July 20th, 2024

Finding an affordable, intimate venue in Chicago can feel a bit daunting, but I’m so excited to share about my time at the Charcoal Factory Loft for Amira and Mar’s wedding reception! Hidden in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, the Charcoal Factory Loft offers a distinctive blend of industrial charm and modern elegance for intimate wedding celebrations. This two-story venue features original timber beams, polished concrete floors, designer plaster walls, and custom metal windows and doors, creating a unique backdrop for your special day. For those seeking a venue that seamlessly combines historic character with contemporary amenities, the Charcoal Factory Loft seems like a winner.

Candid kissing couple on wedding day at Charcoal Factory

Before I get into the sweetest reception wedding night with Amira and Mar, I wanted to share a bit about their day! They opted to start their wedding day at The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast; you could feel the wedding day excitement buzzing through the B&B with both Amira and Mar and all their people getting ready so close to each other, but not seeing one another until their walk down the ceremony aisle. I had such a lovely time photographing A+M separately with Mar and their people having sweet, small moments together, while Amira had a few editorial ideas while getting ready with her sister.

We then moseyed our way over to their church, the Lighthouse Church of Chicago! Truly one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies I’ve been able to capture as a wedding photographer, I was even tearing up a bit behind my camera!

Happy wedding couple walking down their ceremony after they get married

Candid laughing wedding party and family after wedding ceremony

Getting married? Take a peek at my work and reach out to learn more!

Our last destination for the day was an intimate wedding reception at the Charcoal Factory. This venue was meant to be for A+M with Mar mentioning “Amira didn’t cry when she found her dress, but she cried when we toured our reception venue!”

65 of their closest friends and family celebrated with Amira and Mar in their outdoor, industrial courtyard with A+M having a private dinner above their guests- so charming! They ended their wedding day dancing the night away with all of their people, cutting a cute Coscto cake with a few swans on top, and were surrounded with so much love & joy. Mar had some of the sweetest words about how they felt at the end of their day —

“[I felt] So so so in love and happy. I think I danced with every single person at our wedding!! It was wonderful to really enjoy this party that we had spent so long planning. Amira is an incredible, amazing, supportive, and beautiful wife and I just feel so excited to be married to her :)”