Architectural Artifacts David and Cheri | urban wedding photos | Unique Chicago wedding venue-
David & Cheri decided to skip the getting ready photos and had me start at the first look, which was at a Firehouse!!! Hello? Happy photographer?! Yes please!
They arrived in the same limo together, but David was blindfolded during the drive. Makeup by Susan Rogan, hair by Beth Madden at Tropical Sunsations.
Now we didn’t just go to any random firehouse and asked if we could use it, David actually works there.
Flowers by Joani Matyka at Iris, 630-370-7112
Wedding dress by Jasmine Haute Couture.
Groom’s Tux/shoes- Men’s Wearhouse .
Bravest. Bride. EVER!!!
Shoes- Badgley Mischka purchased through Nordstrom.
I got to hang with the happy couple in the limo, and got to partake in this little refreshing beverage…rough life but someone has to do it 😉
Probably one of my all time favorite photos. This photo captures them as a couple, the spirit of the day, and my photography style all in one….Happy, fun, offbeat with a touch of red of course 🙂
How do I always end up with the most gorgeous couples?
Wedding and ceremony took place at Architectural Artifacts in Chicago.
I’m always very grateful when I get a plated meal, but I’m over the moon when I get a meal and a salad. Carol (my assistant) is actually sad when we don’t get a salad 😉 So thank you to Cheri and David for being so considerate 🙂
Yeah, it was as good as it looked, thank you Phil Stephani Signature Restaurants!
Up-lighting makes a difference people!! Lighting and music my the amazing team at MDM Entertainment.
More photos inside, the possibilities are endless, I love this place!! Yes they have cars inside the store…they have everything!!
Dessert- Sensational Bites.
David rocked the dance-floor, he’s great!!
Love!!
From the Bride…
‘Wedding dress- Jasmine Haute Couture pleated asymmetrical silk taffeta purchased at Bridal Elegance in Ottawa, IL. The staff at this huge warehouse location was helpful, yet not pushy or overly opinionated like some experiences at other bridal stores. I managed to buy mine right off the rack 😉 I loved the simplicity of my dress with sparse elegant, antique crystal designs at the hips and back of dress.
Fascinator/head piece- Custom designed by ‘Sandra’s Designs’. I found this husband/wife team business after contacting a very helpful representative at ‘A Joyful Occasion’ in Naperville, IL, who confirmed they carried fascinators but found that I lived a good distance from their location. She recommended I contact Paul at Sandra’s Designs in Lombard, IL, (much closer to me) and I am so thankful I did. He was knowledgeable, creative, and in my opinion, hysterical. He had plenty of samples to show and try on, and asked for specific input on what I envisioned for the big day. After designing my removable crystal/feathered clip and size of birdcage/netting, he assured me it would be completed within a week’s time and if any adjustments needed to be made it was no problem. Paul lived up to his word. My order was completed on time, and looked gorgeous. He again assured me that if I needed any further adjustments after getting a final hair trial with my stylist, that wouldn’t be a problem. Again, he honored his word as I needed to return for changing the size of birdcage netting, which he completed while I waited a whole 15 minutes. That’s service. I can’t say enough good things about Sandra’s Designs. Please check them out if you have the opportunity: www.sandrasdesigns.com or facebook.com/sandrasdesigns.
Shoes- Badgley Mischka purchased through Nordstrom. I managed an incredible sale price. Yes, good things do come to those who wait 😉
Earrings- Nina Bridal Eiffel design, purchased through Nordstrom (I just love Nordstrom.)
Rings- My husband’s impeccable taste led me to receive a Tacori Dantela collection engagement ring, which is absolutely stunning. It is now complemented by a diamond infinity band, created by staff at Merry Richards Jewelers, Oak Brook, IL location. Laura Chin was our knowledgeable and very helpful diamond consultant, yet all staff has proved very professional and knowledgeable upon unscheduled visits to the store.
Hair and makeup- My longtime stylist Beth Madden at Tropical Sunsations located in West Beverly/Chicago, IL, did a fabulous job with giving my hair a romantic feel while keeping my hair down, which I prefer since it reflects the everyday me (and after all, that’s who my guy fell for in the first place, right?)
Makeup was completed by Susan Rogan in Oak Lawn, IL. She really knows her stuff and has been in the biz for many years. Susan also has some great stories to share while making you beautiful. Check her out at www.makeupchicago.us.
Groom’s Tux/shoes- Thank you to Men’s Wearhouse and Vera Wang for making my husband look like a modern day James bond on our wedding day. Yummy!!
Flowers- Our flowers and table arrangements were created by my best friend and bridesmaid Joani Matyka at Iris, 630-370-7112. I was fortunate enough to simply tell her our color choice for the wedding and reiterate how much I loved candlelight, and off she went with her creative juices suggesting various ideas for our spring season. Everything turned out wonderfully. I appreciate all the hard work she put in toward making our day romantic and beautiful. Only Joani could do all that and still manage the “best girlie” role.
Venue- Thanks go out to both Iris and Jamie Bauer at Architectural Artifacts for putting this unique store/museum to work for us. The amazing space and unbelievable items located under one roof made this wedding cute and quirky, while utilizing artifacts from the store for decorations and a vibe that made it our own. If you drop by to shop, make sure to seek out Stuart who will grace you with jungle stories on any of his amazing finds.
Lighting/DJ/Photo Booth- MDM Entertainment. Patti is a pistol! Patti showed us how to transform our space into the event we wanted. Having the idea for up lighting and Asian lanterns, Patti promised a whole new look, and delivered. DJ Dave spent a lot of time getting our music tastes nailed down. He kept our party on the dance floor all night, unless they were enjoying the Photo Express photo booth. Special package rates kept this affordable in our eyes, and really made a difference.
Caterer- Phil Stefani Signature Events. Anna Pindara was a dream to work with. We can’t say enough about her. From the first phone call to confirm prices published on their website, we knew she was genuine. Anna set up an amazing (free) tasting that would satisfy any foodie’s palate that showcased our selections and tastes. Anna went above and beyond personal service to make us feel at ease, throughout our relationship. On the big day, we were treated like royalty, and the menu was exactly the same as our tasting, scrumptious. Months later, guests cannot stop talking about the food. Not only the best ‘wedding food’ that they have ever tasted, but some of the best food ever! Don’t settle for anyone else but Anna!
Dessert- Sensational Bites. This Southport location is the perfect place to stop in for some delicious sweets. Close to Wrigley Field (Go Cubs!), they make signature cupcakes and a variety of scrumptious desserts. We decided to go with a variety of dessert bars (lemon squares, S’Mores, salted caramel bars) and amazing cupcakes for snacking enjoyment. Phil Stefani’s staff once again came through to set up and display our selections on a beautiful dessert table.
Photographer- Angel Eyes Photography. Hilda Burke is a rock star. Hilda Burke is a saint. Hilda Burke is a true artist….and a little bit naughty. Simply stated, we LOVE Hilda (and Carol too).
David’s favorite part of the day was the blindfolded limo ride (provided by Your Limousine) resulting in the fabulous “first look” pictures at the firehouse. Topping it all off was his bride’s amazing sense of adventure for climbing on the ladder truck, and Angel Eyes for capturing it all.
Cheri’s most memorable moments took place while shooting in the city near Kinzie street bridge. Since we didn’t have the perfect weather day, we made the best of quickly dashing from one spot to another enjoying the sights and sounds of the city and passing cars honking.’
