We recently worked on a spectacular civil union project at Room 1520. This West Loop venue played host to a romantic and glamorous affair for a beautiful and lovely couple who were a joy to work with.

Below are just a few teasers of their event. We loved all the details – the mercury glass, the chandeliers and vintage crystals and lots and lots of luxurious panels of fabric and soft uplighting which all combined to create a truly beautiful setting.

Enjoy this sneak peek while we wait for the official photos to come in – all photos taken by Deborah’s iPhone.

Florals by Juliet Tan of Cattleya Bridal. Be sure to visit Room 1520’s website for more information.

This Stan Mansion wedding reception turned our so beautifully. While we have the privilege of working with all the couples that book the venue as part of our exclusive event decor and event production privileges, we loved working with this couple who were so obviously having a lot of fun all throughout the planning process. Of course, this only made our jobs that much easier. They had lots of fun and inventive ideas for their special day and it clearly showed. Purple was the main color throughout the evening and hues and shades of lavenders as well as purples dotted the evening.

Our part was creating the dramatic stage fabric display and uplighting, providing a centerpiece to the entire evening. We also created a beautiful display of crepe-back satin fabric – which guests walked through as they walked up the stairs to the main room. On the landing they were greeted by our crepe-back satin fabric, leading them up to a touching display of family wedding photos from several generations. This fabric display, although a small touch compared to the rest of the decor was important, setting the mood and stage for the evening, letting guests know right away they were entering a special place.

In the main space, aside from the central stage, we created washes of purple throughout, with overlaid projections of branch patterns for a softer look that complemented the purple uplighting. Be sure to scroll through the pictures and leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Photos courtesy of Stan Mansion. Photography by Husar Photography. Florals by Cattleya Bridal.

This Rookery Building wedding is the epitome of the class, elegance and sophistication inherent in the building. We’ve talked at length about the history and charm of the venue and when a wedding like this comes along, it all comes together in a brilliant way that is just gorgeous.

Of course, the editors at Style me Pretty took note and promptly featured it on their website. Scroll through for the stunning photos and be inspired by the setting, the clean lines, DIY touches and the gorgeous, beaming couple.

We love this clean and minimal display created by Juliet, from Cattleya Bridal. Using a collection of pillar votives in varying sizes created this stunning place-setting look. We could see so many brides using this idea – even a DIY bride could easily recreate this look, it’s so versatile! You will see, the couple opted to wrap both levels of the interior in fabric, creating a seamless, complete look that added to the feeling of elegance throughout the evening. Wrapping the second level is, of course, optional, but more and more Rookery couples opt for that look on their big day.   

You can see the rest of the feature and the stunning details here. Florals by Cattleya Bridal. Wedding planning by Soiree Weddings & Events.  Photos by George Street Photo & Video.

There are so many amazing, unique and interesting Chicago event venues, we never get tired of talking about them. All across the city couples and clients will find spaces of every shape and size and look for whatever their vision may be.

Loft on Lake is a great example, because as a blank canvas of a space, no matter what the client’s visions may be, the space allows for all kinds of customization as far as the look and feel of an event. Popular with weddings, the space is also an ideal location for many kinds of corporate events. Most recently, the venue hosted fashion shows, car launches, holiday parties, and luncheons. Below is a recent corporate themed party we produced at the venue for “CEOs Around the World”

“Roarin’ Chicago” was the theme – and we provided the layout and setting by bringing in light, fabrics and props to set the mood for the guests. We guided the client to the optimum placement and overall design of the event – for example we insisted they bring in red velvet tablecloths – the unusual touch was a big hit with the guests.

Our floral partner, Cattleya Bridal & Floral Design created the stunning ostrich feather centerpieces that gently swayed in the breeze created by the fans. We also brought in the candle-lit bar backsplash and the L-shaped curved, leather-lined black bar – also a big hit with the guests.

Can you then see why It’s hard to believe the above space is the same as below – with the soft amber lighting and the minimal decor, but there are the beams and the trademark skylight. Below, are three separate recent weddings and receptions at the venue that featured our work.

We love this last shot of an aisle. The soft, romantic glow and the elegant touches are stunning, and the very opposite of the corporate event at the top. Corporate event photos by Vitaliy Vladimirov. Wedding photos courtesy of Lofty Weddings Photography.

The Stan Mansion is one of Chicago’s many weddding and event venues, where we are the exclusive vendor for all event production, decor and design. While we most often work with couples in producing their weddings and receptions,  for this NYE event decor, we kept in line with the Parisian elegance of the event.

The sold-out party was one of the most exclusive parties in the city. With delicious Hors D ‘Oeuvres and dinner served by D’Absolute Catering, the party featured multiple live performances and a premium top shelf open bar. Running late into the morning, the black tie affair drew hundreds of stylish attendees who filled the historic venue, taking in our NYE Event Decor and stunning feather centerpieces by Cattleya Bridal.

Part of the NYE event decor included upgraded, custom 20-foot panels of luxurious crepe-back satin fabric that formed the VIP settings to both sides of the main room. To add more flair to the look, we projected soft swirls over the fabric.

The place settings were elaborate and crystal-laden – going with the elaborate, Parisian-flair of the overall event.

Be sure to visit venue’s website & book your event there today. Photos courtesy of D’Absolute Catering.

The West Loop, as the name suggests, is located directly west of Chicago’s downtown core. Where once the area was home to an endless number of factories and warehouses, today the neighborhood is well-known for the way art galleries, some of the city’s top restaurants, such as Girl and the Goat and Publican and meat-packing plants all mix and mingle as more and more empty old brick buildings are converted into luxurious lofts. Less known is how the area is also home to a surprising number of wedding venues.

These West Loop wedding venues, listed in no particular order, are all a perfect match for urban couples looking for something unexpected or unconventional for their Special Day. Over the years we have worked with all of them and wanted to share with you all of these unique wedding venues.

Loft on Lake

This West Loop wedding venue is a great way to start our list – an elegant and refined space, it is distinctly warm thanks to it’s exposed brick and vintage timber beams. The venue’s centerpiece is a sweeping, 65′-long skylight that floods the Loft with light during the day and makes it an ideal choice for hosting a ceremony. Having hosted hundreds of events since it’s inception in 2009, Loft on Lake joined the Green Wedding Alliance, giving couples looking to “Green” their Special Day. Explore our work at this venue. Visit their website.

Room 1520

Just a little over a year ago, this West Loop wedding venue was a virtual unknown but in just a year, it’s modern and minimal aesthetic has charmed Chicago couples who have flocked to the venue to experience it’s clean lines, crisp white walls and a flair for the unexpected, as each couple tends to truly transform the space for their weddings. See more of our work at this venue. Visit their website.

Galleria Marchetti

This venue has been a well-known wedding and event venue for many years – even with the spate of recent venue options popping up in the West Loop, the Galleria has everged stronger than ever, hosting dozens of gorgeous weddings that give urban couples the best of both worlds: an urban setting, a lush outside area the flexibility of customizing their events as they see fit. See more images from the gorgeous purple-tinged reception at this space here.  Visit their website.

Salvage One

Among west loop wedding venues, Salvage One is perhaps most recognized – for years also functioning as a vibrant architectural artifact resale store – the lower level of the building supplies some of the city’s most stylish with unusual and historic elements from all around the world. The rambling setting plays host to wedding and receptions – with ceremonies in the fun outside fountain area and the receptions in the exposed and airy upstairs. Visit their website.

Ignite Glass Studio

Ignite Glass Studio is the newest addition to West Loop’s wedding venue scene – this recently opened space is a functioning glass and art factory, where dozens of artists create beautiful and intricate artworks. We hope future Chicago couples are inspired by the space’s creative pedigree and open & flexible layout for their events.

Kitchen Chicago

Kitchen Chicago may be, even among west loop wedding venues, a somewhat unexpected choice, considering it’s also a functioning shared kitchen space for a number of local bakeries and other businesses. With the right touches, however, the space is transformed into a warm and intimate space that is ideal for couples looking to have a really personal experience in a unique space, without breaking the bank. Visit their website.

As you saw in Part 1 of this real Chicago wedding, the couple warmed the clean and elegant aesthetic of the Room 1520 with our amber and pink lighting.

For the rest of the evening, the couple continued to glow, as if still lit. You can see from the photos how they reused the ceremony draping as a backdrop for their sweetheart table. For the dancing and the reception, we continued the same lighting palette as in their ceremony, using soft blues, purples and pinks to tie the light & decor to the centerpieces and the many romantic details throughout the event.

In case you missed it, the previous post featured this wedding’s soft and elegant ceremony – view those photos here.

Thank you to Jason & Anna Photography for so beautifully capturing our work and for sharing the images with us. Be sure to visit their portfolio.

The civil union decor at this Loft on Lake event was soft, romantic, with a slight touch of rustic elegance. The two gorgeous brides had a strong vision when it came to their event decor and were so sweet and gracious every step along the way.

Their “first-peek” was touching for everyone – both teared up at once and all through the evening, the ceremony and reception were filled with touching moments such as these that really made this event special.

Aside from building the forty-foot wall of crepe-back satin fabric, we gave the space extra warmth with soft amber uplighting and touches color and light throughout. For the reception, we added draping at the back of the space to create a clean look with a branch GOBO projection that matched the couple’s aesthetic.

Photos by Lofty Weddings Photography. Courtesy of Loft on Lake. Catered by Honest Foods.

We love featuring real Chicago weddings – such as this stunning event, hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center. We worked closely with the bride in realizing the vision for her Special Day – bringing in the branch GOBOs for a touch of organic whimsy to this elegant affair.

Details of the romantic Chuppah wedding structure we constructed in partnership with Cattleya Bridal.

We created a chic lounge setting for the reception which offset the rest of the event decor wonderfully.

The Chicago Cultural Center is an amazing architectural gem, right in the heart of downtown Chicago. Opened in 1887, the massive building is a Chicago Landmark building that houses the city’s official reception venue where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed Presidents and royalty, diplomats and community leaders. Famously the central library building, it was converted to an arts and culture center. The Center is one of the city’s most popular attractions and is considered one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the United States. The building is also home to the world’s largest Tiffany stained glass dome and a dizzying amount of decorative tile and elaborate, vintage decoration – all details that make it an ideal setting for any wedding, which is why the building is one of the most in-demand wedding venues in the city even as few realize that the space is open to hosting such private functions.

Deborah and our creative team have worked here a number of times – but our most recent wedding here was also a high-profile event – this bride won a contest from the Oprah show to have her wedding documented and profiled on both the Oprah show and online.

Deborah worked directly with the bride to create a stunning, soft and romantic display for her special day – we created a modern lounge setting that would complement the historic setting and we washed the head tables in amber tones, with GOBOs of leaves to match the organic tile work. And for the ceremony, we created an elaborate wedding structure with vintage chandelier crystals that reflected light as the couple stood underneath.

It all came together beautifully. The florals, the food and the decor all made for an unforgettable evening. For more photos, visit our

We work with so many unique wedding venues in Chicago, and in the West Loop especially, there is an flourishing concentration of wedding and reception spaces big and small that are all unique, with their own character and personality. We have worked with all of them over the years – from West Loop Studios, now closed, to the still-new Room 1520, to the industrial & artsy MCA Warehouse and many others. But the list is incomplete without Loft on Lake – a venue that is unique among the rest for it’s combination of exposed brick, vintage timber oak beams and a stunning 65-foot long skylight that is unmatched in the city.

The venue, like most lofts, is easy to work with, giving our brides endless flexibility and creativity. Loft on Lake also attracts some of the most down-to-earth, fun and easy going brides we’ve had the pleasure of working with. Since it’s inception in late 2009, the space has hosted hundreds of weddings and is becoming well-regarded in the industry for it’s casual but refined atmosphere.

Owned by a husband & wife team, Cher and Steve Garrett are both creative people. Infact, Steve Garrett is a successful commercial and wedding photographer. His photography business, called Lofty Weddings and it’s services are offered to all Loft on Lake brides at a discount, making the Loft easier to choose for couples looking to get a head start on their wedding planning. As a venue, it’s perfect for smaller, intimate affairs for less than 200 with a ceremony. The space has a long and accommodating list of caterers and vendors, so brides have no trouble assembling all the best wedding vendors for their Special Day. A blank canvas of a space that is also BYO means each couple can transform the space to their liking without breaking the bank. We have worked there on a lot of event over the last several years.

Not limited to only weddings, Loft on Lake is also ideal for any sort of corporate function, but we’ll cover that another time. Flexible, creative and unique – be sure to contact the venue for a tour, whatever your event may be.