A Modern Chicago Illuminating Company Wedding
There are some places that just grab you and pull you in as soon as you walk through the door. The atmosphere feels warm and full of possibility the moment you step inside. That’s exactly how it felt walking into the Chicago Illuminating Company for Sydney and Johnny’s wedding! Even before the day began, the energy here already hinted at something special.
Sydney and Johnny are the kind of couple who make everything feel easy. They’re grounded, family-oriented, and wonderfully low-key. They’re the kind of people who care more about being present than being posed. Photographing them felt natural and unhurried, which is always such a gift on a wedding day!
A STYLISH Welcome Party at Ummo Chicago
The celebration kicked off the night before with a welcome party! I absolutely love capturing these with my couples. It’s such a great way to ease into the wedding weekend, reconnect with friends and family, and get excited for the celebration ahead.
Sydney and Johnny hosted theirs at Ummo, one of Chicago’s most stylish spots. The space is moody and art-forward, filled with album covers, warm candlelight, and rich pops of color. Long tables were set with vibrant florals and custom-wrapped chocolate bars with their photo on them (such a fun + cute personal touch!). The whole evening felt intimate and lively at the same time, with guests tucked into velvet booths, sharing cocktails, and filling the room with contagious pre-wedding energy. It was the perfect start to the weekend!
Planning your wedding weekend and looking for someone to capture it? I can’t wait to hear about it!
A CHICAGO Illuminating Company Wedding With an Interior Designer’s Vision
Sydney’s mom, Jill — who is an incredibly talented interior designer — brought the entire day to life through a breathtaking design vision. Every corner of the space felt intentional. The florals, the warm lighting, the arrangements… it all came together in a way that was elegant and elevated.
When clients bring in a strong design perspective, it transforms an already beautiful venue into something so unique to the couple, and that’s exactly what happened here! The Chicago Illuminating Company’s indoor-outdoor layout and clean architectural lines created the perfect canvas for Jill’s ideas.
Film, Texture + an Unforgettable Reception!
I photographed the day on film and digital, which always brings such a nostalgic, artful layer to a wedding gallery. The tones paired beautifully with the moody greens, deep plums, and natural textures woven throughout the reception design. Film was just something that fit so well with the energy of their day.
The reception space was unforgettable: florals by EV Design Collective, warm pendants layered with candlelight, textured linens, and fruit-inspired tablescapes that felt both modern and old-world. It was a space so atmospheric and perfect for Sydney and Johnny.
With Sydney’s Jewish family and Johnny’s Italian family coming together, the day was full of emotion and connection. Both families were involved, present, and so clearly supportive, shaping the entire atmosphere into one of love.
See more of my film work at Hanna and Firas’s Hammond Castle wedding in Gloucester, MA!
Why the Chicago Illuminating Company Is One of the Best Chicago Wedding Venues
If you're searching for a Chicago wedding venue that blends modern architecture, flexibility, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Chicago Illuminating Company should absolutely be on your shortlist.
Here’s what makes it so special:
A seamless indoor–outdoor flow that’s rare in the city
A blank-canvas layout that allows for incredibly curated design
Space for both intimate and larger celebrations
A high-end atmosphere without feeling formal or rigid
Endless options for photography, from minimalist architectural lines to lush, layered tablescapes
It’s truly one of those venues that shapes itself around the couple! For Sydney and Johnny, it became the perfect backdrop for a day that was both emotional and stylish.
A Vendor Team That Brought Everything Together
This wedding was the result of an incredible team, some of the best in Chicago and beyond:
Event Planner: LK Events Bridget Rogers // Photography: Ashlyn Henry // Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company // Catering: Paramount Events // Floral: EV Design Collective // Video: Bella Tiamo // Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Orchestra // Entertainment: Gold Coast Entertainment // Lighting: Frost // Transportation: Premier Trolley // Hair: Dorota Pabian // Makeup: Makeup by Anna-Lise // Hotel: The Langham // Cake: ECBG // Sweets: Miko’s Italian Ice
Chicago Illuminating Company: A Stunning Wedding Venue
If you’re drawn to warm, design-driven spaces, thoughtful details, and a celebration that feels personal from start to finish, the Chicago Illuminating Company is an incredible choice. It’s one of my favorite venues in the city for its flexibility, character, and the way it photographs.
If you’re planning a Chicago Illuminating Company wedding (or just starting the search for your Chicago wedding venue) I’d love to connect and help you document the day in a way that feels true to you!
