My own wedding was at a refurbished loft space, so it’s no secret I have a total affinity for all things industrial chic. So when I laid eyes on this Ivy Room fête from Robyn Rachel Photography I was all smiles! The juxtaposition of rough + refined is so glam in my book, especially when that blend is brought together with personal touches + DIY goodness. See the rest of this beauty in the full gallery!
From the Bride… Jason and I met while working in Chicago and were immediately drawn together in friendship. Jason trained the girl who started working the same day I did. I was jealous. I thought he was a little nerdy but super-cute with his blond hair and blue eyes. I found myself finding reasons to swing by her desk while they were together. Our relationship developed over the next year, and one cold night in December, I kissed him at the train station on track nine … then missed my train! Three years later we decided to take a huge leap of faith and move to Oregon. We wanted to challenge ourselves and experience something new together before we settled down and had kids. Jason was amazingly loving and supportive and quit his job to move across the country for our future. Not a week after I accepted my current position and he had told his boss that he was leaving, a job opened up with our company in the same area in Oregon. It was unbelievable and something that we both know will never happen again. We are truly blessed. I still get the tingles when I talk about it.
I am not a bride who has dreamed of my wedding since I was a little girl. So when we got engaged and it all sunk in, it was all a little, well, overwhelming! Especially the “planning a Chicago wedding from Oregon” part. Luckily we have incredible family and friends who were more than happy to step in and do the dirty work. I knew that I wanted something unique and chic with more editorial-type fashion and photography. My dad suggested the Ivy Room … love him! Jason booked me a flight, and I flew in the following week. :) I immediately fell in love with the quaint courtyard and the old, wooden, unfinished floors in the event space. I actually shed a tear. Rustic, simple, chic became my inspiration and obsession. I loved my burlap runners on the farm tables with our low centerpieces in galvanized pails, but I knew the space would need more dimension. The hanging lanterns were the perfect touch. They added depth, warmth and a touch of whimsy to the room. Very Pottery Barn. We felt it was important to incorporate our new life in Oregon with our family and friends in Chicago. We served Oregon wines selected by our good friend and owner of our favorite wine bar that complemented our deliciously clean menu. Our vendors bent over backwards for us to make our vision a reality.
One of our favorite touches were our place card boards. We came up with the idea to hang our place cards from Oregon wine corks. The illustration on the cards was a hand drawn label of the wine we served our guests. It was a little tedious to drill the holes, string and tie the ribbon, slice the corks, write the names and assemble them, but our DIY project was totally worth it! We ended up loving that the first thing our guests saw when they arrived was something that we created and designed. One of my favorite touches was Jason’s and the groomsmen socks! I love that my man added his own touch of style!
Wedding Photography: Robyn Rachel Photography / Wedding Venue: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios in Chicago, Illinois / Catering: Limelight Catering / Wedding Cake: Tipsy Cake / Wedding Stationery: KapArt / Music: DJ Megan of Fig Media / Lighting: Frost Chicago / Accommodations: The James Chicago / Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm via AniA Collection / Bride’s Shoes: L.A.M.B. / Hair: Erin Graham / Makeup: Kalee Hooghkirk / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jim Hjelm via Bella Bridesmaid / Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse + Nordstrom