Hilary + Joe hosted an Artifact Events wedding this summer and it was truly a perfect day. From Joe’s taco socks to the taco bar guests dove into for dinner, the day was laid-back, relaxed, and, of course, included sharing a few glasses of tequila among friends.
eclectic wedding at architectural artifacts
Felisa and Matt got hitched in April at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and then partied the night away at Architectural Artifacts. Felisa and Matt met at Lollapalooza (which is awesome) and working with them was such a pleasure.
They got ready to go to the church:
and then, they were off.

Matt and the boys arrived and were sequestered to a back room in the church with strict orders not to come out until they were summoned. They waited oh-so-patiently with only a pack of gum as sustenance. Felisa and the gals arrived just a tad late after having to turn around and go back to the hotel to pick up a few of the bridesmaids forgotten bouquets. But we were ready and waiting. They came in; lined up and down the aisle they went.
One of my favorite things about this wedding was two little lines on the time line that Felisa had written for this moment:
M to wait for F + F to walk to M
Once they were husband and wife, Michael Rastall stole the bridal party for a magazine-worthy photo shoot.
Back at Architectural Artifacts, a bevy of people were making things happen so that all of the details Felisa & Matt had planned would be ready and waiting for the guests’ arrival. Ben & Joe, two of Felisa’s friends took on the task of doing all of the flowers for the day. They spent the entire day and night before the wedding creating bouquets and boutonnieres for the ceremony, escort cards made up of individual pails with single white roses for each guest and multiple pails of white roses for the table centerpieces and cocktail tables.
They were amazing and I hope they were able to sleep for the entire next day. We used antique candelabras from Architectural Artifacts along with the flowers to create dramatic and eclectic centerpieces.
I hung a moss-covered monogram from the arch to welcome guests that Matt’s dad made.

Their friend Lindsay made their wedding cake and another friend Jen made their amazing “wedding tree” guest book. It really was a labor of love on so many parts, how lucky are they to have such amazing friends and family?
Again I’ll say it: I get to work with the best couples who surround themselves with some pretty fantastic people. Felisa and Matt’s wedding was truly a celebration of their love for each other, filled with a whole lot of joy. I can’t wait to see what life brings these two crazy kids.
And rain or shine, as long as Matt keeps waiting for Felisa and Felisa keeps walking towards Matt, their life together will be quite the party.
*all photos in this post taken by the heroic and charming Michael Rastall of Michael Rastall Photography
Felisa + Matt’s Vendors:
Ceremony: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Reception: Architectural Artifacts
Catering: Food Evolution
Photography: Michael Rastall Photography
Florist: Ben & Joe, friends of the bride
DJ: Leslie with Toast & Jam
Transportation: M & M Limo
Cake: Lindsay, friend of the bride
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
chicago wedding at architectural artifacts
Laura & Dan were married at Architectural Artifacts in November of 2009. If you’ve never been to Architectural Artifacts, you should definitely go over and get lost for a little while. Literally. I’ve been there three or four times now and every time I go I find a nook and then a cranny I have never seen before. Also, mannequins. Love the mannequins.
Their cake was lovely and in the background you can see their video playing. I’m going to go ahead and make a bold statement: best wedding video I’ve ever seen. Think I’m lying? Check it out here.
Dan & Laura put so many personal details into the day. A family friend and florist, Kim and her team did a magnificent job transforming the space (and were a pleasure to work with, to boot!) Their sweetheart table looked amazing and please also take note of the fountain behind it. Kim put tons of flowers and candles all over it. It was a fantastic focal point and looked insanely gorgeous. AA brides take note.
The aisle was lined with a few dozen of these vases filled with flowers. It looked gorgeous when they were all lit up! Speaking of the aisle, Laura bought a plain white aisle runner and painted their monogram on it. I swear I get the craftiest brides. And I love it.

Looks like Dan sent Laura a sweet note to read before the ceremony. Good work Dan, look at that smile!
Saying “I do!” (Check out the trellis that Kim decked out. It looked a-mah-zing.
Lighting the unity candle:
I mentioned the nooks and crannies that I find each time I go to Architectural Artifacts. There are three giant floors, each a feast for the eyes and (I’m guessing) a photographer’s paradise. So many props to use, so little time.
And lastly, when Laura sent me these pictures she included a little note saying she picked out a few good detail shots of things I did and a few of her personal favorites. Of course you want all the great moments and special details captured!
*All photos in this post, courtesy of the uuber-talented: Misty Winter
Laura + Dan’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Architectural Artifacts
Catering: Blue Plate Catering
Photography: Misty Winter
Photo Booth: Chicagoland Photo Booth
Videography: Blink of an Eye Productions
Florist: Kimberose
Video: Simply Unique Video
DJ: Backthird Events
Transportation: Empire Limo
Media Delivery & Rental: Trailing Edge Media
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events