sent to the Bridal Suite for the couple to enjoy, just for themselves.

Guests select an escort card in the Garden Room for table assignment.

The Garden Room Fountain provides a beautiful display for your guests to admire where water can be placed in the lower basin, along with floating candles and flower petals.

As guests enter the Great Hall for dinner, a glass of sparkling wine awaits at their table.

Introductions on the Grand Staircase begin your dinner service.

Introducing the newlyweds!

Dinner Service in the Great Hall Immediately follows a Welcome Speech.

The traditional cake cutting ceremony is held in The Great Hall for all to experience.

The first course of service is salad, accompanied by a warm bread basket delivered to the table.

Wine will be poured for each guest.

The Intermezzo course follows soon after.

Guests choose an entree when they respond to your wedding invitation response card.

Up to four menu offerings are available which may include three proteins and a vegetarian option, along with wine service.

The Dessert course can be either served...

Or available buffet style in the Library.

A Sweets Table adds a special touch to your event.

There are also other Specialty Desserts to choose from.

Silver Urn Coffee Service in the Library

Dancing follows after Dinner in the Garden Room, starting with your First Dance.

In the Marble Room, a Photo Booth can add an even more fun element to your event.

The most popular addition to your event...Late Night Food!

Featuring Lou Malnati’s pizza OR Chef’s Specialty Buffets Creations Pretzel Bar with assorted dips Mac & Cheese Bar Taco Stand with housemade guacamole Chicago Style Italian Beef Martini Glass Mashed Potato Bar Tailgate Snacks Sushi Bar ...and much more

Guest Favors are optional and our wedding team can place them at the tables or as guests exit.

Send-offs are the final celebration for your big day!

They both lived happily ever after!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do guests park?

A; There is ample parking in front of Cressey Arts Center, located a short walking distance from the mansion. For immediate family and those with mobility issues, there is a small parking lot adjacent to the mansion.

In addition, a drop off area located is in the front for hotel shuttles, valet or for those dropping off other guests.

A golf cart is available for transporting guests to the ceremony site for anyone who needs it.

Guests are directed onto campus with directional signs to the venue, for drop offs and parking

Q: Is there a place to get ready at the mansion?

A; For those events hosting a ceremony, there are two separate suites available for couples to get ready.

The bridal suite has an adjacent restroom with full length mirror featuring long counters, several electrical outlets and barstools for hair and makeup.

With prior notification, you may bring in your own food and beverages while getting ready or we can also cater the suites (additional charges will apply).

The other suite is located down the hallway, with a more modified restroom.

Each suite has a balcony overlooking the Gardens opposite from each other.

Q: Where can photos be taken?

A; Whether First Look, Pre-ceremony or After the ceremony, photographs can be taken throughout the gardens, inside the mansion and at the Grand Staircase

The Pagoda is a breathtaking spot for the couple...

Or a beautiful spot for the entire bridal party.

Q: Is there a rehearsal? How does that work?

A; One to two days before the ceremony, we will schedule and manage the entire rehearsal process, so everyone feels comfortable before the big day.

Q: What kind of chairs and tables are available for dinner?

A; We offer two different sized tables; 60� which seats up to 10 and a 72� which seats up to 12. Our white wooden chairs are complementary and there are several options available for rental.

The most popular is the gold chiavari style, which are $6.50 per chair, other chair styles start at $11.25.

We can invite you to visit our linen supplier’s showroom to see all of the beautiful options available for your event; linens are included iu the package, no restrictions on colors, for your dining tables, napkins, gift table, placecard table, cake table and bars.

Q: Is there a back up plan in case of bad weather?

A; There are several options for an indoor ceremony, depending on the size of the guest count or the wedding client’s preference

Little Theater

Can accommodate up to 160 guests

The Great Hall

Best for ceremonies over 160 guests

Weddings are for all seasons!

We hope you enjoyed the virtual tour and can’t wait to make all of your dreams come true!

For additional assistance, please contact The Armour House Wedding Team: Christine Gaither, General Manager, (847) 615-3219

cgaither@lfanet.org Alisa Levey, Catering Manager, (847) 615-4744 alevey@lfanet.org

Appendix

Armour House Mansion Floor Plan (Reid Hall)

Thank you to the following photographers: Alexandra Marquardt Anamarie Vieriu

Ann & Kam Ashley Galminas Cristina G Elena Bazini Gene Yoon Gilbert Reyes Nate Shepard Rachael Schriano Windy City Productions