A Chic Intimate Wedding at The Arbory Chicago

Chic Intimate Wedding at The Arbory Chicago

Right on Grand Avenue in Chicago lies an intimate wedding venue that screams industrial-chic. The Arbory Chicago boasts an insane amount of that industrial charm Chicago is famous for.

With seven skylights, multiple murals, are a living plant wall, this venue is shining with uniqueness. And on a chilly spring day in early April, Bianca & Steven tied the knot underneath the edison bulbs and skylights of The Arbory.

Their details were minimal, but beautiful. The penny tile at the outside entrance of the building was the perfect backdrop to take a simple yet visually stunning flatlay. Inside, Bianca’s shoes were hung on a chair and drenched in the early afternoon sun coming from one of the many skylights. There were truly so many options here for capturing details, it’s such a charming venue!!

Steven was dressed in a classic black suit and tie, with suspenders underneath (an appreciated touch), while his groomsmen were dressed in black from head to toe.

Bianca wore a custom-made, one of a kind dress, sparkling with subtle rainbow sequins, while her bridesmaids dressed in all black. The whole wedding party was quite chic, if I do say so myself. The bride shared a sweet first look with her bridesmaids, her mother filming on her phone in the corner of the room, admiring her work of art. Her mom and her bridesmaids reactions were just too sweet.

Bianca and Steven shared their first look right outside the front doors of The Arbory. Framed by the orange mural and vintage glass block framing the doorway, they shared their vows privately––the occasional car whizzing past with a congratulatory honk of celebration. Steven’s face when he saw Bianca in her dress was priceless.

As they shared their vows, their caterer popped her head out to say hello, which was a welcomed surprise, I love the photos from this moment.

After we’d taken photos of their bridal party, guests began to pour in through the doors and into the sunlit venue. Friends and family signed the guest book, left wedding gifts and cards on the welcome table, and waiting for the curtains to the ceremony space to open.

The skylights in the ceremony space filled the room with the most beautiful, soft glow. Guests began to find their seats, and before we knew it, Steven was standing at the alter, waiting for his wife.

Bianca walked herself down the aisle, their guests in pure awe and admiration as she made her way to Steven. This is always one of my favorite parts of the day. Their ceremony was short and sweet, Bianca and Steven were glowing as they exchanged their vows, rings, and shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

Their cocktail hour was held in the room adjacent to their ceremony as the incredible staff at The Arbory changed their ceremony into the most beautiful reception space. Guests enjoyed each other’s company as they sipped on Bianca and Steven’s signature drinks, chatter and laughter filling the room. Bianca and Steven joined shortly after, a thunderous applause bursting as they entered.

The reception space was moody and amazing. The centerpieces on all the tables were plants that Bianca and Steven had grown themselves leading up to the wedding, and were also wedding favors that guests could take home (yes, I took a Pothos). The evening light came through the skylight, illuminating the far corner of the room and giving it the most beautiful, moody atmosphere.

For their entrance into the reception, Bianca and Steven planned a dance with their wedding party and it was a huge hit. They had MOVES let me tell ya!! After they were sat, tables were released for dinner, and their caterer was phenomenal. Everything was beautiful AND delicious, 10/10.

Toasts and speeches were had, tears were shed, and the dance floor opened up for anyone willing to participate. This was such an incredible, chic intimate wedding at The Arbory Chicago. What an honor it was to be part of such a meaningful day for Bianca, Steven, and their families. Here’s to The Hartzlers!