Friday the 13th Plant-Themed Wedding at Firehouse Chicago
When Brett and Andy approached me about photographing their “spooky floral” themed Friday the 13th wedding, I couldn’t have been more excited. They intentionally designed a wedding day that embraced their love of plants, all things edgy, and each other . This wedding day at Firehouse Chicago had nods to the things the two grooms love most…and tuxspeedos!
A plant themed wedding
Every detail of Brett and Andy’s wedding combined elements of design that continued through to their decor. The two grooms have green thumbs and love plants, and celebrated this passion by combining it with a soft “spooky floral” theme as a nod to the date of their wedding, Friday the 13th!
Getting ready at home, Brett and Andy’s wedding morning was relaxed and laid back. They got ready in their own plant-filled home, and hung out with their cats before heading over to their venue.
In our very first conversation, Brett and Andy told me there would definitely be “tuxspeedos” (speedos that look like tuxedos, of course!) thanks to the incredible copper bathtub in the upstairs space of their venue, Firehouse Chicago. I’ve photographed weddings at Firehouse many times, but this was my first time getting to make use of this amazing bathtub, and Brett and Andy made it so fun! These are some of my most creative wedding bathtub photos of all time, and they rocked it.
Firehouse Chicago
Once a functioning firehouse, this gorgeous, intimate venue is located on Chicago Northside, a neighborhood special to Brett and Andy’s relationship. The ivy climbs the walls of the space and vintage wood highlights the building, lending itself beautifully to the plant them and spooky vibes of this wedding day.
I couldn’t get enough of these stylish grooms! I loved the non-traditional suit jackets they each chose and the way the colors perfectly complimented Firehouse Chicago’s iconic wooden doors and forest green accents.
A little downtime before the ceremony was a perfect way for Brett and Andy to relax with their wedding party as guests arrived to watch them say “I Do!”
Spooky florals for friday the 13th
Passionate about plants and the details, Brett and Andy’s idea for their ceremony arch and reception decor was “spooky floral” a term they possibly made up, but definitely leaned into. The dripping florals on their custom triangle arch, pillar candles and the terrariums filled with moss and mushrooms were absolutely stunning and a nod to the date and the plant theme these grooms loved.
I loved the thoughtful readings throughout the ceremony, a lovely way to include close friends and the poetry and books the grooms love.
Firehouse Chicago’s cocktail hour entrance is iconic! Brett and Andy descended down the stairs into their outdoor cocktail hour after a private moment, and joined their guests who cheered as they entered the garden.
an intimate reception
No Friday the 13th wedding is complete without black napkins to match the vibe, low lighting with candles across the long wooden tables, and terrariums with mushrooms and moss as centerpieces. The grooms entered their reception down Firehouse’s functioning fire pole before inviting guests to join them in the garden for toasts and cake after dinner.
This amazing cake was an absolute showstopper! Every guest stopped to photograph this beautiful piece of edible art, with cascading gold foil, geographic and nature-inspired textures, and a topper of the grooms custom made by one of their loving parents! It was a truly amazing wedding cake.
Would you like me to photograph your plant-themed wedding day? I’d love to hear more about your plans. Reach out, and let’s chat!
Thank you to the vendors who made Brett & Andy’s wedding day possible:
Florist: Flowers for Dreams
Catering: Hearty Boys
Paper Goods: Double Trip Press
Cake: ECBG
DJ: Toast and Jam
On Both: Knot Standard
Video: Shutter and Sound