Hold onto your hats (or phones or coffee ) because this Bottom Lounge wedding is one for the books!
I first met Jared & Kyle a few years ago during their Lincoln Square engagement session. We kicked things off with drinks at The Warbler and then hit up a park with their adorable pup —talk about a dream session for me! So, when their wedding day rolled around, I was pumped to hang out with them again.
Their day began with an intimate getting-ready session, just the two of them. I love this trend for smaller weddings; it added a serene touch before the festivities kicked off. Next, we joined their families on the hotel’s rooftop for a champagne pop, then hopped on the Reggies Bus to the Adler Planetarium for some classic Chicago shots. How adorable are their nieces and nephews? They were totally ready for their camera close-ups!
Then, it was off to Bottom Lounge for the rest of the night. This venue is the perfect mix of character and elegance, ideal for a wedding. With rain in the forecast, the ceremony moved indoors, creating a moody and romantic atmosphere. Instead of a traditional aisle walk, Jared and Kyle stood together at the front while their nieces and nephews brought them a glass of champagne to toast before the ceremony began—such a cute and personal touch.
After a tear-jerking ceremony, we headed downstairs to the concert area for snacks and music, then back upstairs for the main events. They had the usual toasts and dinner, but their first dance featured a surprise Lizzo drag queen show!!! It was hands-down one of the most phenomenal things I’ve ever witnessed. The guests had an absolute blast, and photographing all the laughter, reactions, and dancing was incredible.
The night ended with a wig bar (yes, really!), and everyone danced the night away in fabulous wigs. Like I said, one for the books!
Celebrate Love Your Way: Planning a Unique, Creative, Nontraditional Wedding
If you’re feeling inspired by Jared and Kyle’s big day, chances are you’re dreaming of a celebration that’s as unique and creative as your love story. And I’m here to say: YES! Do your day your way! Ditch the cookie-cutter ceremonies and embrace a wedding that’s authentically and unapologetically YOU.
Here are some tips on making your special day as memorable and unique as your journey together:
Choose a Unique and Meaningful Venue
Ballrooms and churches are beautiful, but they’re not every couple’s cup of tea. If you want to branch out, consider swapping vows in an art gallery or antique shop like Salvage One, surrounded by your closest friends and family. Or perhaps a cozy cocktail lounge where you first met or shared your first kiss. Think outside the box! A venue that’s meaningful to both of you can add a sentimental touch to your big day. Not to mention, it’ll make for some seriously stunning photos.
Rethink the Traditional Sequence of Events
Who says you have to follow the traditional wedding timeline? Shake things up by having a brunch wedding with a mimosa bar or a sunset ceremony followed by an evening of dancing under the stars. You could even mix up the order of events—how about starting with a cocktail hour to loosen everyone up before the ceremony? Or perhaps you’d like to have an intimate first-look photo session before walking down the aisle. You could even have your formal portraits taken after the ceremony so you can spend more time enjoying the moment with your guests. The key is to design a flow that feels right for you and keeps your guests guessing and engaged.
Wear Attire That Reflects Your Style and Personality
Your wedding attire should make you feel like the best version of yourself. If that means wearing a colorful gown, matching floral ties, a chic pantsuit, or even a gorgeous jumpsuit, go for it! The same goes for your partner; whether they want to wear a classic tux, a velvet blazer, or something entirely unexpected, encourage them to choose an outfit that feels right. Wear something that makes you feel confident and happy.
Include Friends and Family in the Festivities
Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, but it’s also a time to share with the people who mean the most to you. Get creative with how you involve your friends and family in the festivities. Maybe you have a musically gifted friend who can perform during the ceremony, or perhaps your loved ones can each contribute a favorite dish for a potluck-style reception. Including personal touches from those you care about can make your day even more special and memorable.
Book Unexpected Entertainment
Why not surprise your guests with entertainment they’ll be talking about for years to come? Something fabulous like Jared and Kyle’s wig bar and drag show can add a fun twist to your celebration. Think outside the box and consider entertainers like caricature artists, dancers, illusionists, or live painters who can capture the essence of your wedding in real time. The options are endless, and the more creative, the better.
Personalize the Details
From the invitations to the favors, infuse your personality into every aspect of the wedding. Create a signature cocktail that tells your love story, name your tables after places you’ve traveled together, or have a custom cake topper that looks just like you. The details are what make your wedding uniquely yours.
Embrace Nontraditional Elements
Feel free to skip any tradition that doesn’t resonate with you. Whether it’s forgoing the bouquet toss, having a best woman instead of a best man, or skipping the formal sit-down dinner for a more casual food truck experience, do what feels right for you! There are no rules, just guidelines, and the only guideline you should follow is to make sure your wedding day feels like a true celebration of your love.
Your Day, Your Way
When planning your wedding, the most important thing to remember is that it’s YOUR day. There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate your love. It will be perfect as long as it feels true to who you are as a couple. So go ahead, break the mold, and create a wedding that’s as unique and extraordinary as your love story. Here’s to a day filled with unforgettable moments and endless joy!
Happy planning, and cheers to doing your day your way!
Ready to start planning your one-of-a-kind wedding? I’m all ears with camera in hand!
