I am always simply astounded by a dedicated DIY-inspired couple, and this bride and groom are no different. They brewed their own beer to make homemade gifts for guests, and they learned how to make letterpress stationery in their very own dining room! I am beyond impressed! The venue, Architectural Artifacts, offered the perfect place to turn their vision into a reality. I especially love the transformation of the ceremony site into the dance floor! Ashley Biess Photography shares all the amazingness below, and you can’t miss the full gallery of photos right here.
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From the Bride… When we started to plan our wedding day, we knew that we wanted to get married in Chicago and that we wanted a venue that was unique and different. After searching for the perfect place, a friend recommended Architectural Artifacts, and we instantly loved it. The space provided such great opportunities to make it your own and to be creative. We also loved that we were allowed to incorporate the store’s unique items into our vision. While planning, we had the opportunity to work with so many creative, professional and friendly vendors. We also had a great time incorporating our friends and family into the process. We learned how to make letterpress stationery in our dining room. My mom let us turn her basement into a brewery so we could make the gifts for our guests, and we had a tasting party with our friends to select what craft brews we would serve at our wedding. Everyone’s patience, creativity and enthusiasm provided us with many great memories leading up to our wedding day.
The weather on our wedding day was absolutely fantastic. We had a great surprise that morning when there was a farmers’ market in the parking lot behind our hotel. So before going our separate ways to get ready, we ate fresh crepes at the farmers’ market together with our siblings and parents. The first look was a fantastic moment. We loved having a moment together to laugh and be ourselves while just taking it all in. We were so overwhelmed by seeing all of our hard work and planning come together, knowing that we were going to be married at the end of it. After that, it was all just a whirlwind. Memories that stand out include seeing everyone wave the flags we made and cheer as we walked up the aisle after our first kiss, hearing the amazing toasts from our siblings and parents, standing in the candlelit dining room, and singing the last song in a circle with our friends. It was truly an amazing ride that we will never forget.
Wedding Photography: Ashley Biess Photography / Wedding Venue: Architectural Artifacts in Chicago, Illinois / Floral Design: Larkspur / Centerpieces: DIY with Lanterns from Target + IKEA / Wedding Cinematography: Wedit / Catering: Food Evolution / Dessert: Sweet Mandy B’s / Beer Gifts: DIY / Wedding Stationery, Flags, Programs, Place Cards + Bar Menus: DIY / DJ: Toast & Jam / Guest Log: Baumbirdy / Lighting: Art of Imagination / Getting Ready Location: Hilton Garden Inn Evanston /Wedding Dress + Sash: J.Crew / Alterations: Mary Catomy Bridal Alterations / Hair: Sarah Kotarinos of Salon Kallisto / Makeup + Eyelashes: Briana Cardone / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom / Men’s Suits: Macy’s / Men’s Cufflinks: PhotoJule / Engagement Ring + Wedding Bands: The Gem Gallery