If there’s one thing we love seeing couples do with an industrial venue, it’s completely flip expectations—and Emily and Grant’s colorful Chicago Illuminating Company wedding did just that. Their celebration transformed the historic brick space into a vibrant, joy-filled setting layered with citrus hues, playful textures, and bold design moments.
Working with our member, planner BW Studio + Events, the couple leaned fully into a fruit-inspired palette that felt like summer in the city. Instead of the muted tones often associated with industrial venues, the day was filled with tangerine, raspberry, and lime accents woven throughout the florals, décor, and tablescapes.
Captured beautifully by Jess Diaz Photography, the celebration balanced Chicago’s urban elegance with a fresh, energetic atmosphere that felt equal parts modern and celebratory.
The Bride’s Fashion
“My dress was designed by Eva Lendel and I purchased it at LBR Bridal in Chicago. My jewelry was very special and what I spent the most time on. My necklace was an antique diamonds by the yard necklace from the early 1900s, and my earrings and rings were custom made by Meghan Lorenz who is a Chicago/Michigan jewelry designer!”
“BLVDier let my husband embroider a few things into the suit jacket and shirt as a memento, he picked our wedding date and initials : ) I highly recommend grooms go to BLVDier. The experience was so special and catered to making you feel just right in what you’re wearing.”
A Sunlit Chicago Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded beneath a light-filled tent that framed the city backdrop perfectly while giving guests a breezy transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Florals by BouK Design Co. introduced the wedding’s vibrant color story right away—lush arrangements bursting with citrus tones and textured blooms that echoed the couple’s joyful aesthetic. The palette felt playful but elevated, proving that bold color can feel just as refined as neutrals when thoughtfully layered.
Fruit-Inspired Wedding Details
From the very beginning, Emily and Grant embraced the idea that weddings should feel personal, expressive, and full of life. Their design leaned into fruit-inspired elements and colorful textures that added depth to every corner of the celebration.
Reception tables featured vibrant florals, layered linens, and playful details that made each setting feel like its own little moment of discovery. The combination of rich berry hues and bright citrus tones created a dynamic palette that felt modern and energetic without ever overwhelming the space.
Within the raw brick interior of The Chicago Illuminating Company, those vibrant colors popped beautifully—turning the historic venue into something that felt completely transformed for the evening.
A Reception Built for Celebration
If the ceremony set the tone, the reception turned the energy all the way up.
Guests entered a lively reception space complete with a checkerboard dance floor and an oversized disco ball that instantly signaled the night was about to turn into a party. Music from Groove is in the Heart DJs kept the dance floor full all evening, while guests moved between the dance floor, photo booth moments from Grin + Bear Booth, and beautifully styled reception tables.
Catering by Entertaining Company and a stunning confection from Dream Cake Test Kitchen added even more indulgence to the evening, while thoughtful touches—from chic transportation by Cloud9 Limo & Trolley to stylish guest accommodations at Loews Hotel, Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago West Loop, and Le Meridien Essex Chicago—helped make the entire wedding weekend feel seamless.
A Joyful Chicago Wedding to Remember
What makes Emily and Grant’s wedding especially memorable is how effortlessly it blended elevated design with pure fun. The bold palette, playful textures, and immersive dance floor energy created a celebration that felt vibrant, personal, and unmistakably joyful.
With thoughtful planning by our member BW Studio + Events and a talented creative team, the couple turned a beloved Chicago industrial venue into a colorful celebration that perfectly reflected their spirit—and gave guests a wedding experience they won’t soon forget.
“My husband and I’s favorite moment was our vows. We both spent a lot of time on them and put in a lot of love, and it’s fair to say the whole room was crying and laughing. It started downpouring in the middle of our vows just as my husband was bringing up a memory of us in a thunderstorm, so it was all very perfect and romantic.”
Planning: BW Studio + Events | Venue: Chicago Iluminating Company | Photo: Jess Diaz Photography | Florist: BouK Design Co. | Catering: Entertaining Company | Cake: Dream Cake Test Kitchen | Entertainment: Groove is in the Heart DJs | Ceremony Music: Moeller Music Events | Photo Booth: Grin + Bear Booth | Hair & Makeup: Bridal Beauty Team | Dress: Eva Lendel | Suit: BLVDier | Rings: Cities in Dust Jewelry | Hotels: Loews Hotel, Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago West Loop + Le Meridien Essex Chicago | Transportation: Cloud9 Limo & Trolley
