wedding couple poses with triumph motorcycle

Dan and Julia embarked on a remarkable wedding adventure, setting the stage for a dream celebration at Rockwell on the River in Chicago, IL. Their love story, an online dating romance gone right, was an excellent match, blending their shared passions for the outdoors, brewery hopping, and the joy of life itself. While their vendor team was already top-notch! There were still some unique details to iron out as they inquired with the BW Studio team for Event Management Services, including a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity that would truly make their day memorable.

Nestled along the North Branch of the Chicago River, their reception venue Rockwell on the River is adjacent to a local Chicago Brewery called Metropolitan Brewing, which provided the ideal setting for their big day. The couple curated a delightful array of catering and desserts, featuring beloved Chicago treats like cannoli’s, Portillos Chocolate Cake, and lemon bars. Their commitment to personalization extended to numerous DIY touches, allowing them to focus on what truly mattered – capturing the perfect moments through photography and spending quality time with their guests.

But the most intriguing question that surfaced during our planning process was how to include Julia's sleek black Triumph Street Twin motorcycle in their photography journey. Should it be a part of their first look or be stationed in front of their favorite haunts along the way to the ceremony? Options were endless!

Thrilled by the prospect, our team’s first three follow-up questions immediately arose:

How would they transport the motorcycle to the photo location?
How would it make its way back after the photography session was over?
And who would be the designated driver (definitely not Julia in her wedding gown!! Altho, I’m sure she could have done it!)?

The solution? One of Julia's friends from her women's riding group stepped up to the challenge! They skillfully brought the bike to the brewery and safely returned it after the photo session. The result? Beautiful shots that have become some of our all-time favorites.

The day kicked off with the wedding party's first look on the rooftop of the Midtown Hotel, complete with stylish sunglasses. They continued to the WMS Boathouse for group photos, set against the striking grey buildings designed by Chicago’s very own Studio Gang. Afterward, the couple made their way to the Great Central Brewing Company, where they enjoyed some private moments on the motorcycle and inside the brewery. Following their portrait session, the entire wedding party hopped on their bus and headed to Rockwell on the River, eagerly awaiting the wedding ceremony.

bride enjoys her portrait session at chicago boathouse

The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, featuring flower men joyfully sprinkling petals down the aisle under Rockwell on the River’s stunning bow truss ceilings. Meanwhile, the cocktail hour unfolded on the bistro light-adorned patio, offering a picturesque atmosphere as the sun set across the river. After the final touches were placed in the reception area, guests were welcomed back inside with spirited tunes and heartfelt speeches.

rockwell on the river reception space set for dinner

Amidst all of the excitement of this wedding day, it's impossible not to reminisce about that motorcycle and how those precious moments added an extraordinary touch to the couple's special day. If you're envisioning unique details to include in your own photography lineup, we're here to chat and bring your dreams to life. At BW Studio + Events, we craft unforgettable stories, one extraordinary detail at a time.