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Writer's pictureAfton Vangsness

Renee + Brad: Contemporary Chicago Wedding

This modern couple brought contemporary design to their Chicago wedding, and every detail was a dream. With sleek designs and neutral colors, Renee + Brad's city wedding embodied effortless sophistication.


Photos courtesy of Sally O'Donnell Photography

Wedding at The Langham Chicago

On a gorgeous summer day in Chicago, we started the day at The Langham. It was the perfect luxury setting for this fabulous couple.

I worked with Renee and Brad to design their wedding and ensure all of the details reflected the modern and stylish feel they were going for, while still remaining timeless.

Wedding invitation suite by Minted

The color palette was primarily white with hints of sage green and black incorporated as well. The invitation suite included contemporary shapes and a city skyline detail.


Emerald cut engagement ring

Rare Bird Beauties provided hair and makeup, and Renee looked stunning with her glam yet simplistic look.

Renee is from Miami (but grew up all over the world) so her mom and ladies all traveled to Chicago for the big day. She is an only child and it was so special to see what a bond she has with her parents and how her girlfriends were like sisters!

Chicago bridal suite at The Langham

The breathtaking views of the suite were the perfect backdrop to show off the gorgeous bride!

Renee wore a sleek bridal gown by Pronovias and carried a fluffy white bouquet from The Local Petaler. The florals were reminiscent of a cloud, and this day was an absolute dream.

Brad and his guys got ready at the hotel as well, looking dapper in classic tuxedos from The Black Tux.


Groomsmen at The Langham

The first look took place privately in the hotel suite, and they were so excited to get to spend the entire day together.


Chicago wedding photography by Sally O'Donnell

Sally O'Donnell was the perfect choice for classic and timeless wedding photos, with a touch of trendiness here and there. The black and white photo on the stairs will forever be a favorite!


Bride and groom in Chicago

Quintessential Chicago wedding party photos took place by The Wrigley building overlooking the river, as well as at the Art Institute of Chicago's gardens.


Wedding photos at The Art Institute Chicago

The beautiful bridesmaids wore sage green satin bridesmaid's dresses by Jenny Yoo.

Bridemaids dresses by Jenny Yoo


Chicago wedding party photography

This is one of my absolute favorite spots for jaw-dropping wedding photos!

Summer wedding in Chicago

Then, it was wedding time! The ceremony and reception took place at Loft Lucia in the West Loop.

The ceremony took place outdoors on the rooftop. When it came to the floral, it was a real mix of modern and traditional. This wedding is one that you can look at it today and think it is so current, but you can also look at it far into the future and know it will still be timeless.

Father of the bride at wedding ceremony

The bride was walked down the aisle by her dad, and I think this is my favorite father-daughter photo ever!


Rooftop wedding ceremony at Loft Lucia

The sun was shining as they became husband and wife.


Rooftop wedding ceremony


Summer wedding ceremony

The ceremony was officiated by a family member of the groom, and it was sweet, funny, and intimate. Everyone waved their ribbons as they cheered on the newly married couple!

Wedding ceremony in the west loop, chicago

Chicago wedding by Afton Events

Guests proceeded to the bar for cocktail hour. The indoor-outdoor flow is one of the biggest draws for this Chicago wedding venue.


Catering by Michaels passed an assortment of hors d'oeuvres and we had drinks flowing at the bar!

Cocktail hour menu and drinks

The stationery and signage at the wedding continued the modern minimalist style in sleek black and white.

Escort card wedding stationery

The reception took place on the 3rd floor of the venue, featuring the venue's farm tables and exposed brick.

We dressed up the tables with white chiffon runners, black napkins and flatware, white taper candles, and lush floral centerpieces.

Wedding floral by The Local Petaler

Upgrading flatware to a matte black really emphasized the design of the wedding. I also loved the little touch of baby's breath on top of the menus in the napkins!

The bride and groom opted for a sweetheart table which was decked out with floral in front of the large windows, creating a dreamlike focal point for the room.

Reception table decor

Guest favors were little bottles of limoncello with custom labels set at each place setting. They turned out so cute and were an ode to the bride's family.


Wedding planning by Afton Events

Mr. and Mrs. Fretti entered the reception and were immediately surrounded by their wedding party.


Sweetheart table at wedding venue

Welcome toasts from the father of the bride and the father of the groom opened the night.

Dinner catered by Catering by Michaels

I always love surprises at weddings, even little ones! It was one of the groomsmen's birthdays, so we had a little cupcake and candle come out for him.


Wedding cake and cake topper

After dinner, the bride and groom cut their small wedding cake, as they had a dessert table for all of the guests to enjoy.


First dance

The bride and groom absolutely killed their first dance to 'Love Like This' by Ben Rector, before the music cut, and they switched to 'Suavemente' by Elvis Crespo to liven things up and get the party started!

Renee let her hair down after that, both literally and figuratively! They took some golden hour photos and had a little moment on the rooftop away from the crowd.

Rooftop wedding photos


Wedding rings

Golden hour photos

Then, it was obviously time for an outfit change so this Miami girl could really dance!

Sound Events Chicago kept everyone on the dance floor, and this group could seriously PARTY!


Bridal reception dress

What a perfect day and night this summer wedding turned out to be!

Chicago wedding

Congratulations to this amazing couple!


xo,

Afton


Vendor Team -

Planner: Afton Events

Venue: Loft Lucia

Hair and Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties

Accommodations: The Langham Chicago

Bridal Gown: Pronovias

Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo

Tuxedos: The Black Tux

Stationery: Minted






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