1. Real Weddings

An Elegant Ballroom Wedding at the Rookery in Chicago, Illinois

In search of a timeless Windy City venue that exuded sophistication, Emily Wray and Tyler Kirkwood booked the Rookery before teaming up with Chicago,

In search of a timeless Windy City venue that exuded sophistication, Emily Wray and Tyler Kirkwood booked the Rookery before teaming up with Chicago, Illinois-based planner Shannon Gail to pull off the party of their dreams. The result: An upscale fete that incorporated blush-colored blooms, Lucite accents and plenty of candlelight in lieu of over-the-top florals. "We used a soft palette of gold, gray and blush to complement the space," Shannon says. "The contemporary look and sleek touches were a great pairing to an otherwise ornate and dramatic building." As a nod to the venue, elegant gold and white invitations incorporated illustrated stamps that depicted the Rookery's can't-miss staircase along with custom wax seals of the Chicago skyline. Photos of Emily and Tyler's dog made their way onto the save-the-dates and table numbers, a detail that Emily cites as one of her favorites from the evening. "The music and table numbers were the best reflection of us as a couple," she says of incorporating tropical house music. While guests sipped champagne cocktails from vintage coupe glasses, the newlyweds treated family and friends to favors in the form of a photo booth and cigar bar. "We wanted our wedding to serve as an opportunity for our closest friends and family to celebrate," Emily says. "It was the perfect excuse to get our guests dressed to the nines." —Rachel Sylvester

For her walk down the aisle, Emily donned an ivory Vera Wang design that incorporated French tulle and silk organza. "We wanted our attire to feel timeless and classic in order to match the formality of our black-tie-optional wedding," she says.
As a nod to Emily and Tyler's elegant venue, gold and white invitations incorporated illustrated stamps that depicted the Rookery's staircase.
Emily carried a compact bouquet filled with her favorite flowers, including blush peonies and a fresh mix of roses. For a personal touch, the bride and her maid of honor wrapped their bouquets in matching pieces of white and gold fabric covered in rhinestones.
Tyler accessorized his Black by Vera Wang tuxedo with black patent shoes and a classic black bow tie.
For her walk down the aisle, Emily donned an ivory Vera Wang design that incorporated French tulle and silk organza, while her bridesmaids wore gray chiffon Amsale gowns.
Guests found their seats at a simple escort card display that incorporated gilded cards and a lush arrangement of blush and white blooms.
Emily and Tyler immediately fell in love with the Rookery—a historic landmark in the heart of Chicago's financial district—from the moment they set foot inside the building. "We held our wedding in the light court, which features white marble and wrought-iron staircases," Emily says. "We wanted to incorporate as much of our venue into our design as possible."
Neutral linens and metallic votives topped each round reception table along with Lucite candelabras, bejeweled globes and centerpieces that incorporated white hydrangeas and pink roses.
Emily and Tyler's venue, the Rookery in Chicago, Illinois, inspired their cake design—a gold and white confection covered in fondant and topped with white sugar flowers.
Emily and Tyler immediately fell in love with the Rookery—a historic landmark in the heart of Chicago's financial district—from the moment they set foot inside the building. "We held our wedding in the light court, which features white marble and wrought-iron staircases," Emily says. "We wanted to incorporate as much of our venue into our design as possible."
Guests snapped pics with props in an on-site photo booth before taking home hand-rolled cigars as favors.