When we set out to start our photography brands so many years ago we never imagined that mid week could look anything like this!
Our jobs may involve countless hours behind the camera and computer, hours trying to understand social media and marketing, but it's days like this that allow us to get a little more personal with our industry and do what we like to do best- connect. This year we're ecstatic to announce that, K&E will be a preferred VIP vendor with The Simply Elegant Group.
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We have had the pleasure of working with their planners in the past and can not say enough wonderful things about our experience with them and their expertise for our couples. Working with good wedding planners allows us to focus on our creativity and capturing our couple's day effectively.
On Wednesday we got to hit the road with these amazing planners and many other wedding industry professionals for their VIPs & Venues bus tour, giving us the chance to tour some of the newest venues in the city of Chicago. We were blown away!
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We cannot thank Lindsey & Ashley at The Simply Elegant Group enough for the fabulous opportunity & inviting us along on an incredible day/afternoon. We had such a wonderful time. From all the incredible venues, conversations and of course cocktails and food, it was truly a great day had by all. We appreciate all the hard work put into the planning.
Sign us up for the next one!
#1
VENUE WEST
221 N. Paulina St. | Chicago, IL 60612
Contact: Karly Fabbri
J and L Catering
312-280-7900
When we first arrived, we couldn’t help but notice these amazing mirrors. As the dynamic duo black and white selfies go, we just couldn’t resist. We were greeted by The Simply Elegant team and 50+ industry creative professionals. We not only were able to tour the space, but indulge in a sample of JandL Catering’s amazing food & cocktails. Their champagne mule was a bubbly morning touch. This new venue is just absolutely amazing. Each room is better than the next and the possibilities are endless. With their gorgeous lounge couches, chaivari chairs and tableware, draping (comes in 5 different colors), chandeliers & lighting to for the perfect finishing touch. Not to mention their Hollywood inspired green room/bridal room, complete with the best movie quotes of all time! We love this venue for it's versatility and lofty charm!
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#2
ROCKWELL ON THE RIVER
3057 N. Rockwell | Chicago, IL 60618
Contact:
Tania Madon & Kate Gueorguieva
1-773-247-3000
www.rockwellontheriver.com
Before you even walk through the front door, you are greeted by a brick alley complete with interchangeable uplighting. It opens onto a shared brick courtyard. Walking through the front doors, past the floor to ceiling window is almost overwhelming. If you're looking for a blank slate- this is the space for you. The floor is tiled with WOOD and this space can accommodate more than 800 guests! It's hard not to be drawn right back outside onto the 5,000sq foot Italian brick patio overlooking the river and the city skyline! Winter wedding? No problem. The patio can accommodate cocktail igloos. How fun!
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#3
REVEL MOTOR ROW
2400 S. Michigan Ave. | Chicago, IL 60616
Contact: Brittney Reecy & Megan Crowe
1-773-292-9100
www.revelspace.com/our-spots/motor-row
A hidden Chicago historic gem. You walk in and truly have to stop and breathe in the history! This space was originally home to the Illinois Automobile Club (1930's) and then the Chicago Defender Magazine (1950's). There have been some very influential feet that have walked these halls! First, look down at your feet, you will find a quote laid there by the Defender staff. It was uncovered during renovations, the workers came across the tile under a bunch of junk and low and beyond was this gorgeous tile & quote. As coffee lovers ourselves, we couldn’t help but dig in and try the amazing coffee bar provided by Limelight Catering. It was our very own DIY barista. No surprise, the courtyard, is a must have in the warmer months, truly breath taking. The historic charm and detail in every room is mesmerizing! The bathrooms located on 2nd & 3rd floor were walk-in safes, repurposed and turned into bathrooms. For any event, especially a wedding, the bridal room, is a photographer’s dream. From the stain glass windows, to the unique decor, will bring any bride wanting to get her getting ready photos in there.
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#4
W HOTEL CHICAGO- LAKESHORE
644 N. Lake Shore Dr. | Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: Robin Wilson
312-266-8933
website
With over 14, 000 square feet of sophisticated event space in downtown Chicago, this hotel is the ideal backdrop for a waterfront wedding or business meeting. The views are endless! Full 180 of Navy Pier & Lake Michigan right off Lake Shore Drive and skyline on the opposite side. There isn't a bad view in the house! The W brand prides itself on speaking to your senses. You are greeted with the most pleasant smells as soon as you walk in the door! Your tastebuds will be delighted with all of the signature food and house maid beverage options. We got to enjoy their signature dish (house made meatballs and ricotta cheese) as well as their signature cocktail, a Raspberry Mule. We received a tour of the event spaces as well as the E-WOW suite, which is available for bridal parties. This space is perfect for getting ready photography. Who wouldn't want to take a spin in the fun chair?! Rooms like this are important! You want to ensure there is plenty of space for your bridal party and all your incoming vendors (Makeup & Hair Artists/ Photographers, Videographers, Event Planners, etc.). And let's not forget the panoramic view of the lake and Navy Pier!
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#5
PRIME & PROVISION | Builders BLDG
222 N. LaSalle St. | Chicago, IL 60601
Contact:
Prime & Provisions: Rebecca Lachman
Builders BLDG: Michelle Zonis
1-312-726-7777
Prime & Provisions offers the perfect setting to host any special occasion! With two expansive private dining rooms and flexible semi private event space, including our Outdoor Terrace, they can accommodate groups from 10-200 guests! This exciting venue can accommodate small weddings and rehearsals quite easily. The outdoor private patio is quaint and complete with heaters for winter enjoyment. The modern bar area inside is a welcoming touch. Private event space is located upstairs and overlooks the bar area below. The two story wine cellar is stunning! The intimate event space has a panoramic view across the street from the Chicago River.
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The four story atrium of the Builders BLDG exudes elegance and is a stunning backdrop for any type of event. From the intricately detailed atrium ceiling, to the attention grabbing grand staircase. Our venue is an ideal fit for weddings of 100-200 guests for a cocktail reception and a seated dinner. The space can accommodate up to 500 guests for a reception style event. The covered outdoor terrace is a great addition for your cocktail reception, or a lounge space.
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#6
City Hall
838 W. Kinzie, | Chicago, IL 60654
Contact: Toula Georgakopoulos
www.thecityhall.com
We've never been pivvy to an event space that is still in the process of being built! City Hall is divided into a 5, 000 sq ft event space, a 3,700 sq ft restaurant and a 7,000 sq ft outdoor patio. Inspired by design elements of a municipal building, the event space has a 37 ft stone bar, a marble staircase and 20 ft windows that overlook the city skyline. Formerly, a truck maintenance facility, the “no-columns” space boasts 40ft ceilings with intricate steel beams and intriguing skylights. It was inspiring to see this team's creative vision and we can't wait to make it back in May when the space in complete!
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#7
UNTITLED SUPPER CLUB
111 W. Kinzie, Chicago, IL 60654
Contact: Stephanie Chamberlin
312-880-1503
www.untitledsupperclub.com
Inspired by prohibition era supper clubs, this venue has the largest selection of American whiskey in the world! It boasts this title as soon as you walk in the door with wall to wall back lit shelves that showcase their selection. The restaurant is located in the basement like a modern Chicago speakeasy. The decor is swanky and elegant. Multiple rooms, state of the art A/V, & outstanding food & beverages make Untitled the ideal venue for private parties, as well as corporate, social, networking, & fundraising events.
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