National Parks Wedding at Greenhouse Loft

A wedding with Smokey The Bear and campfire s’mores really brought the outdoors in at Greenhouse Loft when Lena and John tied the knot.

This sweet couple was originally from Chicago, where they met, but then they moved out to enjoy the sun of California and nature hikes in Joshua Tree National Park where John ended up proposing to Lena. They decided to bring their love of nature and national parks back with them as they partnered with Naturally Yours Events to plan their fall Chicago wedding. Their details came together with lots of personal touches and plenty of references to the country’s beautiful national parks.

To put a little twist on tradition, Lena stood with her back to John during their first look and he got to surprise her with his dapper attire!

Lena, John, and their gorgeous wedding party in soft dusty blues and greys found nature in the concrete jungle of Chicago with the Art Institute Gardens for photos.

This is a new favorite take on the “unplugged ceremony” sign!

Lena and John’s ceremony had rustic, natural elements with gold lanterns that reminded us of lighting your path through a forest. A birch ceremony arbor adorned with mulberry and blush florals added to the organic look for their nuptials.

Also, can you please take a look at the cutest ring “bear” ever?!

Lena and John’s explorer spirit carried through to their reception. Guest dinner tables were named after national parks and we used vintage style postcards from each location to denote the tables. We also repurposed decor items from the ceremony aisles because when you have a national park themed wedding, you have to think about the earth and sustainability!

The use of long wooden farm tables reminded us of having an elegant picnic in the wilderness. Big Delicious Planet created a rustic menu with local food that gave a fresh, just-foraged feeling.

A s’mores bar was an absolute must-have for Lena and John to give their guests all those fun feelings of sitting around a campfire. Other tables games like Jenga with national park facts and lots of dancing amongst tree-patterned lighting added to this fun party.