Bohemian Garden Wedding in Skyline Loft

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

Sawyer & Austin, a one-of-a-kind couple in the best way possible. Never did I think our quick initial video call would turn into a friendship with an entire beautiful family. Less than one year after Sawyer & Austin’s wedding, Sawyer’s brother (Collin) married Kayla in Michigan which I was able to be part of as well. But those details are to come at a later time! This post is all about S&A.

Austin and Collin are in an alternative folk band together called Way Down Wanderers (if you haven’t checked them out, we HIGHLY recommend tuning in. That’s how Sawyer, Collin’s sister, came into the picture. Watching a few concerts and being a proud supporter of her brother’s band, Sawyer and Austin quickly developed a relationship. Don’t worry, Collin approved!

Their wedding day began at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Sawyer and her ladies got their hair and makeup done in the bridal suite while Austin and his groomsmen got razor shaves and beard trims down the street. Ladies aren’t the only ones who need a little pampering!

Sawyer met Austin in his room when it was time to share their first look. It was a lovely private moment that got even better when Austin mentioned he was going to sing and play a song he wrote for his beautiful bride-to-be on their wedding day. **Cue the tears!**

They joined their wedding party in the Art Institute South Gardens for some pictures before heading over to their venue, Skyline Loft, for their ceremony.

When guests entered in the building, they ride up in a large freight elevator that has a bar in the back. They offered specialty cocktails & mocktails for all of their guests during the quick ride up to the space.

The ceremony space was dripping in greenery, flowers and chandeliers. There was a massive floral structure that framed the front of the aisle where the “I-Do’s” would be said. They added rugs down the aisle in all different patterns and colors. The aisle was also lined with lanterns so when the sun began to set at the beginning of the processional, there was a beautiful glow lining the walkway.

After all of the immediate family and wedding party processed down the aisle, it was time for Sawyer and her dad. A trio of musicians played a song and processed down the aisle to cue the tone. Once they made it to the front, Sawyer and her dad happily walked among their guests to get to the front.

During the ceremony, Sawyer & Austin participated in a blanket warming ceremony. The blanket was handwoven by a family member which they get to keep forever. They finished off the ceremony by reading their vows, which were absolutely heartfelt and beautiful to listen to.

The guests made their way to the other side of the building for cocktail hour. They were immediately greeted by a display of rose (and pink lemonade!) with script escort cards hanging from each. With a gypsy jazz trio, comfortable lounge furniture, lots of family pictures dispersed among the tables, and other home touches, the guests had plenty of things to do in a short hour.

Once the curtains opened back up for dinner, the room had completely transformed. There was agate rocks with table numbers on the front which glowed in the candlelight so guests knew where to go. They had rounds, rectangles and square tables with many different centerpieces to create appeal. The sweetheart table was a focal piece though, with two large rounded wicker chairs with greenery and floral at all angles. There was also lounge furniture flanking the dance floor so even if guests were not dancers, they could be right there in the action.

The wedding cake was a three-tier cake, that had a combination of real flowers and hand painted flowers running down the middle. Sawyer and Austin cut their cake right before the first dance. And that was a lovely surprise for the guests. Sawyer changed into a short dress and walked into the room ready to dance. It started off as a “typical” dance but ended with an amazing foxtrot down the long narrow dance floor. Hence why Sawyer needed to change!

Later in the evening a tarot card reader began making physic readings for guests as they entered the custom room near the bar. They also had Spin Spun passing around fresh cotton candy around the room!

It was a party we will never forget, and a friendship I hope never fades. It seems like this was just yesterday, but we want to say another huge congratulations to Sawyer & Austin on a beautiful wedding, marriage and already happy little family with new baby Staley!