Tying the knot in Chicago? Amber and Matt’s chic, intimate wedding day at Beatnik West Town, Chicago, shows how to create an unconventional celebration without overcomplicating things.
From start to finish, their wedding was thoughtful, relaxed, and centered around what they actually cared about—good food, a great space, and time with their favorite people.
Getting Ready at the Ambassador Hotel Chicago
Amber and Matt started their day at the Ambassador Hotel Chicago, and it’s easy to see why this is such a solid spot for getting ready.
The rooms are filled with natural light, which makes a noticeable difference in photos. (Trust me, you’ll want great photos from those first sweet, excitement-filled moments of your day.) At the Ambassador Gold Coast, you have plenty of space to spread out, and the views of Lake Michigan add just enough of a backdrop without pulling focus. One of the highlights from the morning was the wedding party waving to a passing boat from the terrace.
Amber and Matt also shared their first look on the terrace, which gave them time to settle in (and sip some bubbles) before diving into the rest of their day.
Personal Details that Matter on Your Wedding Day
There were a few details throughout the day that felt especially meaningful.
Matt and his dad wore matching ties, which added a personal touch. And Amber included their dog, Jojo, in her bridal party and had a picture of her four-legged friend painted on her wedding purse. It’s a small detail that carried a lot of weight. (You know how I love furry friends!)
These kinds of choices are a good reminder that not every detail needs to be big or elaborate. The ones that matter are usually the ones that reflect your life together—like their love for sweet Jojo. And look at that cute “pearl” necklace she wore while getting ready with the girls!
A Chicago Intimate Wedding at Beatnik West Town
Amber and Matt chose Beatnik West Town for their ceremony and reception, which set the tone for the evening.
If you love this aesthetic and are considering a Chicago intimate wedding at Beatnik West Town, here’s what stands out:
The Space Works for Smaller Guest Counts
Beatnik is designed to suit a more intimate group. You’re not trying to fill a large ballroom or rework a space that feels too big. Instead, everything feels intentional from the start.
Guests stay connected. The energy stays consistent. And you’re able to move through the evening without a lot of logistical transitions.
The Design Does the Heavy Lifting
One of the biggest advantages of hosting your wedding at Beatnik West Town is that the space is already layered with texture and loads of eclectic character.
No need for extensive décor; the Beatnik’s mix of vintage pieces, mixed textiles, grounding greenery, warm tones, and bold accent colors creates a setting that feels complete. For couples who would rather not spend months (or budget) sourcing rentals or styling every detail, this is a major win.
It Feels Like a Dinner Party—In the Best Way
Amber and Matt leaned into what the space does best: an intimate dinner with great food and conversation.
Their reception felt more like a gathering than a tightly timed event. Guests were engaged and present, keeping the focus on the experience rather than formalities.
For many couples, this approach removes much of the pressure. You don’t need a long list of events to create a memorable night.
Creative Direction: Direct Flash, Old-School Film, and Artsy Compositions
Amber and Matt were all in when it came to photography. They wanted direct flash, film, and images that felt a little more experimental.
That kind of trust opens the door for a more collaborative process and really cool images for you. Instead of sticking strictly to traditional coverage, there’s room to try things, adjust in the moment, and create images that feel specific to the couple.
If you’re drawn to a more editorial or artistic style, it helps to communicate that early in our planning process so we can collaborate.
Festive Outfit Changes
I love a fun outfit change! Amber chose two different looks and rocked them both!
Having a second look can be a great option, especially for a venue like Beatnik. A more structured or classic outfit for earlier in the day, followed by something easier to move in (maybe a little shimmery) for dinner and the rest of the night.
If you aren’t sure how to pick your outfits, try choosing pieces that match the feel of your wedding and reflect your personality, not just adding a second outfit for the sake of it. And if you want to make a statement by going a little out of your norm, go for it! It’s your day—do it your way.
A Full-Circle Story
One of the most meaningful parts of this wedding happened behind the scenes.
I had the honor of photographing Amber and Matt’s proposal, so being there for their wedding added another layer to the day. It’s a reminder of how much the experience changes when there’s already a level of familiarity and trust.
From proposal to engagement to wedding day, everything felt connected, and I am thrilled for these clients-turned-friends.
Why an Intimate Chicago Wedding at Beatnik West Town Works
If you’re currently planning and weighing your options, here’s the takeaway from Amber and Matt’s day:
An intimate wedding at Beatnik West Town, Chicago, works especially well if you:
- Want a space that already has personality.
- Prefer a smaller guest list.
- Care more about atmosphere than formal structure.
- Want your reception to feel like a true gathering, not a production.
This approach simplifies decisions and lets you focus on what matters most when the day arrives.
Planning a wedding like this isn’t just about doing less; it’s about intentionally focusing on your priorities at every step.
If you’re set on an intimate wedding in Chicago at Beatnik West Town (or a similar venue), it’s worth considering how you want your day to feel, not just how you want it to look.
And if you’re looking for a photographer who values that balance and documents your day in a way that feels natural and considered but still art-forward, I’d love to connect!
