Loft on Lake in Chicago’s artsy West Loop neighborhood is such a unique, urban venue, that it only makes sense that it would host a civil union just within months of the law’s passing in Illinois. The owners, Cher and Steve Garrett have always been proud marriage equality supporters, even helping found the Stand Up project recently. For this civil union, the couple opted for a 40′ wall of fabric that ran the length of the entire space.

After the short but touching ceremony, the two grooms performed a Unity Candle ceremony and while the guests cockailed in the front space, took pictures all around the West Loop. For their reception, the pair had us transform the space using dark blues to match the look of their union. To bring warmth back into the open loft venue, we used GOBO projections of leaves and branches in an ambre shade of orange to add texture to the space.

We had a lot of fun working with this lovely couple and we were thrilled to be part of their Special Day!

Photos by Lofty Weddings Photography. Courtesy of Loft on Lake. Catered by Hearty Boys.

We recently were brought on by Guggenheim Partners to produce their annual holiday party at the Trump International Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. This was the company’s first time at the Trump International Hotel and the client was nervous about the change of venue. Impressed by Deborah’s event production and event design experience, they asked Deborah to personally oversee every element of the production of their event. Because of another event in the same space, the Art of Imagination team had only a three hour window to transform the space into a chilly winter-scape – which included five glow bars, GOBOS and dozens of LED lights throughout the ballroom and a second area which played host to the silent auction during the event.



Juliet Tan, of Cattleya Bridal, was responsible for the centerpieces – using crystals, mirrors and winter greens to continue the event’s theme. Photos by Vitaliy Vladimirov.

Situated on the historic Kedzie Boulevard in the trendy Logan Square area, the Stan Mansion is hidden behind a neatly-manicured wall of hedges but even from outside, it’s clear that the building is something truly special.
And while the building is a turn-of-the-century construction, the Stan Mansion as a venue is new – having turned 3 last year. Art of Imagination, though, has been the exclusive vendor for all light and decor at the Mansion since it’s founding by owner, Cera Stan. In just three years, Cera transformed the gorgeous but vacant space into one of the most in-demand wedding and event venues in all of Chicago. In those three short years, Cera undertook a series of massive upgrades and renovations for the venue, including a formal marble foyer, new floors and carpeting and much more – which have only added an additional sense of grandeur.
The Stan Mansion has consistently been featured on “Four Weddings’ – and we’re glad to say, the featured Stan Mansion brides have won every time!

The Rookery Building, is located in downtown Chicago, right in the heart of the Old Financial District and is one of the most unique venues in the entire city. Now 124 years old and boasting architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, the venue is one of the hardest to book for brides – events are typically scheduled far more than the usual year in advance!

Art of Imagination has been exclusive at this elegant wedding venue since 1996 – we are lucky to work with every bride that comes into the space. Thanks to a unique hanging fabric design we developed exclusively for the building, we are able to mask the store fronts that face into the space, without detracting from the amazing architectural details.

Although we’ve been designing weddings and private events since 1996 and have been part of many Indian and other ceremonies from various world cultures, this was the first Indian wedding of this scope at the historic Stan Mansion (where we are the exclusive light & fabric vendor since it’s inception several years ago). And although we’ve worked on some large events, this Indian wedding we were a part of earlier this month set a lot of new highs for us. It took three full days of setting up transform the already beautiful Stan Mansion into a stunning palace fit for a king and queen! Everywhere one looked, we placed light and decor that went well and above any requests we’ve received in some time. There were lots of projected leaves and branches, VIP sections built from branches, lit with romantic large bulbs but the centerpiece of it all was the stage, which we transformed into a lush and colorful mandap, with the help of Cattleya Bridal, whose colorful hot pink orchids and orange roses really pulled it all together.

The event started in royal fashion with the groom riding down Logan Boulevard on a white horse, followed by a tour bus filled with the bridal party. And although the event at the Stan accommodated close to 300 guests, the festivities were broadcast live to a captive audience back in India.

We truly enjoyed working with the lovely ladies of  The Smitten Bride– the event flowed smoothly and not a detail was out of place thanks to their careful planning. Cattleya Bridal created the amazing stage decor, and again went above and beyond in their floral decor.

A huge thank you to Adrian Nastase for providing the images. Be sure to “like” this below and share with your friends.

We have been the exclusive light & decor vendor at the amazing Rookery building since 1996 and although for us, every wedding we create and design is very special, it’s not every day that the bride and groom also happen to be “Amazing Race” winners! And since we’re so used to working at the Rookery, we sometimes don’t meet the brides until the day of their event – and so, we almost missed this tidbit!