Michelle & Richard’s Wedding

Michelle says they chose a warehouse location because the two loved the dichotomy between that raw feeling of the venue coupled with the elegance of a wedding environment. How do you achieve the ambience of elegance in a warehouse? Sure, add in a woman in a white gown, followed by sharply dressed men and classy woman. But ambience is more than clothing. Food was very important to the couple, and they went all out with a 5-course, 2 hour plus dining extravaganza. Desert? Handcrafted pure chocolate cake covered in truffles. Decadent.

Michelle knew the space was dark. Very dark. It was important to her to hire a photographer who understands and respects low-light situations and at the same time can open up the images to whatever light is available. Even if it is just a small lightbulb.

She contacted Heather Parker who was booked and then referred Michelle to me (thanks, Heather). Upon meeting her, she stressed the importance of wanting her wedding images to have color, light and capture the ambience she envisioned. She was smart and hired lighting designers to uplight the ceremony and reception areas of her wedding day. While slightly nervous because it was an unfamiliar venue, I had a sense I could make her and the families very happy.

The venue proved to be a challenge, but one I could conquer. Sadly, it is a venue I won't frequent and wish I could more often. The space is truly incredible and has so much more to it than I could discover in just one wedding. The Brewhouse is several stories tall, and houses dozens upon dozens of old rooms abandoned long ago and accessible via an old elevator lift. It comes complete with the cold, damp musty smell with the occasional water leak and a sense of the past. 

Thanks Michelle & Rick for trusting me with your wedding imagery. And for allowing me to explore a little more of this world around me.

Michelle Gullett & Richard Wenger

Feb 26, 2011

Ceremony: Prairie Street Brewhouse; Rockford, Illinois
Reception: Prairie Street Brewhouse; Rockford, Illinois

Chadd Foy image

• Ceremony: Prairie Street Brewhouse
• Reception: Prairie Street Brewhouse
• Caterer: Brio
• Deserts: Chocolat by Daniel (cake) & Angelo's (italian cookies)
• DJ: Luxe Productions
• Florist: Event Floral
• Lighting/decor: Event Floral
• Makeup artist: Zela Euro
• Officiant: Judge Lisa Fabiano
• Videographer: Boylan High School students
• Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
• Programs: DIY (bride)
• Menus: DIY (bride)
• Wedding dress: Brides by Demetrios
• Wedding rings: Clodius & Co
• Bride's shoes: Calvin Klein
• Groom's shoes: Bruno Magli
• Groom's suit: Custom Suits You
• Groom's shirt and tie: Custom Suits You