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, 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