Having been in the wedding industry in Chicago for 14 years now, people are always asking me what my favorite venues are. So I figured it was about time to do some spotlights on some of my favorite places that I’ve photographed at a handful of times!
For my first venue Spotlight, I’ll be highlighting one of my all time favorites - The Joinery. Now I’m biased as a longtime resident of Logan Square but it is also such an amazing space with so many textures and opportunity to use natural light. It has a handcrafted vibe while feeling elevated and refined. It features a main indoor space with a huge skylight (a photographers dream) as well as an outdoor patio that has been updated over the years to feature an outdoor bar. The inside also has a designated indoor bar space, an upstairs speakeasy that can be used for many purposes, a getting ready suite and the option to rent the airbnb for getting ready next door.
I’ve photographed a handful of weddings at The Joinery since 2018! Some of these photos may feature older layouts of the space (and older editing styles from me) but my hope is to show you multiple layout and celebration options within this very cool space in one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago!
The wedding suite located on the first floor is not only a great getting ready space but it’s also perfect for any private moments you may have. I’ve seen couples do everything from private vow readings to ketubah signings in this space.
The upstairs space (and the connected airbnb next door) is another great spot for getting ready and portraits!
I’ve seen couples celebrate with their wedding parties prior to the ceremony in this space as well as ketubah signings that fit more people in the room! It’s a bonus area for indoor portraits if the weather is not as nice or you just have some extra time.
One of my favorite things about The Joinery is all of the textures! Just look at all these amazing spots for first looks and portraits!
I’ve photographed ceremonies in both the main space of The Joinery under the gorgeous skylights and I’ve seen more intimate ceremonies take place on the patio.
The patio isn’t only great for warm weather ceremonies but it is a great option for cocktail hour while they flip the main room for dinner service.
There’s now an outdoor bar and a covered lounge area that also makes for a great portrait spot!
The Joinery is a truly perfect midwestern wedding venue because they also have a great indoor option for cocktail hour if the weather isn’t as favorable.
The main room where most ceremonies are held is also the most popular reception location. It can accommodate both an intimate setting and also hold plenty of guests for both dinner and dancing without it feeling too crowded.
The Joinery is the perfect kind of blank canvas in my opinion. It has it’s own character but you can also really bring in other decor to create your ideal vibe. Their blue chairs that they supply are maybe some of my favorite wedding chairs (which you might think is weird to have an opinion about but trust me it’s not!)
No matter what your plans are, The Joinery is a perfect spot for all of your moments big and small! From first dances and cake cutting to your nephew goofing off and your grandma taking photos in the photobooth (not included with the venue)!
And if I hadn’t already mentioned it, here’s proof of the epic area for plenty of dancing!
There are so many venues to choose from in Chicago but The Joinery could be a great option for you if you love a handcrafted vibe, natural light and working with awesome people!
