Chicago Restaurant Week 2018

It’s Restaurant Week in Chicago! As a fellow foodie,  I just know that Chicago has a ton of delicious food and drinks. With set menus that offer tastings, Restauarant Week is definitely

More than that, however, it’s a great way to find out your next wedding venue. Enjoy the restaurant’s highlights as you scope out a venue for your big day, whether it’s for the engagement party, the reception, or everything in between.

Here are some of my favorite restaurants that double as beautiful venues that have offerings during Restaurant Week:

Booth One – Used to be called the Pump Room, Booth One has been reinvented to feature new decor, lighting, and a revamped menu. With a dining area and a bar area, emphasized by neutral colors and tones, this place would be a wonderful place for a small, intimate gathering.

Booth One’s renovated bar area

Cafe des Architectes – While the food is devine, Cafe des Architectes doesn’t necessarily host receptions. It is, however, located in Hotel Sofitel, a hotel right of the Magnificent Mile that has a great view of the skyline. Mariana and Matt held their reception in the Sofitel Hotel and they came with gorgeous photos.

Sofitel Hotel

Carnivale – A bright, fun spot in West Loop, Carnivale can host anything from the bachelorette party to the reception. With a rather large space, colorful wall decorations, and a staircase for the perfect dramatic entrance, Carnivale could be a perfect backdrop for a classic or a uniquely extraordinary wedding venue for dancing the night away.

Carnivale 

The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel: While the restaurant itself doesn’t necessarily act as venue, The Lobby is situated right within the Peninsula Hotel, a venue that I’ve frequented many times myself. Enjoy yourself a nice lunch, then walk through the hotel to find the gorgeous spots perfect for formal photos, ceremonies, and receptions. Check out Kathy and Jason’s wedding that was held at the Peninsula Hotel.

The Lobby at Peninsula Hotel

Quartino’s – A classic Italian restaurant with two-stories, Quartino’s is a Chicago favorite located right off Michigan Avenue. While the space not quite large enough for a full reception, Quartino’s can provide the meeting area for the smaller, more intimate wedding-related events, from the engagement party to the welcome dinner to the bachelorette party.

Quartino’s Dining Hall

ZED 451 – With a sophisticated atmosphere and nearly 18,000 square feet to offer, ZED 451 can accommodate up to 500 seated guests for any type of intimate affair. The private dining room comes with a round table bar and modern decor for the loveliest wedding receptions and events. Susan and Conrad held their reception here and the photos are stunning.

Happy eating and venue hunting!

Susan + Conrad: Part Two

My last post shared Susan and Conrad’s ceremony. Now I’m excited to share their fun pictures around the city and their reception at Zed 451!

All photos by Maggie Rife Photography.

With how rainy the day started out, we were all happily surprised to see how sunny the rest of the day was!



The couple and their wedding party stopped by the Bean for a fun shot…I love that the bridesmaids chose dresses that fit their personalities and style!




I love this shot of Susan and Conrad – so pretty!



Roscoe Blooms featured sunflowers in the centerpieces so beautifully!



Susan and Conrad opted for a sweetheart table that was conveniently located right in front of a fireplace – perfect for a crisp fall evening!



Susan and Conrad hosted 50 guests, and the private room at Zed 451 was perfect for their guests.



And, of course, the best part was the food! Servers come around with every type of meat you could possibly want – the guests were happily full by the end of the evening.



Susan’s dad gave a heartfelt toast.



I love this sweet shot!


Susan’s mom spent hours putting together a slide show for Susan and Conrad. After working through some technology roadblocks, we were able to share it with the guests.



Susan and Conrad opted for a simple, elegant (and tasty!) cake from Tipsy Cake.


My favorite part of the reception is always when the couple cuts the cake – it’s the first thing they do together as a married couple!



Susan and Conrad shared their first dance…



…and then their guests joined them on the dance floor!



Congratulations, Susan and Conrad! I had so much fun working with you both – thank you for letting me be a part of your day!