1. Real Weddings

A Vintage, Industrial Wedding at Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago, Illinois

Who needs a Pinterest board when you can channel wedding inspiration from two of your favorite stores? That's what newlyweds Mary Gelber (27 and a mar

Who needs a Pinterest board when you can channel wedding inspiration from two of your favorite stores? That's what newlyweds Mary Gelber (27 and a marketing manager for digital intent) and Dusty Napoleon (29 and an assistant baseball coach at Concordia University Chicago) did while planning their September nuptials at Brideport Art Center. "We just wanted something that felt like Anthropologie infused with Restoration Hardware," the couple says of their vintage-industrial celebration. Jesse Deckard with Bliss Weddings and Events worked closely with the couple to coordinate and design the entirety of Mary and Dusty's special day – right down to the smallest details. "He was an absolute joy to work with and made wedding planning fun for everyone involved – especially since we didn't live in Chicago at the time!" the bride says. Dressed in a long sleeve, Monique Lhullier lace dress, Mary and her groom exchanged vows in the art center's sculptural garden – a unique space that once served as an actual railroad loading dock! For their industrial lofted reception, shades of champagne, lavender, apricot and blush were paired with gilded gold details to give the open space a slightly vintage feel. Reclaimed timber and exposed brick walls paired perfectly with each glam tablescape – a set up that included vintage crystal chargers and matte gold sequined linens. Vintage stemware and flatware completed the look of each place setting for a fuss-free, formal feel. Another standout detail? The after party! The rock-loving newlyweds invited an 80s cover band to perform a set at the Ritz Carlton that lasted until three in the morning. "We served Chicago-style hot dogs, French fries and just rocked out," the bride says. "It was the best night of our lives!"

The lush bridal bouquet featured muted garden roses, white dahlias, succulents, white lisianthus, jasmine vine and lamb's ear.
Signature Cocktails with Striped Straws
Large reclaimed wood planters were placed in front of the ceremony platform and filled with roses, hydrangea, dahlias and other greenery for a natural look.
A custom invitation suite featured a map of Chicago, linen-lined envelopes and classic Kraft printed with gold foil.
Lemonade Drink Station
Ivory Tulle Flower Girl Dress
No – you're not seeing double. While it looks like the bride donned two separate gowns for both the ceremony and reception, Mary just added a simple tulle skirt over her Monique Lhullier gown to give the dress a different look while she said 'I do'. "I added a tulle skirt to wear over the dress for the ceremony and cut off the top two layers of the dress to give it an illusion sweetheart neckline," Mary says.
The couple exchanged vows in the art center's sculptural garden – a unique space that once served as a railroad loading dock! Cut out arches within the venue's brick walls were softened using gauzy cream-colored drapes.
In lieu of a classic black tux, Dusty donned a gray, custom-made suit from Nicholas Joseph in a shade lighter than the rest of his groomsmen. A single, white lisianthus bloom on his lapel matched perfectly with his bride's bouquet.
The newlyweds celebrated in the venue's airy loft space that featured reclaimed timber and exposed brick accents. Vintage crystal chargers and matte gold sequined linens lined each reception table for an antique glam aesthetic. Vintage stemware and flatware were added to each place setting for a fuss-free, formal look.
Cream-colored drapes softened the brick arches strewn throughout the open, industrial art venue.
Scattered candles and ornate chandeliers added a vintage feel to the couple's industrial reception at Bridgeport Art Center.
Who needs a traditional cocktail hour when you can set up your very own whiskey bar? The newlyweds treated guests to four signature cocktails (all chosen by the whiskey-loving groom!) that were uniquely named after the couple's high school and college mascots. Snacks were even on hand – including homemade potato chips, gourmet popcorn and candied strips of bacon.
After finding her dream dress, the bride immediately enlisted the help of Ultimate Bride to alter the gown for a more unique look. "I added a tulle skirt to wear over the dress for the ceremony and cut off the top two layers of the dress to give it an illusion sweetheart neckline," Mary says.
White Wedding Cake with Cascading Flowers
Industrial Rustic Wedding Reception Details
Bride and Groom Reception Toasts
TK while the groom wore a light gray custom Nicholas Joseph suit (a single shade lighter than the rest of his groomsmen!)