”When I was a girl, Chicagoans had to travel far and wide to see things of beauty. I am glad I have lived to see the day when people now come from far and wide to see beautiful things in Chicago.” ~Kate Buckingham, May, 1939
When Chicagoan Kate Buckingham commissioned architect Edward H. Bennett to design Buckingham Fountain in memory of her late brother Clarence, she did so to expose all people in her beloved city to beauty and art. There is no question that she succeeded in doing so, as the iconic fountain is today one of the city’s most magnificent architectural jewels. It also happens to be one of my favorite hometown landmarks.
Located in Grant Park and dedicated in 1927, the fountain’s design is based on the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France.
It is one of the world’s largest fountains, constructed of gorgeous Georgia pink marble. It is meant to symbolize Lake Michigan, with four bronze sea horses representing the four states around it—Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana.
Three circular basins hold 1.5 Million gallons of recycled water that erupts every two hours into a giant 137 foot water spout.
Evening light shows are simply spectacular and can be seen through October 1st. It is really something to behold—a must-see for anyone visiting Chicago. How lucky am I to have all this beauty right in my own backyard?
Thanks so much for stopping by!
xo—
~M
u looked amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! i love that dress!!! Im a huge Marchesa fan. visit my post about their new collection http://www.hautefrugalista.com/m3marchesa
Marie! that dress was made for you! it makes u look fresh and femenine!
xoxo
Loved your post! Their new collection is amazing! Really beautiful!
Excuse me…but can you get any more beautiful? Loved reading about the fountain too! That dress is amazing on you as well as those shoes!!!
Thanks so much
The photos though, don’t do the fountain justice—it’s really quite spectacular in person.
The fountain was a great backdrop to a beautiful look………………
Merci
Stunning dress, shoes, and model. . .with you in the foreground the fountain never looked more beautiful!
Thanks, friend! That’s a good one
Thanks for sharing these photos! You look absolutely beautiful!
Thank you so much! It couldn’t have been a more glorious day here yesterday—a perfect day for a photo shoot
What a dreamy post, you look beautiful!
Thank you! It was a dreamy day yesterday—perfect weather, perfect company
Love this time of year!
Absolutely beautiful photos! You look AMAZING, Marie!!! Love LOVE your dress!
Thank you! Marchesa never disappoints
Your look — the perfect gossamer liquid gown — with pearl bubble shoes — perfect — to complement a glorious fountain. Chic!
Thanks, V! Always love showing off my city
Marie! With that magnificent fountain bassed on the one at Versailles …and you in that dress and those incroyable shoes….. well my dear, let them eat cake! You really have impeccable personal style. I think Diana Vreeland would have adored you…I mean, to go to that spot in that dress in the middle of the day and make it YOURS. What a woman!
Thank you so much, Lanier, for your kind words! This is the year that I vowed to be bold
and of course the creative in me could not stand in front of an architecturally magnificent fountain such as the Buckingham without donning an equally architecturally magnificent dress 
Wow I just knew it! This is so wonderful to hear that you are being brave and bold and making a statement. Going for that something that makes one unique and wonderful. Fearless is beauty. Brava!!
Those photos are breathtaking! What an amazing photographer you have and you, the beautiful model and those SHOES!!!!!!!!!! Keep rocking!
Thanks so much, Jeni! I have been forcing my cameras into the hands of my daughter and or husband to get the shots of me for these weekend pieces and they have both been quite gracious not to mention amazing with a camera
Wow, you outdid yourself this time – fabulous!
Thanks so much! Not sure whether I’ll be able to top it next weekend
What a stunning gown!
Thanks so much!
So beautiful! The fountain is spectacular. But, you are the true beauty in the photographs! You look gorgeous..and that dress and those shoes..art works in their own right. Wonderful post!
You are so very kind! Thanks for making my night:-)
Gorgeous! And LOOK at those shoes!!!! Spectacular!
Thank you! Had a lot of fun doing this one
Chicago beauty abounds!
Fabulous pics, stunning day and divine gown!!!!
Thanks so much! It really is a beautiful city!
Have a wonderful weekend!