A historical venue, a live-music setting, and a couple who live and breathe all the wonders of the arts…this Chicago wedding is full of romantic, moody vibes and we just can’t get enough! Jess + JT met while working at an ad agency, where their mutual passion for art and creativity only fueled their love and admiration for one another. As true artists (the graphic designers created all their own paper goods), Jess + JT knew the importance of calling on vendors who were similarly passionate about their work—and then giving them the creative freedom to go make some magic!
With event planning by La Belle Fleur Events and a killer team in place, Jess + JT’s wedding unfolded into a day filled with deep hues + textures, meaningful surprises, and a sweet nod to their city and it’s history in the arts community.
Jess tells us: We chose a historic Chicago building, Thalia Hall, that was turned into a music venue for the location of our wedding. It’s in our neighborhood and we go there often for drinks, dinner and shows. Music is also very dear to us so we knew it would be a good party, being able to book Sidewalk Chalk as our band and dancing the night away in this beautiful space. We felt inspired to make the style for the wedding as unusual and eclectic as we are. Thalia Hall has so much wonderful character on its own and we wanted to accentuate that with elegant curiosities. From the cicadas and geodes mixed in with the moody florals by Asrai Garden, to floating lanterns and string lights, we just wanted to create a night that felt like magic to us.
Megan Saul Photography was on-hand to capture that magic…and did she indeed!! Have a look:
So many gorgeous textures!
Jess totally NAILED the “something blue” with these vintage-inspired blue velvet heels!
Instead of showing her florist at Asrai Garden a photo of exactly what Jess wanted her bouquet to look like, she handed over a color palette and told them to run with it!
WHAT A GOWN!! This beaded dream with a train to match is by Inbal Dror and from Chicago’s Dimitra’s Bridal.
So sweet, these two!!
For the ceremony, Jess + JT brought in a string trio to take advantage of the acoustics at Thalia Hall.
Processional: “Unravel” by Bjork, performed by the String Trio
Recessional: “Heroes” by David Bowie, performed by the String Trio
First Dance: “Cherry” by Ratatat, performed by Sidewalk Chalk
Pure magic! The floral installation is just dreamy.
Jess hand painted mini canvases as escort cards for the guests!
Let friends and family support and help with the day as much as they want, but don’t lose sight that the day is ultimately about you two. Do what makes you happy, even if it breaks the ‘rules’ of a wedding day.
Don’t try to control everything. JT and I chose vendors who had talents that we trusted. We both work in creative fields and know that when you are given a little freedom it’s easier to flex those creative muscles.
Jess + JT’s whimsical touch included cicadas and geodes, perfectly strange + fun against their handmade menus.
Jess’ gorgeous rings are by Mociun!
Jess: Its too hard to pick one moment, they day goes by as fast as everyone warns you about… JT’s vows were so beautiful, I think about them a lot. But one moment I had no idea about was that he snuck a secret song in for our first dance. One of my favorites called “Cherry” by Ratatat. I thought the band started playing the wrong song and was so confused, but then more members of the band and the trio from the ceremony started coming out adding layers onto the song, with the final member being JT’s brother, Josh, on violin. It was a wonderful surprise, plus we got to do a second first dance to the song I was expecting “All I Need” by Radiohead performed by our band Sidewalk Chalk.
JT: Having a quiet moment to ourselves in the opera box above the stage after the ceremony, while snacking on hors devours and observing friends and family mingle and meet for the first time. That quick quiet break was our first moment together as a married couple.
Elysia Root Cakes created this geode gem of a cake for the bride + groom.
[embedded content]
This video by Leap Weddings captures the true artistic heart + soul of this creative couple! His vows…so sweet!!
Congrats to Jess + JT on your marriage from all of us at GWS! xoxo
photography: Megan Saul Photography // venue name: Thalia Hall, Chicago, Illinois, USA // planning: La Belle Fleur Events // florals: Asrai Garden // wedding dress: Inbal Dror // wedding dress boutique: Dimitra’s Bridal // bride’s ring: Mociun // hair stylist: Jessica Nebel // videography: Leap Weddings // paper goods: Made by Jess + JT // catering: Dusek’s // cake: Elysia Root Cakes // linen rentals: BBJ Linens // music: Sidewalk Chalk
Leave a comment