Art of Imagination loved creating this intimate dinner at the Stan Mansion. The room was much larger than what was desired for this intimate affair, so we designed a space focused on the dining experience and the guests themselves. We started with a large square table scattered with mercury glass candles throughout, and paired with stunning crystal candelabras.

The lighting was key in bringing everything together, we lit the surrounding wall with a leaf pattern that created a softness to the overall feel. The ceiling above the guest were strung with Italian globe lights that were hung from posts covered in fabric. Our team added fresh curly willow branches and greenery to the upright poles to create more of an enchanting indoor/outdoor experience.

// Vendors // 
// Venue: Stan Mansion // Event Styling & Lighting: Art of Imagination //
// Photos by Deborah // Flowers: Juliet Tan Floral //

Sang and Frank came to our creative studio to meet with our designers for their Room 1520 wedding, and we were so happy to have met them!  They were such a delight to work with and their wedding featured artistic details at every turn.

The couple’s color palette was perfect for this all-white loft space, pairing a navy blue with pops of bright orange, purple, soft yellows and a natural undertone in all of the earthy details.  The place settings did not fail to impress with bright pink chopsticks and lovely natural toned menu cards.  The stationery pieces were some of our favorite details, the invitations were a custom spinning wheel in navy that gave all the detailed information as you spin the card.  We have never seen such a great way to invite your guests.  The stationery flowed into the centerpieces that were a mixture of earthy elements with a simplistic style.

Our designers created a beautiful lit backdrop that hung mini lights vertically to pair with the couple’s gift table. For the finishing touch, we included strings of Italian globe lights to add a romantic feel overhead.  The fun, earthy ambiance matched the couple perfectly, and the guests truly enjoyed celebrating with the couple, as did we!

// Vendors // 
// Venue: Room 1520 // Lighting & Fabric: Art of Imagination //
// Photos: Gerber and Scarpelli // Event Coordinator: JEM Weddings // DJ: CAS Music //
// Cinematography: WM-Films //

Francesca and Martin were married at A New Leaf, the beautiful rustic space located in the North side of Chicago. Our designers at Art of Imagination were delighted to assist the lovely couple with their romantic winter wedding theme. From the custom chandelier, that we constructed in our creative studio, to the antique silver candelabras; this wedding was dripping with decadence.

One of the focal points of the space was the living archway that was up-lit on both sides. We created this green wall using custom built frames and chicken wire. The team at A New Leaf added the fresh foliage to grow vertically and give the couple’s wedding the etherial feel of romance all night long.

The custom chandelier was our absolute favorite to design detail we created for the couple. This chandelier, with over 350-crystal beads encased in a wire ball, was covered with moss and was simply breathtaking, if we do say so ourselves!

We were also able to add unique details using the existing architecture of the space. Our designers worked with the bride to turn a plain partition wall into a personalized gallery wall. We hung beautiful gold frames in a unique arrangement … it was the perfect touch of romantic against the bare wall.

To create an elegant, softer look upstairs, we draped an ivory sheer voile fabric diffused with a soft amber glow. The entrance of the space was draped with the same ivory voile fabric and swung open, creating a special entrance for the guests.

The tables were set with a beautiful contrast of ivory linens with a ruby red napkin at each place setting. The centerpieces were created by A New Leaf and the antique silver candelabras were provided by Art of Imagination. They were perfect for the romantic feel of the room. The taper candles and lighting throughout the room created the diffused candle light amber glow that we were wanting for this romantic winter wedding.

// VENDORS //
// Venue & Floral: A New Leaf // Decor & Lighting: Art of Imagination //
// Photos: Olivia Leigh Photographie //

Creating Susan and Matt’s intimate, romantic wedding was fun!  We started with the simple elegance of The Ivy Room, one of Chicago’s most beautiful wedding venues. The fabric draping and lighting, provided by our team at Art of Imagination, was a perfect backdrop to the classic features of the venue, and paired nicely with the couple’s color palette of eggplant and burgundy.

The main room was set with amber up lighting to enhance the romantic feel. We projected  a candle-like golden color onto the beautiful backdrop of luxurious and shimmering satin fabric.  To complete the design, we created a custom “summer budding leaf” pattern effect on the walls, complimenting the overall ambiance.

The white and burgundy floral paired with the ivory linens and tan napkins were simply stunning alongside the amber toned candles. One of our favorite details, was the table signage that displayed the couple’s favorite places they had visited. Their guest book was also unique; Susan and Matt displayed the classic game of Jenga, having each guest write their well wishes on the pieces. Detail to detail, everything was exactly as Susan and Matt had envisioned for their dream wedding.

// VENDORS //
// Event Planning: Livin It Up Events // Venue: The Ivy Room //
// Design, Lighting and Fabric: Art of Imagination //
// Cake Bakery: Elysia Root Cakes // Florals: Juliet Tan Floral Design //
// Photo: Olivia Leigh Photographie //

As each guest entered the ceremony, we created a wonderful glow with candles, leading them down the stairs. They were welcomed by the beautiful ivory crepe back satin fabric swaged open. Inside the ballroom, the walls were accented with tall fabric panels polished by a diffused light that created the enchanting atmosphere.

At the focal point of the room, we covered a large stage and added a luxurious ceremony structure that allowed all of the guests to experience the traditions of the two families. From flower garlands, to custom monogrammed light patterns, the entire setting was filled with embellishments that meant the world to the bride and groom as they celebrated with family and friends.

To see the entire vision come together, watch the production video here: http://vimeo.com/101168614

VENDORS: Kai-Duc Luong | KDL Productions // Greg Stephen Reigh // Marcin Tomaszczyk // Heather Stone Photography// Kristina Taheri // Juliet Tan Floral Design //  Art of Imagination // Crizen Hasewaga // Peninsula Hotel

The bride’s style was simple yet overlaid with a modern elegance….the natural light that filter through the inner voile drapery and the hanging teardrop crystals above added a wonderful ethereal feel for the ceremony. Later the up lighting in a soft candle like amber shimmered on the ivory crepe back satin drapes that were swaged open framing the sweetheart table setting.

VENDORS: Art of Imagination: Luxury Fabric backdrops & Lighting // Venue: Room 1520 // ​Caterer: Calihan Catering -Todd // Day of Planner: Event Less Ordinary-Carolyn // DJ: Style Matters-Spencer

The contemporary setting of this space with the minimal yet stunning architectural design was the perfect match for this collaboration. The theme was creating a modern enchanted winter atmosphere with a touch of sparkle and fun.

By combining wood elements in the design with the tables and chairs this offered an organic nature feel. The farm tables made the perfect setting for the gold and white chinaware with the linen napkins tied with fresh seasonal foliage which offered a slight fragrance reminisce of the holidays. Table decor doesn’t have to be about flowers as the focal so we incorporated greens, berries, white painted branches with a collection of clean and gold votives for a warm glow.

For a playful use of the taller ceiling we hung white tree branches with floating gold and platinum glass ornament balls over the tables and larger white round balloons at different heights.  Lighting is always an important element as it helps set the mood. White glowing circles were projected onto the balloons and surroundings to help add that perfect touch.

Creating the right signature bar at every party is always a challenge. To keep with the same theme, two wooden farm highboy tables were placed together for a champagne station that displayed a triple cream goat brie with rosemary bread from a local bakery, petite grapes and of course delicious bottles of Champagne. A Holiday greeting was displayed on a blackboard easel surrounded with gold glitter painted leaves. Behind the bar, tiers of white vertical thin branches twinkled from white LED lights woven throughout to add that magical sparkle next to Chez‘s beautiful glass staircase.

Planning Corporate Holiday parties can be fun keeping to a simple yet creative theme, knowing your budget and selecting that perfect venue. Chez offers such a clean and modern palette that you can let your imagination be adventurous.

Vendors:  Venue: Chez // Design + Decor – Art of Imagination // Photographer- Amanda Hein // Rentals – Tablescape Chicago Party Rentals // Balloons – Balloons by Tommy

To help illuminate the Glessner House Museum‘s courtyard, we hung several strands of Italian globe lights to create ceiling effect. The decorative lights were on a dimmer to control the mood of the atmosphere throughout the evening.To complete that enchanted garden look the sidewalk railings next to the Coach House, featured a twinkling path for Janel & Tyler’s guests. Inside the historic venue, the Art of Imagination team hung our own sparkling chandelier over the sweetheart table to create the focal point where the couple enjoyed their first meal as husband and wife with their family and friends.

Terrell and Michaela had such loving energy and wanted to share their feeling for each other with their guest. They loved how cafe globe lights always gives such an enchanted warm feeling so they had us design and install strands above the guest tables for an intimate glow.

The alter for their ceremony was designed with two layers of sheer white volie with white twinkling lights in between creating the perfect backdrop for the ceremony later to be repurposed for the sweetheart table.

The groom, made the “Love” marquee sign inspired by Robert Indiana to express his love for his bride. Michaela, in turn, surprised Terrell by having his sport’s jersey on a pulley system we designed that as they enter the room for the reception they will pull it up together.

The dancing area was placed by the east widows so as it became dusk you could see the city’s fabulous view and to complete the look we added sky blue lighting onto the brick creating an organic texture.

Vendors: Venue: Bridgeport Art Center // Space Placement + Lighting + Fabric Treatment: Art of Imagination // Caterer: Beyond Events // Photos: Adam Novak 

KIND WORDS FROM THE BRIDE: “Terrell and I just wanted to say thanks again to you, Deborah, and all of your staff! We had high expectations for what you guys would do, and we were blown away!!!!!!!!! Everything was as magical as we expected and we can’t thank you guys enough for making our space so beautiful, and SO us!!! We attached a few pictures that you guys can use to show other clients, if you want. Thank you again!”

Wedding video: http://vimeo.com/101168614

Vendors: Kai-Duc Luong | KDL Productions // Greg Stephen Reigh // Marcin Tomaszczyk // Heather Stone Photography// Kristina Taheri // Juliet Tan Floral Design //  Art of Imagination // Crizen Hasewaga // Peninsula Hotel

Katie and Greg have such an illuminating love! And, our job was to resinate that illumination and love with their guests for their late summer wedding this year.

In preparation, we visited Ignite Studios in Chicago’s West Loop with the couple and their wedding coordinator, Joan from Five Grain Events. The cool palette in the main room, the natural setting outdoors, the stunning rooftop view, the venue was the perfect choice accented by the most exquisite array of colorful blown glass artwork.

For the day-of design, Deborah and her team of creatives started by adding luminous strands of Italian globe lights angling down from the roof. To complete the enchanting look, the lights were set on dimmers for a romantic feel way into the evening.

The soft illumination of globe lighting continued inside, to add that extra softness and to lower the ceiling throughout the main room. White asian lanterns of various sizes were hung at different heights to give a whimsical and playful look.

As the guests entered the venue, they felt that illuminating love as they looked across the yard and saw the continuity of lights through the venue’s large window walls.

Vendors: Ignite Studios // Art of Imagination // Five Grain Events // Katie Kett Photography

Emily and Joel were married this past August at Room 1520 in Chicago’s West Loop. The bride’s style was organic, yet clean and minimal. For them, we created a unique, simple, yet rustic ambiance. A natural branch arch created with birch trees and curly willows was centered against our white sheer voile, perfectly positioned in front of large glass windows to naturally illuminate the setting. As the evening sun set, the two diffused lighting units behind the fabric allowed the etherial setting to glow far into the night. Asian lanterns and small candles hung from above, adding an additional touch of sparkle as the evening progressed.

It was a beautiful wedding and the bride and groom could not have been more gracious. After the event, we received this sweet note from Emily:

“Thank you for creating the perfect ambiance for our wedding at Room 1520 last week. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome of all the details. Thank you for seeing our vision and for adding all your special touches. It was a night we will never forget and our pictures turned out beautifully!”

Emily & Joel

Vendors:
Art of Imagination // Room 1520 // Katie Kett Photography // D’Absolute Catering // Toast & Jam DJs // Elysia Root Cakes

Our favorite brides are those that incorporate their own personal creativity into their special day. From the origami place cards to the several hundreds of paper cranes hanging at the altar, this wedding had all types of personal touches.

After a last-minute venue change, our bride and groom hosted their special day at the beautiful new Chez.Our team at Art of Imagination used floor-to-ceiling drapery to guide guests through the open floor plan and lighting accents to illuminate a soft sky blue on to the white-washed walls.

Citygirl Weddings // Art of Imagination // AFR furniture rental (bars) // Chez // David Turner Photography // Floral was her Aunt from Wisconsin // D’absolute Catering

Payal and Justin’s special day included many intricate details that the bride had hands on with all the selections. Payal worked with Deborah directly on the design with her majestic color palette of deep purples and metallic silvers seen below.  (Click here to read more about Deborah and Payal’s trip to the fabric store).

The focal point of the ceremony also acted as the prefect setting for their sweetheart table during the reception. Payal and Justin were such a fun and vibrant couples, much like their color palette and decor suggest. Justin even planned a surprise dance routine for Payal, click here to view the video! All in all it was a beautiful day and these images coulndn’t be more spectacular; big thank you to Payal, Justin, and Cathy and David Photography for sharing these images with us.

Art of Imagination // Cathy and David Photography // Harold Washington Library

Our team creates many events at Loft on Lake, but it was a true honor to be asked by the owner of the venue to take the lead on their son’s wedding. As personal friends of Deborah she offered her guidance with the planning process throughout. Joel and Ashley chose a very chic yet romantic feel with the style of the design. Their color palette was a minimal white, diffused soft amber, and an enchanting magenta purple hue that was introduced during the reception.

The team at Art of Imagination brought in romantic chandeliers, hung with more than 1,500 crystals beads. An extensive use of custom luxury draping adorned the walls to soften the space, creating a more minimal and delicate look to the urban loft setting.

The ceremony had a etherial glow especially with the existing overhead skylight for Ashley and Joel to exchange their vows. As the room changed over for the reception the energy emerged from the magenta lighting and the 100 hanging candles floating over the dance floor. It was such a pleasure to create for them and to have the bride express her happiness with such love touched my heart…to have shared such a special moment meant so much to myself and our entire team!

Loft on Lake //  Art of Imagination //  Lofty Wedding Photography // J&L Catering // Juliet Tan Floral Design // Luscious Layers // Style Matters // KGA Garrett Associates

Rachael is probably one of our favorite wedding clients, to date, at Art of Imagination. She was completely enamored by the elegance of fabric, and understood why certain design choices are made, to enhance the already intricate space at Stan Mansion, as opposed to covering it up. For her wedding, we created a stunning, overhead swoop that came out over the dancefloor, extending the stage’s backdrop into the room. The ivory Japanese crystal fabric had a beautiful shimmer that sparkled in the lights as the night went on.

Rachael and Jason’s wedding ceremony took place on the stage among candlelight, soft amber lighting, and magical twinkle lights set behind a sheer white voile. During their reception, we added the bride’s favorite color, magenta purple, to the room with uplighting and pinspotting techniques, enhancing the VIP bridal area and bar located in the outer platforms of the ballroom.  Rachael and Jason also opted for the center feasting table as a head table, which is our favorite floorplan option for this historic venue.

Thank you to George Street Photography for the gorgeous photos!

Stan Mansion // Art of Imagination // George Street Photography

Sarah & Sam’s wedding at Loft on Lake was an elegant mix of urban chic and natural enchantment. The couple was very inspired by nature. In fact, when they met at our design studio for the first time, Sam completely fell in love with our birch tree branches. It was love at first sight! The mid-winter wedding lent itself to the season decor of LED, twinkle lights among the tree arch and swags of ivory fabric overhead during the ceremony. Being eco-conscious, we repurposed the tree arch along the brick wall to create a focal point for the sweet heart table during their reception. It was a magical night!

Vendors: Loft on Lake // SQN Events // Art of Imagination // Hearty Boys

This beautiful wedding was held at a newer Chicagoland venue located in the West Loop area of the city. Both the wedding ceremony and wedding reception took place at Open Secrets Studio.The blank canvas was the perfect backdrop for our design team to execute Jamie and John’s vision. Jamie really wanted to see a hanging structure overhead; our team in collaborations with the designers at Fleur created a wooden structure featuring lush flowers of sage, pink and burgundy colors.

We hung the structure to be used and repurposed throughout the event. First, we created a focal point for the couple’s nuptials, and then, during the reception, the structure was perfectly placed over the head table for a dramatic flair. Just behind the structure on the open wall, we placed a summer foliage light pattern to create a natural look, coordinated with the farmwood table, place settings, centerpieces, and other design elements. Matching that aesthetic, we added Italian globe lights above the 2nd floor terrace area, where guests were greeted with cocktail tables, a bar area, and food stations.

Photography: Becca Heuer Photography | Floral Design: Fleur | Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s | Catering:Entertaining Company | Event Planning: City Girl Weddings (Kerrie Gallagher) | Event Design: Art Of Imagination | DJ: Okyne Media Lab | Officiant: Meghan Kennedy | Guitarist: Neil Dixon Smith | Letterpress Printer: Steracle Press | Open Secrets Studio: Open Secrets Studio | Party Rental: Table Scapes | Photography – Assistance: Gina Deconti

We could not be more excited to see our lovely couple, Katie & Evan, on Bespoke-Bride.com. They are such a fun and vibrant couple, and this colorful wedding blog is a perfect platform to show off their fun and creative wedding that they hosted at the Glessner House. It was a thrill to work with them, creating their vision and setting the mood for their guests. Our staff created the lighting for this beautiful wedding, with over head lamps  and vintage globe lighting.

Venue: Glessner House//  Officiant: Rev for Whatev// Photographer: Brian Morrison// Catering:D’Absolute// Lighting: Art of Imagination// Music: Cary Kanno, Zach Coulter and Rusty Bass-Ehler// Bride’s dress, groom’s suit and bridesmaids dresses: JCrew// Favors: Chicago Honey Co-Op//