A Romantic Industrial Wedding at Gallery 1028 in Chicago, Illinois

Edison bulbs, amber uplighting and rustic textures like burlap, muslin, wood and twine created an autumn-inspired affair for Dondra Nichols (34 and an audiologist) and Chi Mbachu (39 and a director of operations).

“We wanted an industrial loft space that also felt warm and modern,” Dondra says of selecting their brick-lined venue where her aunt officiated the nuptials. “Plus, the space is divided into three different rooms, so it was easy to transition guests from the ceremony to the reception.” Later, the couple held a kola nut ceremony to honor Chi’s Nigerian heritage during the reception.

Bridesmaids wore slate gray tulle gowns and flower crowns during the reception, along with personalized brass cuffs courtesy of the bride. The ring bearer carried a ring box made from a tree stump emblazoned with the couple’s initials, while the flower girl held a pretty bunch of herbs and eucalyptus. 

Before cutting into a vanilla bean cake filled with raspberries and covered in bourbon buttercream, the newlyweds shared a sentimental first dance to Michael Jackson’s “The Lady in My Life.”