An Intimate Summer Wedding at City Winery in Chicago, Illinois

Colorado-based couple Blair Carroll (32 and a USA swim coach) and Martin Murphy (38 and a commodities trader) looked east for their intimate, industrial wedding at City Winery in Chicago, Illinois. After falling in love with the venue's exposed brick interior and abundance of wooden wine barrels, the couple immediately knew the urban-rustic space was ideal for their reception. "We love live music and wanted a live band, so that limited some of our options when choosing a venue," Blair says. "The winery was perfect for both our personalities and vision." After exchanging vows at Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago, Blair (dressed in a strapless Monique Lhullier mermaid-style gown) and Martin retreated to the winery for an intimate celebration with members of their immediate family. Blush and ivory details were accented with pops of black for an elegant aesthetic that perfectly matched the urban environment and modern wedding dress. "I just wanted it to feel simple and elegant," Blair says. "Once I found the dress, the rest of the design decisions came easily." Guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail reception in the winery's courtyard along with a photo booth and an unexpected bagpipe performance. As for wedding day advice, Blair suggests hiring a day-of coordinator to keep your worries at bay. "No matter how small or large your wedding is, having someone there to oversee the questions and issues you'll encounter is absolutely worth it."