06.28.2025 Wedding at Goose Island Barrel House

Last Saturday, E+S were married at the Goose Island Barrel House in Chicago. The couple started their day at The Robey hotel where they shared their first look and private vows on the rooftop. After heading to Humbolt Park for photos with their wedding party, who was dressed in pastel, floral dresses and black tuxedos, they made their way over to the venue.

Goose Island Barrel House is a beautiful, rustic venue with wooden barrels lining the walls and round, iron light fixtures hanging throughout the space. The couple wanted the space to feel romantic and intimate so they bought many different candles (votives, floating, pillar, taper) and candle holders that were placed on the tables along with white floral arrangements and bud vases. With the lights dimmed and the candles twinkling, the atmosphere was magical.

The ceremony was held in a room off the reception space. The space is gorgeous. Two large wooden doors flank the entrance to the room. The ceiling is arched and lined with white tile. Three iron chandeliers with bubble lights hang down the length of the room. The floor is paved with brick and the walls are lined with bottles. For their ceremony, the only decor that was added was two large floral arrangements on top of wooden barrels at the end of the aisle.

As guests entered the venue, they were able to stop at the bar to grab a beer before they sat down for the ceremony. Programs decorated by E's students were handed out (which everyone loved)!

The groom's brother-in-law officiated the ceremony and talked about how much E+S complement each other in their relationship. Although they were very different in many ways, they hold the same values and it's easy to see they are meant to be. When the officiant got to the part of the ceremony where he asked E+S if they take each other as husband/wife, both E+S said "I do" before he was done talking. They were just so excited to finally be married!

After the sweet ceremony, guests headed to cocktail hour. Brewery tours were offered by the venue, which many guests took part in. A Polaroid guestbook was available for signing and matchbooks with the couple's name and wedding date were given out as a party favor. E+S also provided photos of "Love Stories Before Ours" -- framed wedding photos of their parents and grandparents for guests to look at. The ceremony space was flipped to a lounge with leather couches and a wooden coffee table and a giant "Love" neon sign was placed at the back of the room.

As guests started to get seated for the reception, E+S took some time to privately cut their cake (that E's sister had made for them) and then take some dramatic photos in the flipped ceremony space.

Finally, it was time for E+S to be introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs! After their grand entrance, they went straight into their first dance, and then welcomed their guests with a quick speech. Dinner was served after and it was by far the best tasting wedding meal I have ever had.

As guests ate, E's father gave a speech, followed by the Maid of Honor, who was the bride's best friend, and the Best Man, who was the Groom's nephew (and who was 9 years old and gave the cutest speech ever, all by himself!).

The bride and groom finished the dinner portion of their reception by each sharing a dance with their dad/mom. Following special dances, E+S did a T-shirt toss with their guests and then it was time to dance! One special moment I noticed was when a slow song was played, every single person in the room paired up and danced with someone. It was really sweet. As the night went on, the dancing got more and more wild - everyone was having a ton of fun. There was limbo and break dancing and ballroom dancing, all at once. Most of the crowd stayed on the dance floor all night, unless it was to step away for dessert and late night brats.

E+S worked so hard on their day. E even gave me a binder with all the details so I could make sure that nothing was missed. It was such a complement at the end of the night when she told me that everything looked better than she imagined. I know how much thought went into every aspect of their day and it was such an honor to help bring their vision to life!

Vendors:

Venue: Goose Island Barrel House

Hotel: The Robey

H&MU: Rare Bird Beauties (Stefanie & Maria)

Florist: Poppy Flowers

Photographer: Nichole Babiez Photography

Catering: Lula Cafe

DJ: DJ Chicago (Jared)

Cake: Bride's sister

Coordinator: mElevate Events