As a meeting venue, Loft on Lake was the ideal choice to host Yelp’s first ever #Yelptownhall, a community town hall-style meeting for business owners across the city. 

Last week, Loft on Lake hosted close to 100 business owners who came to hear and speak to Yelp community managers, to ask questions and share their experiences with Yelp. An informative session was led by Yelp representatives, followed by a Q&A session comprised of a panel of both Yelp Elite users and business owners, who shared their experiences and comments. Guests filed in through out the evening, but by the end, close to 100 guests assembled and everyone ended the evening networking and socializing. A food truck made a tasty delivery of tamales for the guests to snack on with their wine. A 5-star success!

This event was the first of many planned nation-wide – we’re glad to have been the first to experience this concept.

While every wedding is a unique experience, here at Loft on Lake, we host some truly one-of-a-kind unforgettable events that never fail to impress and inspire.

All of our brides are hip, fun, down-to-earth, quirky even and often leaning towards the DIY aesthetic, especially since few of them want to spend more than they have to on their Big Day. As a result, our brides get creative – and even if some things don’t change that much, the details are always different. From simple succulents-as-favors, to rustic all-wheat centerpieces, to elegant chandeliers-as-decor we haven’t exactly seen it all, but it sometimes feels like it. But every time, and without fail, we are impressed by the creativity our brides bring to the space, and how they transform our venue into something truly personal for just one evening – and that abundance of imagination inspired us to share the details with you – so we hope you tune in and stick around.

Coming up – an elegant affair for 110 with rustic touches;  A gourmet fall picnic wedding for 150; And an extravagant and colorful Sangeet for over 200 and many, many more – we’re excited to share all, so come back soon!

And, as always, be sure to Like us on Facebook!

Loft on Lake recently hosted Chefs in America for their “Chefs’ Summit” – a tradeshow that featured a handful of corporate vendors who had the opportunity to meet and speak with restaurant owners from across Chicago.

Planned to coincide with the National Restaraunt Association (NRA) Show at McCormick Place, this was a casual day-time affair that transitioned into a more of a cocktail event as the day went on. We had coffee, juice, salad, sushi vendors – even rubber shoes. Later in the evening, there was champagne and imported wines to sample.

The space was setup simply, with tables ready for guests to try and vendors along three walls of the venue.

The event featured vendors large and small – including representatives from Dannon, who had prepared a delicious Mediterranean salad with the Oikos Greek yogurt as dressing – it was, of course delicious and healthy and we had to have the recipe right away.

Photos by Lofty Weddings Photography

This winter we hosted a unique private event – a book launch and cocktail celebration for spiritual guru Andrew Cohen in support of his latest book,  ”Evolutionary Enlightenment.”

Andrew Cohen’s organization, EnlightenNext came to Loft on Lake for a cocktail-style event that celebrated the end of Mr. Cohen’s nation-wide book tour. Working with Art of Imagination‘s Deborah Weisenhaus, who transformed the space with a striking combination of blue and orange light and decor, inspired by the design of the book’s jacket, the book launch was a multimedia experience for the guests that our venue was perfect for.

The author was on hand to sign books and the evening also included a presentation, speeches, a live reading, dance and song performances, an interactive art wall and a performance of Mr. Cohen’s Jazz-fusion band, Unfulfilled Desires, completed the evening for the near-200 fans, friends and supporters in attendance. Mr. Cohen’s team provided hors d’oeuvres and light snacks and refreshments for the guests.

In the entry hallway, Art of Imagination created a stunning entrance with dark blue entry fabric and an overhead swag of crystal-studded fabric, while in the main space, Art of Imagination hung more fabric from the ceiling, and projected light into our skylight that dramatically transformed the space – scroll down for the pictures.

We loved this entry created by Art of Imagination - the blue and orange fabric and even the paper cranes perfectly matched the cover of the book and set the tone of the event as guests entered the space. We’d love to see a wedding or another corporate event recreate this look, perhaps in another color palette.

Photos by Lofty Weddings Photography

As far as corporate event venues, Loft on Lake is pretty unique – we’re a bit biased of course, but the space is flexible and adaptable enough that even though it’s the same space, no two events look alike.

So when Jameson needed to create a complete branded experience for close to 300 bartenders and bar owners from all across Chicago for an evening of live music, entertainment, prizes and, of course, endless Jameson for all – Loft on Lake was ready.

In the beginning, the details weren’t clear, but there was no doubt this would be a spectacular event – and when it was finally time, Legacy Partners, the agency responsible for planning the event went all-out in putting on a great show. There were dozens of vendors involved – including Jordan’s Food of Distinction, a caterer we’ve had in the space many times for weddings and other corporate events. But there were vendors for light, sound, decor and more – and as all the pieces arrived piece-meal – furniture, AV equipment and whiskey barrels quickly filled the space. And, after an entire day of setting up, we still weren’t sure the space could fit it all or where the pieces would be placed. But sure enough, it all came together effortlessly.

The event, as you’ll see below, was an immense success. Filled to capacity and with constant entertainment, this event went off without a hitch. It was interesting, seeing Loft on Lake transformed in this matter, in contrast to the many soft, romantic weddings we host, the light played off the exposed brick and gave it a club-like, urban feel. Scroll down for the amazing photos.

The Jameson team turned our front space into a VIP, black-label experience for their top shelf varieties.

In the main space, two large bars were set up on actual whiskey barrels, courtesy of Art of Imagination

The layout also included lounge-like seating sections courtesy of CORT Event Furnishings

The band performed later in the evening to a packed space of 300 guests.

Photos courtesy of Lofty Weddings Photography

Loft on Lake is lucky to work with all the best Chicago wedding vendors – even chocolatiers.

Katherine Duncan is known not only within the wedding world, but all across Chicago as the maker of some of the finest chocolate you will ever taste. She founded Katherine Anne to make truffles and caramels made only from local, organic, and fair-trade ingredients. Starting small, her business was bolstered by orders from CNN, The Field Museum and many other corporate clients, as well as an ever-growing number of wedding and private events clients who can’t get enough of her decadent treats. Available at a growing Whole Foods and even Walgreens, her seasonal and exotic flavors such as “Passionfruit Ginger Truffle” and “Champagne Raspberry Truffle” make for unique wedding favors and sweets tables that will leave a lasting impression.

Katherine Anne also hosts numerous truffle-making & tasting events in her space – including a series of events for Mother’s Day, in partnership with Daily Candy Chicago.  Click here to RSVP.

Visit Katherine Anne’s website & be a fan on Facebook.

Although our list of preferred caterers is already a long one, we were glad to accept Harry Caray’s Catering & Events to our list.

A renowned Chicago landmark, the Harry Caray’s restaurants – especially their flagship original location in the River North area, are well known in the city for exceptional service and excellent, high-quality menus that change frequently while remaining their classic dishes. Less known, though is that Harry Caray’s is also a full-service catering company, offering a wide range of services in a number of Chicago wedding venues, including Loft on Lake. Just last week we sat down with them and were impressed by the range of menus offered and the quality of food served.

Be sure to visit their website to learn more.

Being a photo studio, other than weddings and private events, the Loft also hosts an endless array of shoots of all kinds and sizes for clients all across Chicago.

Just last week, the Loft hosted a video shoot that was a first for the space – Victory Records came to the Loft to film the latest music video for rising Chicago stars The Royalty. Their team transformed the space using mis-matched thrifted vintage lamps and a variety of strings of light that transformed the space into a unique set that matched perfectly to the sound of the song. It was great seeing the space used so creatively – we’d love to see this look adapted for an elegant wedding – vintage lamps with lots of candles as centerpieces would be a great DIY idea for thrifty bride, for example.

Be sure to visit our Photo Studio page about more information about renting the studio for shoots of location.

 Wedding Season is in full swing here at the Loft – every weekend from now until 2013 brings at least one wedding, reception or event. Our latest was a whimsical and unique wedding – an elegant affair that wasn’t stuffy. It was a creative DIY loft wedding & reception perfect for this unique Chicago event space.

We always remark at how the Loft attracts the nicest, most down to earth couples, and this one was no exception. They were exactly the kind of cool, urban bride and groom that we’re so accustomed to and their wedding really reflected their warm personalities. It didn’t hurt that for their special day they selected some truly fantastic vendors. Pure Kitchen Catering brought their trademark amazing local, organic food that is as far-removed from your “typical” wedding food as possible. Pure did an amazing job transitioning the space from the ceremony to reception – the couple opted to seat the guests at farm tables and it was no easy feat, readying the space in just an hour, but Pure Kitchen did so quickly and efficiently.

The evening started with another ceremony in the space. Our favorite part was the backdrop – a bright and whimsical altar made of matching bright green and purple ribbon, bicycle tires and flowers, which matched the decor and personality of the event absolutely perfectly.

The guestbook as an actual book – a clever idea that’s sure to become a keepsake.

The ceremony and reception decor and all the colorful florals were courtesy of A Stem Above - a florist we hadn’t previously worked with before, but we had a great time working with. We adored the bright, vibrant wedding flowers and the elegant, simple decor that offset such beautiful florals.

The event came together and all the details flowed effortlessly thanks to the hard work of Big City Bride‘s Claire – who smiled all through the day and evening – here she is putting some finishing touches on the centerpieces during the transition during cocktail hour.

The couple went to Molly’s Cupcakes for the desserts – who set up a bright and colorful cupcake tower with all kinds of different flavors for their guests to try.  It was not easy to choose from so many flavors, but the red velvet was our favorite.

The succulent wedding favors were an unexpected and creative touch – yet another detail that went perfectly with the rest of the event.

The uncovered long farm tables and the chiavari chairs made for an elegant combination. The head table chairs were green to match the decor, with white cushions, while the rest of the guests sat on beautiful cherry chairs with white cushions that gave the event an unusual dynamic.

As the evening progressed and the space dimmed, the many candles created endless points of light all through the space that was really beautiful.

_________________________________________________________________

Photos courtesy of: Lofty Weddings  |  Catering: Pure Kitchen Catering

Planning: Big City Bride  |  Cupcakes: Molly’s Cupcakes

DJ: Stax O Wax  |  Floral Design: A Stem Above

Hotel: Crowne Plaza  |  Rentals: Tablescapes Chicago

]]> http://loftonlake.com/real-chicago-whimsical-green-purple-wedding/feed 1 http://loftonlake.com/p735 http://loftonlake.com/p735#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:43 +0000 Cher http://loftonlake.com/?p=735

Our first wedding of the 2012 Wedding Season was a stunning affair. An elegant ceremony and reception for 170 guests, the couple assembled a stellar cast of vendors who came together & transformed the space into something magical.

Vitaliy booked the event exactly a year before the big day at the end of March of this year and from the start, the couple became one of our favorites. The bride was just so easygoing and down-to-earth, with a big warm smile. And to be fair, because the Loft is such a non-traditional wedding space, it attracts brides who themselves are fun & non-traditional and who make our job so fun, but there was something about this couple that went above that. From the start, and without any input from us, they started looking at all our favorite vendors – from caterers to florists and DJs.

In the end, they chose J&L Catering for their meal – and J&L really delivered – they set up a few stations around the space – our favorite was the house-made sushi and adorable take-out boxes.

After the event the couple & their guests stayed at the Crown Plaza hotel in Greektown – the hotel is a perfect choice for Loft brides – it’s so close to both downtown and the wedding venue and the many amenities and ease of booking make it a standout. A big thank you to Lofty Weddings Photography for the gorgeous images.

For the ceremony, the couple turned to Art of Imagination, who again transformed the space with an ethereal wall of fabric and light that they are so well-known for. Made of crepe-back satin, the backdrop is made of luxurious wedding dress material that their staff hand-pleats for a look that is unmatched by any vendor in the city. The aisle runner was a last-minute addition and a perfect touch that gave the ceremony an extra touch of formality.

There were nine bridesmaids total – a new record for the Loft! The bouquets and florals were all hot-pink – to contrast the black dresses of the bridesmaids and, of course, the white of the bride herself. The florals came courtesy of Zuzu’s Petals - their first wedding in the space! Natalie, the owner was so lovely to work with – we’d be happy to work with them again in 2012. For the centerpieces, Zuzu’s built a mixture of low and high cylinders with submerged hot pink exotic flowers with floating candles for a clean and refined look that looked great in the space.

Toast & Jam’s Dena was back, again rocking the dance floor. The DJ uplighting and dance-floor color wash is also from Art of Imagination.