Fairytale gardens are rare in the city, but Galleria Marchetti is one of those gems. With ivy-lined brick, light-filtering shade trees, and just enough European charm to make you forget you’re in the heart of downtown, it set the stage for Jen and Sam’s late spring Galleria Marchetti wedding in Chicago.
From the rehearsal dinner the night before to their sun-soaked garden ceremony in the courtyard, their celebration felt beautifully layered: chic yet relaxed, modern but rooted in Jewish tradition, and filled to the brim with love and laughter.
A Wedding Weekend That Begins the Night Before
Jen and Sam kicked things off with a rehearsal dinner surrounded by their closest friends and family. I know I’ve said it before, but if you’re considering rehearsal photography coverage, you won’t regret it!
The atmosphere usually feels different than on the wedding day. Guests arrived with hugs instead of timelines, cocktails instead of cues. As friends and family lingered, reconnected, and swapped stories, it gave me time and space to document the in-between moments that everyone loves: laughter mid-sentence, spontaneous toasts, and the way people lean into each other without thinking about the camera. It definitely has a more candid feel.
Photographing the rehearsal dinner adds another dimension to your story. As a photographer, I love documenting those special nuances as personalities come alive and movement replaces formality. While it’s not the “big event,” you’d be surprised by how your rehearsal dinner produces some of the most emotionally rich images of the entire weekend. (Those traditional family photos after the ceremony are great; they have their time and place. But many couples feel more drawn to those in-the-moment shots.)
Inside Galleria Marchetti Chicago: A Garden Venue in the City
Now, on to the venue! One of the most unique things about Galleria Marchetti is that it offers two distinct venues, each with its own atmosphere, but still very “garden party.”
The Pavilion, where Jen and Sam were married, is the larger of the two and centers around Il Cortile, a lush outdoor courtyard that feels tailor-made for garden weddings. The space comfortably accommodates large guest counts, making it ideal for couples planning a full-scale celebration without sacrificing ambiance. Meanwhile, the indoor Pavilion offers a seamless transition for dining and dancing, while the courtyard becomes the heart of the ceremony and cocktail hour.
For couples planning something more intimate, La Pergola offers a smaller, equally charming option. With its own private garden and a more tucked-away feel, it’s perfect for micro weddings or events with a lower guest count while still maintaining that signature greenery-filled aesthetic.
Both spaces feature in-house catering, customizable layouts, and versatility, allowing each wedding to feel unique—an important quality for couples wanting a space that adapts to their vision.
A Late Spring Garden Wedding in Full Bloom
Jen and Sam’s wedding took place at that perfect intersection of spring and summer, when everything feels alive but not yet overheated. Their palette of soft blues, whites, and airy pastels worked beautifully against the courtyard’s natural greenery.
They leaned into the natural setting, adding loose, organic floral arrangements that felt slightly “undone,” layered with fresh greenery and delicate textures. They nailed the garden party aesthetic—chic, modern, and timeless all at once.
The courtyard at Il Cortile does a lot of the work for you during our warmer months. The surrounding greenery, topped off by an open sky, offers a warm, eye-catching setting for your garden wedding.
A Thoughtful Space for a Jewish Wedding Ceremony
For Jen and Sam, one of the standout features of The Pavilion was the built-in outdoor ceremony structure—an architectural element that made the perfect foundation for their chuppah.
It provided essential shade for the couple (a win for spring and summer ceremonies—you don’t want to be squinting during vows) and offered a sturdy structure for their chuppah. Draped with greenery and florals, it became a stunning focal point that matched their theme and integrated smoothly into the space.
This built-in structure adds convenience and flexibility for Jewish celebrations like this one, streamlining chuppah setup, ensuring guest comfort, and allowing for custom designs.
Why Galleria Marchetti Is Ideal for Spring, Summer, and Fall Weddings
Galleria Marchetti stands out not just for its beauty but also for how well it adapts to the seasons.
In spring, new greenery creates a fresh, romantic atmosphere. Summer brings long golden evenings perfect for extended cocktail hours and lively outdoor celebrations. And in fall, the space shifts to something moodier and richer in texture, with warm tones blending into the landscape.
The courtyard at Il Cortile changes throughout the year, always offering something unique. This versatility makes it a sought-after venue for couples who want a garden wedding in the city.
Crafting a Wedding Experience You’ll Fall in Love with
At the heart of it all, Jen and Sam’s wedding wasn’t about the setting; it was about how the setting supported the experience they wanted to create.
A weekend that started with laughter-filled conversations over dinner led to a ceremony that honored tradition and ended with a reception that carried that same energy forward, blending elegance with ease.
Galleria Marchetti gave them the framework, but Jen and Sam filled it—with color, connection, and intention—to make the celebration unforgettable.
As you search for the “perfect” venue, focus on how the space can elevate your unique story, offer customization, and reflect who you are as a couple—these are the real benefits that make a venue magical.
If you’re curious about a Galleria Marchetti wedding in Chicago, you’ll find the inspiration you need below. And be sure to follow along @DanielleHeinsonPhotography for weekly Insta inspo.
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Vendor Team
Venue: Galleria Marchetti Chicago
Planning: Olive Fine Weddings
Photography: Danielle Heinson Photography
Videography: Whole Heart Video
Floral Design: Flowerchild
Catering: Galleria Marchetti
Hair & Makeup: Blush & Braids
Dress: Diana’s Bridal Boutique
Suit: Hugo Boss
Entertainment: Bluewater Kings Band
Rentals: BBJ Linen
Stationery: Minted
Officiant: Gary Berger (Sam’s Uncle)
Cake/Desserts: ECBG Cake Studio
