A Chicago Athletic Club Wedding With A Vintage Twist & A Record-Worthy Love Story

From their first five-hour walk through the West Loop to the soundtrack that played throughout their wedding weekend, Amber and Camden’s love story is the kind you want to play on repeat.

Their Chicago Athletic Club wedding was equal parts timeless elegance and heartfelt nostalgia, with subtle vintage touches, family-rooted sentiment, and a celebration that perfectly honored their journey.

A Love Story That Hit All The Right Notes

Amber and Camden first met on a sunny April day in Chicago, navigating the unpredictability of both the CTA and a new romance. Camden was thirty minutes late (thank you, weekend delays), but once they connected, the two spent hours strolling and talking, discovering shared interests, mutual comfort, and the spark of something real.

Though Amber was deep in the throes of accounting busy season, she couldn’t stop thinking about Camden after their first date. She broke all the so-called rules and asked him out again. That moment of boldness led to jazz clubs, long walks, hidden gems across the city, and ultimately, forever.

A Chicago Athletic Club Wedding Rooted In Sentiment

As a naturally detail-oriented, Type A bride, Amber initially wasn’t convinced she needed a wedding planner. But Camden had a feeling, so he reached out to us at SouthWind Events to bring ease, elegance, and clarity to the process. (We love a groom with foresight.)

Together, we crafted a wedding that reflected both of their personalities: refined, deeply personal, and full of character. Held at the iconic Chicago Athletic Club Hotel, the venue provided a historic backdrop that echoed the couple’s love for vintage charm and family legacy.

Amber and her mother infused DIY touches into the day with a handmade seating chart and welcome sign. These pieces, filled with care, gave the space a grounded, heartfelt energy.

But one of our favorite design moments was a built-in cabinet that we transformed into a Generations of Love vignette, a tribute to family legacy. It displayed wedding portraits of their parents, grandparents, and siblings, along with framed memories of loved ones who had passed on.

Amber’s twist was she wanted her wedding party to sign the self-titled Whitney Houston album in lieu of a traditional guestbook. We placed it beside a vintage Victrola record player to create a moment that was both stylish and symbolic, a nod to the soundtrack of their love story.

Elevated Moments, Personal Touches

Their Chicago Athletic Club wedding was a masterclass in balance: old-world romance with modern vibrance, Type A precision with deep emotion.

Guests were greeted with lush florals from A Pretty Flower, music from Style Matters and String Theory, and a stunning cake by Cake Chicago. Amber looked radiant thanks to Nicki Rouge Bridal Team, and their wedding story was beautifully captured by George Street Photo & Video.

Together, every detail created an atmosphere that felt intimate and elevated, warm with tradition, but tailored with personal style.

Planning A Chicago Wedding That Feels Like All The Love?

We believe in weddings that reflect your rhythm and story. Whether you’re Type A like Amber or trusting like Camden, our role is to translate your vision into a celebration that feels intentional and timeless.

Ready to start planning your own Chicago wedding day? Reach out today and let’s begin designing a day that’s all your own.