Love in the Greens: Our Exclusive Chicago Cover Shoot

Photos ByTrysh Jaeger Photography

Written By

Date

October 3, 2025

The Vision

We worked with Walden's in-house planner, Krystle Erler, for our Chicago spring/summer cover shoot, to transform the modern, industrial aesthetic of the venue into something soft, romantic and unforgettable. Inspired by Walden's natural elements—like exposed brick and warm wood tones—we layered in dreamy draping and lush florals to bring a timeless elegance to the space. The design centered around a rich, organic floral palette that's versatile for any season. Krystle shares, "In my heart, I pictured a dreamy, timeless celebration where nature and romance come together seamlessly in an urban setting."

The Venue

Walden is a venue that effortlessly blends modern industrial style with soft, romantic charm. With its high ceilings, exposed brick and beautiful natural light, the space offers a clean, versatile canvas that still feels warm and welcoming. For our shoot, its open layout and minimalist lines provided the perfect backdrop to layer in lush florals, flowing drapery and organic textures. Beyond its visual appeal, Walden’s commitment to sustainability and its in-house catering and bar services make it an ideal choice for couples looking to create an intentional, earth-inspired celebration. We also love the rooftop views of the Chicago skyline, perfect for these portraits captured by Trysh Jaeger Photography!

The Décor

The décor was all about softening Walden’s modern, industrial space with organic, romantic touches. MDM Entertainment’s layered draping added warmth and depth—opaque ivory panels framed the ceremony beautifully, while sheer champagne fabric softened the reception ceiling. Sculptural serpentine tables and bentwood chairs brought natural movement, paired with ivory Lamour linens and fern napkins to echo the floral palette. The result was a warm, soulful design that blended timeless elegance with nature-inspired textures!

The Florals

The florals in this shoot were designed to feel lush, natural and full of movement. Fleurish Atelier used a mix of amaranthus, lisianthus, hydrangea, calla lilies, roses and anthurium, layered with green blooms and foliage to create an organic, garden-grown vibe. Each flower added something unique—from the softness of lisianthus to the bold structure of anthurium—resulting in sculptural, romantic arrangements that felt truly alive. With artistry and intention, they transformed the space into something modern, soulful and deeply rooted in nature!

The Stationery

The stationery by Singsolo Designs was inspired by the overall vision of organic romance with a modern edge. The final design beautifully echoed the textures and tones used throughout the shoot, incorporating florals and softness in the invitations, table numbers, bar signage and more!

The Looks

The bridal look for this shoot came together flawlessly thanks to a dream team of vendors! We found the perfect wedding gowns at Diana’s Bridal Boutique, who helped us select three styles that captured our theme of romantic, earthy and modern. For the ceremony, our bride wore a strapless gown with a flowing train that beautifully mirrored the soft drapery. For cocktail hour, she changed into a sleek, high-neck look, followed by a basque-waist gown with a square neckline for the reception. We love how different the three gowns were, while still complementing the romantic aesthetic! To complete the effortlessly elegant vibe, we went with soft, natural glam makeup and a loosely styled, romantic updo.

The Cake

The cake was a beautiful nod to timeless elegance, featuring a simple, classic design with a vintage Lambeth-style finish that added a hint of old-world charm. What truly elevated the look, though, was the way Fleurish Atelier styled the cake table—with fresh fruit and carefully placed florals that added texture, richness and a sense of natural abundance. The result was understated yet artful, perfectly aligned with the organic, romantic feel of the entire shoot!