A Classic Chicago Wedding With A Modern Edge

Bride and groom share kiss in lush green garden trees

Starting off with a full Catholic mass, we really thought we could predict what would happen next at this Chicago wedding day. And then we saw the reception. Not only was the location fabulously industrial in just the right way, but the way they used the space was genius! No need for two locations for your cocktail hour and your reception. Nope, just spring for billowy curtains and you've got a killer partition that adds great accents to your space!

Keep scrolling to see more of Colleen and Joe's big day, and as always be sure to visit the full gallery of photos provided to us by the talented Peter Wynn Thompson.

Elegant wedding stationery suite with rings detail

Elegant bridal shoes Badgley Mischka white rhinestones Chicago cityscape view with Wrigley Building clock tower

Seven groomsmen in tuxedos Chicago wedding cityscape

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Option 1: Bride and groom romantic church kiss
Option 2: Romantic wedding kiss at church door
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Bride and groom laugh football bouquet wedding day photo

From JPB Designs

When I first met with Colleen and Joe, they were overwhelmed with the entire planning process. Both of them work demanding jobs and neither had time to navigate even the beginnings of planning a wedding. Once we started working together, we found Venue West, a huge industrial space located in Chicago. Colleen and Joe wanted their wedding to feel "chic and elegant, relaxed and comfortable, classic and romantic." We quickly realized my job was to turn this large, empty space into a warm, elegant, classic environment. With a little help from our favorite vendors, we did just that!

Ornate church wedding ceremony bride and groom altar

Ornate church interior with painted arches and pillars

Just married couple kiss at church cheered by guests

The "I Do"s

Knowing Colleen and Joe wanted a traditional Catholic wedding, we secured St. Michael's of Old Town, a beautiful Catholic Church on the north side of the city. We planned the day so that the couple got ready at the Wyndham Grand hotel and had their first look up in the penthouse, which overlooks the Chicago River.
Following the first look, the wedding party hopped on a trolley and headed over to St. Michael's of Old Town for a full Catholic mass wedding. In the two hours between ceremony and reception, guests checked into their hotel rooms, and the wedding party traveled around Chicago with the photographer for photos.

Smiling bride and groom walk together on wedding day

Smiling bride and groom share loving glance on wedding day Wedding newlyweds kiss under green tree on wedding day

Joyful bride and groom embrace on their wedding day Bride and groom share kiss in lush green garden wedding

Bride and bridesmaids in pink gowns at outdoor wedding

The Reception

When guests entered the reception space at Venue West, they walked in to see a welcome sign, created by one of the bridesmaids that we repurposed from the church and two wreaths which were also repurposed from the church's front doors. Guests walked down a long hallway and passed three screens up on the wall. With the help of the photographer and venue's AV, we added a few same-day photos to those screens. It was such a great surprise for the guests to see an image of Colleen and Joe outside of the church!
Then, the doors opened up into the cocktail space. One of my favorite parts about the cocktail area is that we took a huge gold chandelier and placed it in the middle of the area. Underneath, the florist created a beautiful floral arrangement on a 72" round so we could place the escort cards around it. My other favorite part was the three-sided white bar! We put shelving in the middle and adorned the shelving with a green garland. The whole thing made quite an impact for guests!

Rustic wedding welcome sign Colleen and Joe flowers September 8 2018

Soft pink rose floral arrangement in small vase with candle Wedding reception table flower centerpiece place cards Here are a few options for the alt tag, choose the best one:
- Elegant wedding place cards for guest seating
- Wedding table cards for guest seating arrangement
- Wedding place cards for table seven Michelle OBrien
- Guest place cards for wedding table setting

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Elegant flowers centerpiece wedding table twenty one

Elegant wedding reception decor with chandeliers and flowers Elegant wedding centerpiece with roses and candles

Elegant wedding reception table with candles and floral centerpiece

Elegant wedding reception in a rustic brick venue

The Decor

Once it was time, we opened the drapes between cocktail and reception. Guests walked into a soft, elegant dining space. In order to soften that area, we added chandeliers sporadically placed around the dining area, fabric that billowed from the ceiling and down the walls, and uprights on the brick walls.
Placing the head table against the brick, unlighted wall and under two chandeliers, we created a warm, inviting space for the wedding party. Guests enjoyed funny, memorable toasts and a delicious dinner before moving back to the other side of the drapes for a night of dancing under the big gold chandelier.

Elegant wedding reception dinner with guests seated at tables Elegant wedding reception bar setup with glassware and bottles