Some love stories begin with a spark, but Brock and Geoff’s began with the rustle of pages along the Chicago Riverwalk. That’s where they met—two avid readers enjoying the serenity of the city, their paths unknowingly about to intertwine. Over five years, their relationship blossomed across cities, seasons, and countless train rides. They became pros at making the most of weekends together, exploring each other’s hometowns on bikes, bird-watching, and discovering hidden coffee shop gems. When it came time to plan their wedding, it was clear it had to reflect not only their love but also their shared commitment to sustainability.

Brock and Geoff’s dedication to living responsibly led them to the Green Wedding Alliance, a network of vendors who value the environment as much as their clients. Through this, they connected with us at Naturally Yours Events, and we had the honor of helping them create a wedding day that was every bit as meaningful and mindful as their love story.

A Stress-Free Morning, Just the Two of Them

On their wedding day, Brock and Geoff chose to keep things simple and personal, starting the morning at their apartment in Wicker Park. Rather than opting for a bustling wedding party, they got ready together, savoring the quiet moments before the whirlwind of celebration began. The familiarity of home set a relaxed tone, allowing them to focus on what mattered most: each other.

Once ready, the couple headed to one of their favorite date spots—the iconic Garfield Park Conservatory. Among the lush greenery and vibrant blooms, they shared portraits that perfectly captured their love for each other and the natural world. These photos weren’t just about preserving memories—they reflected the essence of who they are as a couple.

A Venue with Heart and History

When Brock and Geoff stumbled upon The Joinery, they immediately felt it was the perfect venue. Its rustic charm, turquoise chairs, and reclaimed wood elements made by one of the owners embodied the sustainable values they cherished. The bright, airy outdoor patio, the giant skylight flooding the space with natural light, and the cozy warmth of its interior gave them the perfect canvas to build their vision.

Flowers were a must, but not just any flowers. Enter Lee Lee’s Garden, a local grower who cultivates much of her inventory in her own backyard. When Brock and Geoff discovered this, they were sold—and so was Lee Lee, who enthusiastically grew specific blooms just for their wedding day. The result was a stunning garden-inspired design, vibrant with August’s finest varietals and bursting with color.

A Feast for the Planet (and Their Guests)

Sustainability wasn’t just about aesthetics for Brock and Geoff; it was woven into every decision, including the menu. They turned to Big Delicious Planet, whose urban farm was mere blocks from the venue. Knowing their reception dinner would feature locally grown ingredients and that leftovers would be composted responsibly gave the couple peace of mind. The station-style menu was packed with seasonal flavors, offering their small, cherished guest list a dining experience as thoughtful as the rest of the day.

Paper goods were kept to a minimum in favor of creative alternatives. For seating assignments, they used a deck of bird cards—a nod to their bird-watching adventures—that doubled as keepsakes for their guests. The Joinery’s in-house goods, like wooden table numbers and a card box, further eliminated the need for excess materials while tying seamlessly into the decor.

Dancing into Forever

The evening was as lively and heartfelt as the couple themselves. Before hitting the dance floor, Brock and Geoff shared a sweet moment cutting their cake, which was adorned with figurines of their favorite bird species—a whimsical touch that delighted their guests. Then came the hora, with everyone joining in to lift the grooms high above the crowd, their laughter echoing through the room. The dance floor stayed packed late into the night, a testament to the joy and connection shared by all who came to celebrate.

As the festivities wound down, one thing was clear: Brock and Geoff had achieved exactly what they’d set out to do. Their wedding wasn’t just a reflection of their love but a demonstration of how intentional choices could create something truly unforgettable. Every detail, from the flowers to the food to the dance floor, was infused with their shared values, proving that love and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Celebrating Brock & Geoff

Brock and Geoff’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that meaningful celebrations can also be mindful ones. Since the couple used almost exclusively Green Wedding Alliance members, they qualified as part of the Green Circle and a tree was planted in their honor.  Every moment of this planning process was steeped in love, care, and purpose. It was a joy to be part of their story and to help bring their vision to life in a way that was as low-waste as it was unforgettable.

Congratulations, Brock and Geoff! Your journey together is an inspiration, and we’re so grateful to have been part of this special chapter in your lives.

Thank you to our vendor team: 

Photography: Madi Ellis Photography

Planning: Naturally Yours Events

Venue & Bar: The Joinery

Floral: Lee Lee’s Garden

Catering & Cake: Big Delicious Planet

DJ: Toast and Jam 

Photo Location: Garfield Park Conservatory

Jeweler: Hitched