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Neon Chicago wedding: Eryn + James

June 13, 2013
Neon Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake

We’re loving the pops of color that are in each of our posts this week, and we’re keeping it going with Eryn + James’ neon wedding. Their plan of attack was to figure out how to weave in as many DIY elements as they could, without the decor looking like a massive art project. Eryn and her mom (a retired art teacher) began conceptualizing immediately with the help of Jayne Weddings. Their vision to blend an urban modern feel, with a bright palette and still keep a sense of romance and simplicity, translated to a color palette of neons, muted grays and mixed metals.

Wedding rings  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon pink bridal bouquet  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake

Mismatched bridesmaids shoes and belts instead of mismatched dresses… too cute!

Pronovias wedding dress  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake

While we did layer in some tradition (elements from both Jewish and Catholic weddings), we kept the rest of the ceremony non-traditional and asked friends to read meaningful emails my Jim wrote to me throughout our relationship. Guests threw neon pom-pom balls at us during our ceremony recession – and while most people took this as an opportunity to chuck them at our faces, they made for some really great pictures. 

Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake

Neon Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake

Trying to play up the mix of urban, brights and romance, we combined vibrant bouquets of large flowers and small votive candles in mercury glass vases. 

Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake

My mom hand-poured cement to create 70 vases in a variety of sizes, which we filled with neon pink rocks and  a singular succulent in the center.

Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake Neon modern Chicago wedding  | photo by West Loop Studios | 100 Layer Cake

Jim and I met 6 years ago taking beginning improv classes at the Second City Chicago. Many laughs, goofy nights and 3 live audiences later, we were talking future puppies and vacation homes. We got engaged on Christmas 2011 and the planning began! For a couple that fills our closets with costume boxes and themed decorations, we knew our wedding had to reflect our non-traditional style (while still making our moms happy, of course). Born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago and currently living in this city we love, we were so excited to throw an awesome party in a style that celebrates it. We chose Greenhouse Loft, a brand new space that had only hosted one wedding at the time we took our tour. The clean, open, urban feel was the perfect canvas for us to make our mark, while still showcasing the city. 

Photography: All photos prior to the wedding were taken by Julia Franzosa, photos taken at the venue, during the ceremony, & reception were taken by Jamie Davis of Greenhouse Loft / Event Design & Planning: Jayne Weddings / Wedding Venue: Greenhouse Loft, Chicago / Catering: Pure Kitchen Catering / Dessert: Bennison’s Bakery / Flowers: Caleb from Fleur / Invitations & Paper Goods: 33 West Designs / Entertainment + DJ: Toast & Jam / Ceremony Officiant: Couple’s good friend, Cullan Stefanik / Chuppah: Made by bride’s mom (using hand-crocheted material) / Event décor, backdrops, place cards: Jayne Weddings / Bride’s Dress: Pronovias via Doris Bridal / Shoes: DIY crystals by Bride via Taryn Rose wedges / Hair: Amie Miller of Golden Girl Chicago / Makeup: Bobbi Brown / Jewelry: Kate Spade / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Bridesmaid Shoes, Neon Belts & Jewelry: variety of places inc. ASOS, Tobi, Target / Groom’s Suit & Shirt: J.Crew / Groom’s Tie & Pocket Square: Stock Mfg Co / Groomsmen suits, tie-clips, pocket squares: Indochino / Groomsmen Ties: Stock Mfg Co (Custom designed bride/groom by Groom’s company!)