In a year that turned the wedding world upside down, 2020 also introduced us to new and unique opportunities, like the unveiling of one of Chicago’s newest wedding venues: Wildman BT. Just minutes from downtown, Wildman BT embodies the modern-industrial vibe that has captivated so many couples. With its exposed brick walls, custom chandeliers, and open-concept space, it offers the perfect canvas for a bold, jewel-toned celebration.
A Vision in Jewel Tones
For this styled wedding at Wildman BT, we envisioned a color palette that would pop against the industrial backdrop. Jewel tones like deep blues, vibrant purples, and rich reds provided the perfect contrast to the venue’s raw elegance. Every detail, from the tablescapes to the floral arrangements, was carefully curated to create a warm, moody ambiance—perfect for an industrial-chic celebration that’s both modern and inviting.
Setting the Scene with Luxe Linens and Tableware
The dinner table was set with BBJ Linen’s Arctic velvet tablecloth, bringing a touch of sophistication and tactile luxury to the setting. Deep purple napkins echoed the jewel-tone theme, while gold chargers added a touch of opulence. Black tableware and onyx wine glasses, paired with deep purple goblets from Tablescapes, created a dramatic contrast. The result? A rich, multi-dimensional tablescape that felt both modern and whimsical.
Modern Touches: Acrylic Menu Cards
Instead of traditional paper menu cards, we opted for acrylic menus, designed by Amanda from XO Art & Design. These sleek, clear menus added a touch of contemporary flair, perfect for the industrial vibe of Wildman BT. The transparent menus brought an unexpected twist to the table setting, allowing the bold colors of the linens and florals to shine through.
A Floral Masterpiece Suspended from Above
One of the standout features of this wedding design was the floral installation by Hedonia Flowers. Florist Christen used her extraordinary talent to create a large, hanging floral grid that seemed to float effortlessly above the reception table. The structure, adorned with flowers in a cascading ombre effect, ranged from soft pinks and reds to vibrant blues and purples. Set against a gold framework, the floral grid became an eye-catching focal point, adding dimension and texture to the venue’s high ceilings. The hanging structure brought a touch of nature’s beauty indoors, softened the industrial feel of the space, and created a stunning visual impact.
Meet the Dashing Couple: Esteban and Evan
Our models, Esteban and Evan, brought a heartwarming energy to this styled shoot. Their love and connection radiated through every shot, reminding us of what weddings are truly about—celebrating love. Styled by The Groomsman Suit, the grooms wore complementary blue suits that reflected the modern, jewel-toned palette. Esteban’s gold bowtie and Evan’s burgundy tie added individual touches while keeping their looks coordinated. As a nod to the times, The Groomsman Suit provided face masks embroidered with the word “Groom,” adding a unique and practical touch to their attire.
The Perfect Finishing Touches: Hair, Makeup, and Accessories
The talented team at Rare Bird Beauties styled the grooms' hair and makeup, ensuring they looked camera-ready from every angle. Before the ceremony, they exchanged rings from Hitched, adding a personal and sentimental touch to the day. The carefully chosen accessories, from gold pocket squares to Esteban’s brown leather shoes, pulled the look together for a style that felt timeless yet modern.
Mouthwatering Cuisine from Feast & Imbibe and Soul & Smoke
For catering, Feast & Imbibe and their sister brand Soul & Smoke delighted guests with a food truck experience, featuring a variety of flavorful dishes. One highlight was their shrimp and grits—a mouthwatering appetizer that brought a Southern touch to the city chic setting. Served on gold chargers and black plates, the food presentation was just as impressive as the taste.
A Sweet Finale with ECBG Cake Studio
What’s a wedding without cake and champagne? ECBG Cake Studio crafted a stunning two-layer teal cake with delicate gold foil detailing and vibrant flowers. The cake tied together all the design elements, serving as a centerpiece that mirrored the jewel tones and industrial feel of the decor. With red, white, and blue floral accents, the cake was as much a feast for the eyes as it was a treat for the taste buds.
Ending on a High Note: The Champagne Wall by Bubbly Events
The celebration was completed with a unique champagne wall from Bubbly Events. Guests were invited to grab a glass of bubbly straight from the wall, creating a fun, interactive experience that added a touch of elegance and excitement. This final element was a fitting conclusion to a day filled with beautiful moments and thoughtful details, sending off the couple and guests with a toast to love, laughter, and happily ever after.
Meet the Talented Vendor Team
This modern-industrial wedding wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible talent of our vendor team, who worked tirelessly to bring every detail to life:
Planner: @wedicity_chi
Venue: @wildmanbt
Photographer: @emullinsphotogram
Florist: @hedoniaflowers
Stationary/Calligrapher: @xoartanddesign
Hair & Makeup: @rarebirdbeauties
Cake: @ecbg_studio
Rentals & Decor: @tablescapeschgo
Linens & Chargers: @bbjlinen
Apparel: @thegroomsmansuit
Accessories: @tryhitched
Catering: @feastandimbibe & @soulandsmoke
Models: @latincrave (Esteban Paredes) & Evan Speckhart
Creating a wedding design that merges modern industrial style with a rich, jewel-toned color palette is a balancing act that requires precision and creativity. From the floral installations and the striking tablescapes to the carefully curated attire and culinary choices, every element of this styled wedding shoot was selected to offer a cohesive experience that celebrated both style and substance.
In a world where wedding trends are constantly evolving, this modern-industrial wedding style serves as an inspiring example of how to create an atmosphere that feels both bold and intimate. As we look forward to the weddings of 2021, we hope this shoot inspires couples to think outside the box, embrace unique color palettes, and focus on details that resonate with their personalities and love story.
Planning your own wedding? We hope you’re as excited as we were to bring this design vision to life. Cheers to your journey ahead!
Comments