Modern Greenhouse Loft Wedding

If we had to grade the wedding for these two teachers, it’d be an A+++! Jess and Mark’s modern Greenhouse Loft wedding is a look we can’t help, but gravitate towards. Perhaps it’s the way they intertwined a quaint vibe with a contemporary twist or the way these two locked eyes with one another in such stylish attire, but one thing is for sure… we are smitten by these photos by Ellen Gustafson Photography!

Written and captured by Ellen of Ellen Gustafson Photography:

Jess and Mark are Chicago Public School teachers who met on the job-Jess teaching English and Mark teaching Math. These two started off as friends but Jess knew form the moment Mark showed up to the first day at his new school, someday, somehow they would become more than that. Fast forward to October of 2020, amid a pandemic, two dogs, and a condo— Jess and Mark kept their wedding in Chicago while keeping their guest list safe, small, and intimate.

The day of the wedding in the beautiful Wicker Park neighborhood, they got ready in separate rooms at The Robey Hotel alongside their dainty Shiba Inu, Mohawk. Jess’s dress, the Amy Kuschel Redding Gown, was purchased at BHLDN in Chicago, with Mark’s suit and accessories purchased at Tie Bar and Indochino. Jess got ready with assistance from her mom, sister, and friendAfter their first-look they took the time to use the stunning 1929 architecture for rooftop portraits in and around the hotel.

Their venue, The Greenhouse Loft, offered the perfect blank slate for Jess and Mark's many design ideas. Danielle Wheeler at Maison Catering and Emily Meyer from Greenhouse Loft were able to use Jess and Mark’s vague ideas to create the perfect modern and intimate setting for their ceremony and dinner. Autumn florals and pampas grass from Asrai Garden shined thanks to Greenhouse’s floor to ceiling windows and minimalist, modern details.

The warm and sunny early fall day made for a gorgeous outdoor ceremony in the courtyard, then guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the art gallery space. After the main room was set for the reception and a quick shoe-change for Jess into some more desirable Ugg slippers, the evening continued on with a relaxed flow featuring a delicious dinner from Smoque BBQ, sweets provided by Sweet Mandy B’s, and some of the most sentimental speeches I've ever heard—truly not a dry eye in the house.

After Jess’s quick costume change into an off-the-shoulder dress from Lulu’s, the night went onto include first dances, rounds at the Photo Booth, and smooth tunes thanks to the DJ from Style Matters. The night ended with several dozen rounds of karaoke, and a grateful, tear-filled sigh of relief from Jess, Mark, and Mohawk—all three of whom are still shocked it all came together so perfectly.

Wedding Pro’s:
Photography: Ellen Gustafson Photography
Venue: Greenhouse Loft
Getting Ready Location: The Robey
Planning: Maison Cuisine
Entertainment: Ovation
Florals: Asrai Garden
Catering: SMOQUE BBQ
Desserts: Sweet Mandy B’s
Beauty: To Have and To Glow
Wedding Dresses: BHLDN & Amy Kushel
Bridal Headpiece: Lelet NY
Groom’s Attire: Indochino & The Tie Bar
Engagement Ring: Eden Phillipa
Shoes: Steve Madden
Wedding Party Attire: BHLDN