1. Real Weddings

A Whimsical Warehouse Wedding at Architectural Artifacts in Chicago, Illinois

While planning their November wedding in the north side of the city, to-be-weds Sarah Rogers (28 and a social worker) and Robert Kull (29 and in geogr

While planning their November wedding in the north side of the city, to-be-weds Sarah Rogers (28 and a social worker) and Robert Kull (29 and in geographic information systems) immediately booked the raw, warehouse space at Architectural Artifacts in Ravenswood. "I thought I wanted a clean, modern loft wedding, but when we walked into The Atrium and wandered among all of the weird and wonderful antiques, we knew it was a great fit for our quirky personalities," the bride says. With both the bride and groom dressed in white, the couple exchanged vows in front of a garland-draped ceremony space that evoked a feeling of being surrounded by nature. "I felt like I was in a library that was spilling out into the nearby woods," the bride says. "We even said our vows on a beautiful floral rug that we've now put in our bedroom as a constant reminder of that day and our love for one another." While planning their whimsical wedding within the warehouse space, the couple settled on a neutral color palette of navy and gray for a muted look overall. "Our venue was this cluttered, crazy, beautiful antique warehouse and I wanted it to feel like we were in this old museum that was slowly being overgrown with moss and greens," the bride says. "Our florist, A Pretty Flower, completely understood my vision and helped me create these lush, green, fragrant bouquet full of eucalyptus, mums and lamb's ear." Rob's family helped to create the unique stick and moss-covered escort cards while antique books were used as a unique alternative to traditional floral centerpieces. "One friend designed our invitations and save the dates while another created our cake toppers," the bride says. "Ultimately, we wanted everyone to feel involved, as my favorite weddings are the ones where the couple makes you feel like they really want you to be there. We were so lucky to have so many talented friends that contributed to our day in amazing ways."

Sarah found her dress at Weddings 826 and knew immediately after trying it on that it was the one. "I tried it on and people started coming up to me in the store telling me how beautiful it was!" she says. "I loved that it was different and youthful while still elegant."
Navy and Green Wedding Invitation
"Our florist, A Pretty Flower, completely understood my vision and helped me create these lush, green, fragrant bouquet full of eucalyptus, mums and lamb's ear," the bride says.
Rob wore map cufflinks that signified two separate locations where Sarah was born and later raised.
Gold and Black Block Letters
Rob designed a unique pink tourmaline engagement for Sarah prior to popping the question. "I suggested tourmaline because I'm from Maine and it's our state stone," the bride says.
Custom Wood Hangers
Navy Bridesmaids Dresses
The groom wore white, which popped against his groomsmen in classic gray suits. "Rob wanted to wear white and I thought it was a great way to remind people that it's his day, too," Sarah says. "Plus, it took some of the focus off of me!"
Wedding Dress with Illusion Lace Back
The groom's family helped to create a log escort card holder made from sticks and moss.
Antique Book and Pool Ball Centerpiece
Rustic Place Setting with Navy Table Linen
Green and White Bottled Flower Arrangements
"I was lucky enough to have so many talented friends who contributed to our wedding in amazing ways," the bride says. "A friend from college has a cake-making business and made us a Saint Bernard and orange cat cake topper that paid homage to our cat, Chuck. They sat on top of a Fat Elvis pie and it was so 'us'."
Both the bride and groom wore white for their big day. "Rob wearing white was a great reminder to guests that it's his day too," Sarah says. "Plus, it took some attention off of me!"