Stairway to Heaven?

There is a grand staircase leading up to the front of the Chicago History Museum from the plaza which is just itching for inspired decor. My parents suggested gathering all of the guests before the end of the night for one great group shot on the stairs. It will be one of our few opportunities to enjoy true candlelight on our wedding night.

Wouldn't this be a great picture? So much joy!

Amanda Bevington via Snippet & Ink

Star Light...Star Bright?

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One of the (few) downsides of getting married at a museum or other historical site are the decor restrictions. I adore the space at the Chicago History Museum which is why we chose the museum for our ceremony and reception, yet the contract came along with a two page list of items that were not allowed for use as decoration.

Sadly, one of those items included is candles. I think that wedding receptions filled with soft candlelight are simply enchanting so I was bummed that this was not an option for us. So I'm on a mission to find other unique lighting options that can provide the illusion of soft candlelight without the cheesy look of flameless candles.

Did you run into any roadblocks in your wedding decor?

Inspired Decor

I adore this picture and think this would be a sweet addition to the Chicago room.

We are rather limited by the museum decor guidelines, including the small detail of NO candles. (that's a whole different sob story)

But I think we could get away with this and perhaps find a few fantastic reflective pictures along the way.

I wish I knew the source on this picture...please let me know if it's yours and I'll add a link.

Revealing the Picture Perfect Venue

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After a full day of venue hunting (we also checked out The Peninsula for kicks), I was feeling disheartened. We were only in Chicago for two days and I had planned on leaving with a place and a date that we were going to get married. As we were about to get on Lake Shore Drive to head back to the burbs, my mom suggested that we check out the Chicago History Museum. She made no promises but thought that it might be worth seeing the event space.

I had never been there so I was not sure what to expect. The museum is right on the park that overlooks Lake Shore Drive to the lake. In the summer the greenery is in full bloom and the Uihlein Plaza offers a unique panoramic view of the park.

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We walked up stairs into the Robinson Gallery and I started getting a bubbly feeling in my stomach. It was gorgeous and fresh with beautiful periwinkle blue paint and a fantastic chandelier. Cocktails anyone?

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We made our way into the Chicago Room...and that was it for me. It was truly the vision I had in my mind. Hardwood floors flanking a black and white checked dance floor. Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass windows earmarking the high walls. And huge windows overlooking the park and the Uihlien Plaza.

Luckily M felt the same way and we immediately began inquiring about dates that were available. And there you have it...we will be getting married at the Chicago History Museum on June 26, 2010. A ceremony on the plaza followed by a reception in the Chicago Room.