Category Archive

chicago

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Spend some time with Carolyn & Mike’s “Time in a Bottle”-themed wedding (with musical surprise!)

A custom gold gown, a gorgeous Chicago loft space, and a “Time in a Bottle” theme… this wedding is chic, luminous, and artfully planned by a bride who is one of our fave vendors! Come see the clock details, scream singing reception, personal music touches, and of course… a super special musical surprise for the groom at the ceremony that is a must-see.

tattooed bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Carlee & Daniel’s crafty Firefly chic wedding

A little Firefly, some rustic DIYed touches, and a last-minute gown… this wedding is full of surprises and gorgeous details. Add in the homebrew, the hair-styling save by the officiant, and the community-crafted love, and you’ve got a wedding to remember. And don’t miss the funniest moment — it involves Batman!

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Brandy & Phoenix’s Central Park and hometown Chicago dual-city wedding

A Central Park ceremony, rooftop shenanigans, and a family-focused Chicago reception — these two cuties know to party cross-country! Add in the queer-friendly atmosphere, last-minute cheesecake, and sand ceremony mishap, and you’ve got a recipe for offbeat magic.

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A multinational French and Chinese fusion wedding at the University of Chicago

Qiyan came to the United States from Beijing, China a few years ago to pursue her PhD. Antoine was born in France and lived there before coming to the U.S. for his PhD. They met, combined their lives, and had a multifaith, multicultural, and multinational wedding in the gorgeously gothic campus of the University of Chicago. Oh, and just wait until you see their adorable turtle cake!

5993978145 5f25b75788 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Heather & Marty’s six-guest cultural center and city tour wedding

This pair took serious advantage of the awesome locales in their new city of Chicago. After a $10(!!) cultural center ceremony and an amazing brunch with their immediate family, they traversed the urban terrain for a super fun portrait session. This is the ultimate combination of intimacy, budget-friendly, and bonding with a new city. And a ring snafu at the ceremony turned out to have a really sweet solution.

Anthony Barlich Well Groomed 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Navy suit, gingham shirt, slim tie, and vans: advice for grooms on how to find their style

Ok, so I guess today we’re just all about fashion. That’s ok, right? Especially when it involves the amazing fashion of groom Anthony Barlich, one of the founders of Chicago’s Hitch & Sparrow. Anthony rocked a navy suit, silver tie, and gingham shirt, with striped socks and grey Vans. (Topped off by Warby Parker glasses.) Darren from Well Groomed recently did a twopart post series interviewing Anthony about his fashion and guidance for grooms looking to find their own vision in a sea of anonymous suits.