Inspiration of Old World Elegance
Taking you behind the scenes into our styled shoot in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
When we were planning for this shoot, we wanted to focus on inspiring future couples with new, upcoming trends and realistic styles. On a beautiful fall day in Chicago, we were able to transform a venue’s blank canvas into a space that beamed of warmth and elegance. We worked with an amazing team of vendors who truly brought our vision to life!
THE VENUE
Two blocks from the infamous Michigan Ave, Chez Wedding Venue is a chic blank slate waiting to be transformed into the wedding of your dreams. The white brick walls and contemporary glass staircase creates a unique balance of something old and something new for your wedding day.
Our vision? European, old world elegance that feels organic and warm. Our team of amazing vendors helped us transform this space into just that.
FLORALS
One upcoming trend we wanted to lean into for this design was color-blocking in floral arrangements. Florals can truly transform a space, and WOW that is what the team at Bellagio Florals did. This space felt like a beautifully overgrown European garden. Exactly what we envisioned.
With such tall ceilings in the venue, we wanted a lush arch to be the focal point of the ceremony space. The colors and foliage created a beautiful contrast to the white walls and veiled curtains. Can you even believe how this turned out?! This might be one of our favorite arches we’ve ever seen. The floral team meticulously designed and hand picked only the best flowers for this masterpiece- even down to individual hanging amaranthus blooms.
When envisioning the aisle, we wanted one “consecutive” arrangement that flowed into the next, rather than an individual floral arrangements. This further implemented our design concept of an overgrown European garden and wow do we love it!
The staircase is one of the main focal points in the space. The transparent glass railings can be left as-is, or dressed up to add more depth to the space. We wanted to continue to play into the garden look and have foliage “growing” up the staircase and make it look like the flowers were blooming directly from the ground. We are amazed how this turned out! When looking at the staircase from the bottom steps, it’s a beautiful work of art. When looking at the stairs from the main reception area, it’s an effortless detail that adds so much character to the space.
TABLESCAPE
An upcoming trend we’re excited to see more of are serpentine tables. We’ve seen a lot of BEAUTIFUL banquet style seating arrangements- extended long rectangular tables with cascading florals and linen- and this will be a new spin on that. Gentle, curved tables add a little more depth and dimension to the reception space.
Along with taper candles, antique books, and long flower arrangements, we added pears and grapes to really transform this tablescape into something unique. Bows, gold detailed plates, and embroidered linen to added character and dimension to this entire space.
PAPER PRODUCTS AND EXTRAS
For our paper products and invitation suite, we wanted the overall feel and aesthetic to be elegant, timeless, with a *hint* of feeling a bit enchanted. We mixed colors and paper types, used heavy scripted lettering, added floral detailing, and created a custom monogram. The deckled edges of the hand-torn cotton paper for the inserts and place cards really bring these products to the next level.
Your invitation suite is the first glimpse into your wedding vision and design that your guests will get. It sets the tone for your entire celebration and lets them know what to expect for your big day! We think taking the extra step is worth it.
A custom monogram is definitely something that takes your wedding to the next level. In addition to the invitation suite, we added the monogram to the menus, a custom-labeled champagne bottle, and in gold foil on top of the macarons.
DESSERTS
A statement cake is what we asked for, and a STATEMENT cake is what we got! We are still having a hard time finding the words to describe this cake. The intricate details Sugar Studio Chicago used are truly amazing and this is truly edible art. It is absolutely stunning!
We wanted a cake with minimal texture, adorned by flowers. The fondant on the cake is inscribed and every single flower and bud you see is made of sugar. SUGAR!!! This cake display is beautiful in pictures, but let me tell you- it was unbelievable in person. Imagine having your vows, favorite poem, or first dance lyrics inscribed on the cake or displayed on the scroll. Talk about making a statement!
The photographer for this shoot, Aubrey from Aubrey & Brandon Visuals, did an incredible job sharing her vision and capturing the design through her lens. Her creative touch and passion are truly on display through her photos!
She incorporated years of experience in meaningful interaction with couples and vendors to that allowed us to all be ourselves when working wither her. This allowed for genuine smiles from our couple and a beautiful execution of our shoot from start to finish.
Your wedding day is not just about a ceremony or reception, but rather the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Displaying your wedding photos on your walls is embracing the journey and celebrating it every day. If you’re looking for an amazing keepsake and memories to display in your home, we know Aubrey can deliver that experience for you. I mean, just look at these !!!!
“I believe your wedding photographer should provide you with an unforgettable experience, incredible imagery, and come out on the other end as a true friend.”
-Aubrey Thornsbury
The full list of amazing vendors:
Planning, Design, Styling: Vance Taylor Designs
Photo and Video: Aubrey & Brandon Visuals
Venue: Chez Wedding Venue
Florist: Bellagio Florals
Cake and Macarons: Sugar Studio Chicago
Hair Stylist: The Bridal Collective
Makeup Artist: Alyssa Diana Makeup
Paper Goods: Vance Taylor Designs
Dress: Lovely Bride Chicago
Rentals: Tablescapes Event Rentals and Marquee Event Rentals
