Chicago is a city bursting with eclectic flair, and when Row 24 opened its doors in 2017, we knew it was the perfect venue to showcase its range of possibilities for couples seeking a unique, industrial-chic space. With its raw, urban aesthetic, Row 24 provided the perfect backdrop for a creative collaboration that brought together a talented group of small businesses for an unforgettable styled shoot.
As a small business owner, my goal was not just to create beautiful images for brides and grooms, but to foster a sense of community and support among vendors. We wanted to provide a platform where wedding vendors could collaborate, learn from each other, and gain professionally from the experience. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how this styled shoot came to life!
A Venue with Industrial-Chic Vibes
The owners of Row 24, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, graciously allowed us to take over their space for the day. From the start, our vision for this styled shoot was to enhance the venue’s natural aesthetic without overwhelming its character. The industrial charm of the venue’s four walls provided the perfect inspiration for our design. We leaned into light tones and textures to create a dramatic contrast against the darker tones of the space, drawing attention to the venue's unique features.
Florals played a key role in softening the venue’s look. Chris Marmol Floral Design provided cool water roses that perfectly complemented the ivory and gold accents of the bride's dress. We incorporated light foliage throughout to echo the greenery accent wall at the venue’s entrance, creating a seamless blend between the natural elements and the industrial space. Our open-wall chuppah was designed to feature a rounded ceremony layout, offering full views of the bride and groom, all enhanced by the warm glow of candlelight for a romantic, intimate atmosphere.
Styling the Models: Fashion Meets Function
For this shoot, we worked with models styled by Pin Me Up Chicago, who provided hair and makeup services. The male model wore an elegant all-black tuxedo paired with a white tuxedo shirt, provided by The Groomsman Suit. His accessories, including a timepiece and cufflinks, were provided by Groomsday – Groomsman Gifts, completing his sleek, polished look. The bridal style, with its ivory tones, gold accents, and soft elegance, was the perfect match for the venue’s sophisticated vibe.
Overcoming Challenges: Lighting
While Row 24 boasts incredible features, the space’s lack of natural light presented a challenge. The venue has one skylight, but a gloomy November day meant we had to rely on additional lighting to bring out the best of the venue. Despite this, we made it work, using soft lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that highlighted the venue's dramatic architecture and beautiful amenities. Premier Catering provided additional décor elements that complemented the venue, while the 3-tier cake from The Quintessential Cake was a showstopper. With its faux marble surround and gold leaf accents, the cake beautifully highlighted the venue’s feminine details and worked seamlessly with the towering ceilings.
Sweetheart Table and Stationery Details
Our sweetheart table was a key focal point for the shoot. Positioned in front of the greenery accent wall, the elegant linen-less table was adorned with loose greenery, gold accents, and natural candlelight, creating a dreamy, romantic setting. Handwritten menu cards with delicate gold leaf touches, provided by Paper Love Club, added an extra touch of elegance to the table setting. Every detail was designed to blend seamlessly with the venue’s natural beauty.
Capturing the Moment
Behind the lens was Renae from City Savvy Imaging, whose talent brought our vision to life through stunning photography. Each vendor was given a specific shot list to ensure they captured what they needed, and we were thrilled with how beautifully everything came together. The day was time-lapsed on video by Sonnet Wedding Films, allowing us to relive every detail of this incredible collaboration.
After a 12-hour day of designing, photographing, and plenty of laughs, we ended with a champagne toast to celebrate our successes. The collaboration and creative energy made for an unforgettable experience that we’re proud to share with couples looking for inspiration for their wedding day.
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