Our Chicago wedding photographers had the pleasure of capturing Katie and Conner’s beautiful wedding at The Arbory in Chicago, Illinois. Their celebration brought together industrial charm, rich jewel tones, and heartfelt romance, creating a day that felt both sophisticated and deeply personal. From the intimate ceremony to the lively reception, we documented the genuine emotions, thoughtful details, and joyful interactions that made their wedding unique.
Some love stories begin with a swipe, but the best ones grow through shared experiences, everyday moments, and the little things that make two people feel at home together. Katie and Conner first connected on Hinge and soon discovered how much they enjoyed exploring Chicago as a couple. From visiting their favorite neighborhood haunts to discovering new local spots, they built a relationship filled with shared adventures and meaningful memories. Their beloved cats also hold a special place in their lives, adding another layer of personality to their story.
Katie and Conner envisioned a moody romantic wedding featuring emerald green, inky blue, and grape purple, softened by sage green and dusty lavender. This rich palette created a beautiful balance between dramatic color and delicate elegance. Against The Arbory’s exposed brick walls, warm wooden beams, and lush greenery, every shade added depth and character to the celebration.
Katie looked radiant in an intricate lace trumpet gown featuring a sweetheart neckline, delicate corset detailing, and a sweeping tulle train. Conner complemented her look in a tailored dark suit, finished with a sage green tie and a deep burgundy boutonniere. Their wedding party added even more color, with bridesmaids wearing a mix of emerald green, satin lavender, inky blue, sage, and deep purple gowns. Their bouquets featured deep dahlias, lavender roses, and lush greenery that beautifully connected the different shades.
As Chicago wedding photographers, we love how thoughtful styling can transform a wedding gallery. Katie and Conner’s combination of rich colors, delicate lace, and natural greenery gave us opportunities to capture striking details while preserving the romantic atmosphere they had envisioned.
Discovering the Charm of The Arbory Wedding Day
Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, The Arbory combines industrial character with warm, romantic details. Its exposed Chicago brick, natural wood-beamed ceilings, polished concrete floors, and lush vertical greenery create a distinctive setting for weddings. Skylights bring natural light into the space, while geometric wooden arbors and soft drapery allow couples to personalize the venue for their ceremony and reception.
We especially love photographing weddings at The Arbory because its different textures and lighting conditions offer so many creative possibilities. The contrast between brick and greenery, natural light and candlelight, and modern architecture and romantic florals creates depth and visual interest in photographs. The flexible layout also allows us to document the celebration from different perspectives, capturing wide views of the beautifully styled space alongside intimate moments between couples and their loved ones.
For Katie and Conner, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for their moody romantic vision. Its industrial features complemented their darker jewel tones, while the greenery and soft lighting kept the atmosphere inviting. Our photography team focused on bringing these elements together, creating images that reflect both the character of the venue and the emotion of the day.
Katie and Conner exchanged vows in The Arbory’s main hall beneath glowing overhead bistro lights. Light-wood bentwood chairs lined the aisle, while flickering pillar candles added warmth and intimacy to the ceremony space. At the front stood a beautiful hexagonal wooden arch decorated with lush purple, plum, and lavender florals, creating a striking focal point against the venue’s industrial backdrop.
Katie walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her father, making her way toward Conner as their guests watched. The combination of soft lighting, delicate flowers, and rich colors gave the ceremony a deeply romantic atmosphere. As the couple exchanged personal vows, we carefully documented their expressions, the emotion in their eyes, and the reactions of the people closest to them.
One of the most meaningful parts of wedding photography is preserving moments that cannot be recreated. From the anticipation before the vows to the joy of their first kiss as a married couple, we focused on capturing these interactions naturally without interrupting the flow of the ceremony. When Katie and Conner sealed their union with a passionate kiss, their guests erupted in cheers, marking the beginning of their next chapter together.
After the ceremony, we took time to capture romantic portraits of Katie and Conner throughout the venue. The Arbory’s signature green plant wall provided a beautiful natural backdrop, creating a striking contrast with Katie’s intricate lace gown and Conner’s dark suit. In these quieter moments, Conner wrapped his arms around Katie as they shared affectionate smiles, allowing their connection to take center stage.
We love using a venue’s unique features to create portraits that feel personal rather than overly posed. At The Arbory, the combination of greenery, exposed brick, warm wood, and soft lighting gave us a variety of backdrops while keeping the photographs visually connected to the setting. By guiding the couple into comfortable poses and leaving room for spontaneous interactions, we captured images that balanced elegance with genuine emotion.
The wedding party later joined the couple in the main hall for energetic group portraits. With bridesmaids in their colorful gowns and bouquets of deep dahlias and lavender roses, the group brought the wedding palette to life. We captured a mix of polished group photographs and playful moments filled with laughter, cheers, and celebration. These images added personality to the gallery while preserving the excitement shared by the couple’s closest friends.
As the evening continued, The Arbory transformed into a moody and romantic reception space. Long wooden farm tables were dressed with dark blue tablecloths, dusty lavender napkins, glowing votive candles, and lush floral runners. The sweetheart table sat beneath the floral hexagonal arch, surrounded by an abundance of blooms that created a beautiful focal point.
Every detail contributed to the atmosphere Katie and Conner had envisioned. The deep blue linens complemented the emerald greenery, while the lavender accents softened the darker tones. Candlelight added a warm glow to the tables, creating opportunities for atmospheric photographs that highlighted the textures, flowers, and thoughtful styling.
After sharing a delicious meal with their guests, Katie and Conner cut their three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with plum florals. Their first dance followed, bringing everyone’s attention to the newlyweds as friends and family gathered around the dance floor. We captured the smiles, embraces, and joyful reactions that filled the room, preserving not only the main events but also the little interactions that made the reception memorable.
At Original Weddings, we believe a complete wedding gallery should tell the story of the entire day. Alongside the portraits and carefully styled details, we love documenting candid moments as they unfold. These photographs preserve the atmosphere of the celebration and allow couples to revisit the laughter, excitement, and connections they shared with their guests.
Katie and Conner’s wedding at The Arbory was a beautiful celebration of their relationship, combining moody romance, rich jewel tones, and the distinctive charm of a Chicago industrial-loft venue. From the floral ceremony arch and intimate portraits to the candlelit reception and joyful first dance, every part of the day reflected their personalities and shared vision.
Their story began with a connection on Hinge and grew through city adventures, favorite neighborhood spots, and the everyday joys of life together. Their wedding marked a new chapter in that journey, celebrated with the people who matter most to them.
At Original Weddings, our Chicago wedding photographers love capturing celebrations that feel authentic to each couple. We combine an eye for meaningful details with an understanding of light, composition, and storytelling to create photographs that preserve both the beauty of the setting and the emotions experienced throughout the day. Whether you are planning a moody loft wedding, an elegant city celebration, or an intimate gathering filled with personal touches, we want your photographs to bring you back to the moments that mattered most.
Planning your own Chicago wedding? Reach out to us today! We can’t wait to capture your love story with the same creativity, care, and attention to detail.
Original Weddings is a team of Chicago wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Chicago photography and videography services. This wedding was edited in our Rustic editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
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Chicago Wedding Photographers at The Arbory
As Chicago wedding photographers, we love capturing weddings at The Arbory, a stylish West Town venue that combines industrial charm with romantic elegance. Its exposed brick walls, natural wood beams, polished concrete floors, and lush greenery create a beautiful setting for unforgettable wedding photography. From intimate ceremonies beneath geometric wooden arches to elegant receptions filled with flowers and candlelight, every corner offers opportunities for stunning photographs. At Original Weddings, we focus on documenting genuine emotions, meaningful details, and the little interactions that make each celebration unique. We capture everything from getting-ready moments and heartfelt vows to romantic portraits, wedding party photographs, and joyful reception celebrations.
We especially love photographing weddings at The Arbory because its distinctive textures, skylights, and atmospheric lighting allow us to create galleries with depth and personality. The combination of natural light, warm wooden details, and dramatic architectural features provides a beautiful backdrop for both timeless portraits and candid moments. Whether you’re planning a moody romantic celebration with rich jewel tones or a modern wedding with soft, elegant details, we tailor our photography to your vision. Our relaxed approach helps couples feel comfortable while we capture their connection naturally. From the first look to the final dance, we preserve the memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
Chicago Wedding Videographers at The Arbory
As Chicago wedding videographers, we love filming weddings at The Arbory, where industrial architecture, lush greenery, and romantic lighting create a distinctive setting for cinematic wedding films. From emotional ceremonies beneath floral arches to elegant receptions illuminated by candlelight and bistro lights, the venue offers beautiful scenes for telling your love story. At Original Weddings, we capture heartfelt vows, joyful embraces, meaningful speeches, and spontaneous moments as they unfold.
We combine cinematic visuals, natural sounds, and thoughtful storytelling to preserve the atmosphere of your celebration. Whether your wedding features rich jewel tones, dramatic floral arrangements, or intimate candlelit details, we highlight the elements that make your day personal. Our goal is to create a wedding film that brings you back to the emotions, laughter, and unforgettable memories you shared at The Arbory.
1. How much is a wedding at The Arbory?
A wedding at The Arbory in Chicago typically costs between $5,500 and $12,000 for venue rental, depending on the season, day of the week, and guest count. Off-season dates may start at around $5,000, while peak-season Saturday rentals can reach $12,500. The venue fee includes items such as tables, chairs, lighting, and lounge furniture. However, catering, beverages, photography, and other wedding services may cost extra. Contact The Arbory directly for an accurate quote based on your wedding date and plans.
2. What is the cheapest month to get married?
January and February are often among the cheapest months to get married because they fall within the wedding industry’s off-season in many parts of the United States. Couples may find lower venue rental rates and greater vendor availability during these winter months. At venues like The Arbory in Chicago, off-season dates can offer significant savings compared with peak-season celebrations. Choosing a weekday or Sunday wedding may also help reduce costs. Before booking, ask your venue about winter discounts, minimum spending requirements, and which services are included in the rental fee.


