Working with this amazingly talented group of vendors for the Offshore Chicago wedding styled shoot was such a pleasure of mine as a Chicago wedding photographer! This new venue is in prime location for a beautiful Chicago wedding with breathtaking views all around. With both city and beach views, what more is there to dream of?

All of us vendors worked so hard to put together this Offshore Chicago wedding shoot. This is truly wedding goals for any spring or summer Chicago bride! For example, the rich colors and modern vibe is so perfect to match the aesthetic of Chicago.

Please enjoy these photos and inspiration written by Barbara from BWeddings, the planner and coordinator of the shoot!  Above all, be sure to check out the vendor list at the bottom to help make your Chicago wedding dreams come true!

Q&A with Barbara from BWeddings:

What was your design inspiration?

In short, my inspiration came from the world we were forced to live in. Covid put everything in perspective, and after months of being home, we all needed a clean and refreshing environment. I was personally craving for air, vibrant colors, open spaces where the sky is the limit. Hope for the future and you can let your imagination free.

At the same time, I also wanted to include our roots, feelings, and families. The comfort we were forced to be far from. That’s why I wanted to contrast the very modern and clean lines around with rich, deep, and hearty colors from berries and blooms in their original habits, woods.

Describe your flowers.

The flowers’ inspiration came from the stunning and unique Protea in its vibrant and stunning berry color. It is such a one of a kind bloom that it needed a unique ensemble to give it justice. To keep the contrast between modern and traditional, we complemented our modern flower arrangements with balloons in the same color palette. Most importantly, we were able to create a design that perfectly integrated into each theme, contrasted by timeless and romantic roses and ranunculus.

Describe your cake.

We set up a fun and unique dessert table. The mini donuts were created with a decadent red raspberry icing, fresh blueberries, fondant flowers, and edible gold paint for an enticing display with varied textures. The miniature cloches made a uniquely elegant presentation and sheltered the donuts from exposure to potential contaminants. Similarly, the berry-flavored macaron tower and cake pops were so much fun and brought my vision to life. Tieing together the desert table was the gorgeous vintage glass serving pieces adding to the richness and glamour of the completed display. Certainly, the focal point was the stunning and outstanding dusty blue cake with a unique design infusing modern and tradition.

Tell us about your attire choices.

I selected a few gorgeous wedding gowns to reflect the modern vibe with unique details.

The groom wore a burgundy velvet tux for the ceremony to perfectly match the blush wedding gown. The gown had an amazing bow on the back, adding to the romantic and elegant feel. Choosing these colors and textures was exciting and fun!

The couple changed into a sexier look for the reception. For the groom, I chose a navy tux with a unique boutique arrangement. The bride wore a stunning lace gown, adding in fashion and sophistication.

Offshore Chicago Wedding Vendor List

Planner/Designer – Barbara Vanni of Bweddings

Venue – Kathleen Jenkins of Offshore Chicago

Photographer – Lisa Hufford of Lisa Hufford Photography

Videographer – Randy Daniels of Water Song Media

Florals – Allana Amiran of City Chic Events

Dishes, Glassware – Janet Matthews of Dish and Decor Vintage Rental

Furniture Rentals – Karen Ranella of Tablescapes

Stationery – Mel of Ink Love and Paper

Balloons – Jacqlyn Oshman of Bubbly Events Chicago

Cake – Jo-Anne of Cake Chicago

Desserts – Corrie Pechan of Sugar Fixe Oak Park

Mini Donuts – Darcie Miller of Wishing Well Donuts

Custom Suit/Tux – Nicholas Hansen of Custom Suits You

Linens & Chargers – Alessandra Laterza of BBJ Linens

Signage – Michael of Wood Craftie (In Light Phoot Booths)

Bridal Gown – Carla of VWIDON

Bridal Gown Assistant – Lindsay

Bridal Gown – Julie of MiraCouture

Make up – Lerin Johnson of Lerin Johnson Bridal Beauty

Hair – Milian Bonillo of Milian Bonillo Beauty

Model Agency – Briana of BMG Models

Model – Brandon Janes

Model – Viktoriia Mykhalchuk

Catering – Maya Rotman-Zaid of Bellaru Catering & Mis Dos Magos