Venue spotlight: City View Loft

We’re highlighting another one of my favorite venues today: City View Loft in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. If you’re going for industrial chic for your wedding, this venue would be perfect. Its most popular feature are the windows wrapping around the venue giving your guests views of Chicago’s iconic skyline during the reception. It has many attention-grabbing details like high timber ceilings, exposed brick walls, mahogany chivari chairs and reclaimed wood tables. I’ve worked with lots of caterers and its in-house caterer, LM Catering, is one of the best out there. The ceremony space, Kitchen Chicago, is filled with abundant natural light and inspires awe with its cathedral-high ceilings. I truly enjoy being there. Any questions, please reach out!

Images by Jill Tiongco Photography, Lisa Kay Creative, Cattura Weddings and King and Opal.

Venue spotlight: Firehouse Chicago

If I were to have a wedding again (with the same spouse-to-be, of course), we would likely select Firehouse Chicago as our wedding venue. It’s a former firehouse turned event space restored with the building’s 110-year history in mind. It’s located in the Edgewater neighborhood, about 4 miles from our studio. With a maximum event capacity of 100, it’s perfect if you want to keep your event intimate.

Say “I do” in the gorgeous, private patio.

Then move the reception indoors, which features subway tiles, tin ceilings, the original fire pole (!) and antique doors. If I had to pick my favorite feature, it would be their bourbon barrels repurposed as charming cocktail tables, the rustic farm tables and the wedding suite on the second floor for getting ready.

Because it’s such a knockout space filled with charming details, you don’t need to bring a ton of additional decor—just flowers and candles.

Contact here if you have a wedding there and need floral assistance. We’d be happy to help!

Images are from two of our weddings there and thanks to The Kismet Collective (outdoor shots) and Cage + Aquarium (indoor shots).

Venue spotlight: The Woman's Club of Evanston

There is much to love about this historic, storied building located in downtown Evanston. It’s about a mile from our studio, which makes working there easy-peasy for us. It’s within a block or two from hotels, restaurants, shops and bars galore as well as public transit to and from downtown Chicago, so out-of-town guests will find the location fun and convenient. 

Besides the location, the two-story ballroom is my favorite. Our clients have used it for their wedding ceremony and dinner+dance. You’ll find soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling, shiny hardwood floors, intricate molding, vintage chandeliers and a built-in stage perfect for a band or DJ. 

The first floor is a perfect space to welcome your guests with a cocktail hour. To personalize the area, couples have us add botanic touches in various spots, like on the staircase and mantel.

It’s beautiful outside too. You’ll find lots of backdrops for your photos. 

We’ve been a part of more than 20 events at The Woman’s Club of Evanston, including weddings, for Northwestern, fundraisers, etc. If you have any questions, please reach out! 

The above photos are from our previous weddings there. Image credits (from top to bottom): Ed and Aileen, Caitlin Lisa, Victoria Sprung, Aliza Rae, Matt Haas and Sean Cook