An Organic Coastal Wedding Under a Sailcloth Tent With Warm Woods and Sunlit Simplicity

By Kevin Harson20 April 2026

The palette was composed of creams, sage greens, warm woods, and soft whites. Natural light was also a key player during the day, giving everything a beautiful, airy coastal brightness.

From the bride: When we started dreaming about our wedding, we imagined it so many different ways, eloping, a courthouse moment, maybe a chic little restaurant in Chicago. But the more we talked, the more we realized what we really wanted: to be surrounded by our favorite people. Not a huge crowd, just the people who know us best, our families, aunts and uncles, and our closest friends. The reception decor had an elegant, high-end residential interior design feel, with plush leather chairs, custom banquettes, and stylish lighting and table settings that made guests feel as if they were in a beautiful coastal restaurant.

From the bride: We had talked about getting engaged for a while, so I knew it was coming. I was convinced it would be almost impossible to surprise me truly. Every time we went anywhere even slightly special, I’d think, this is it! Joe said to actually surprise me, it had to be something that was part of our everyday life, because anytime he tried to plan anything, I was immediately onto him. We went on one of our usual walks through our downtown Chicago neighborhood, along Lake Michigan, something we do all the time. I didn’t think twice about it. I was in yoga pants, no makeup, hair definitely not picture-ready. And then, with the water behind us, he got down on one knee. When we got home, the surprise continued. While we were out, his sisters had snuck into our place and transformed it, candles everywhere, flowers, and champagne waiting for us.

The bride chose a beautiful four-piece set from Kyha Studios that allowed her to transform her look throughout the day. A strapless bodice top paired with a column skirt with a tulle overlay, perfect for the chapel ceremony. She removed the overskirt for the reception and changed into a miniskirt for dancing. She wore traditional white Christian Louboutin stilettos for the wedding day, and a fun chunky Prada heel for the reception look.

The groom showed up in a classic black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. The tux was custom from Chicago designer Josh Kercher.

The couple planned an intimate celebration that allowed them to maximize amazing food opportunities. A roaming oyster shucker from the iconic Chicago restaurant, Shaw’s crab house, served guests oysters throughout the cocktail hour, and an abundant cheese, charcuterie, and fruit table was another focal point. Dinner featured elegant, restaurant-inspired entrees on beautiful china.

From the bride: Joe’s parents’ backyard was the perfect backdrop. Their home makes such a statement on its own, so we kept the design minimal, soft, neutral tones with modern touches that let the space shine. The vision was an intimate dinner party that just happened to be our wedding: relaxed, comfortable, and beautiful.

Gianna and Joe chose nontraditional dessert items, treating their guests to decadent cookies from the iconic Levain Bakery. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream was also provided as a late-night treat as the party carried into the late hours.

Ceremony Processional – Yellow, Coldplay Bridal Processional: Can’t Help Falling In Love, Elvis Presley Ceremony Recessional – Never Gonna Give You Up, Rick Astley First Dance: Joy of My Life -Chris Stapleton

From the bride: Of course, there were a few details I had to have, the leather chairs I was dreaming about from the start, and an oyster shucker from our favorite date night spot in Chicago, Shaw’s. Beyond that, it was about the feeling, no pressure, no signage, just incredible food, great drinks, and the kind of music that kept everyone on their feet all night.