Modern disco met garden romance at this zoo wedding with a last-minute DIY

For Meg and Johnny, it was all about blending modern sophistication with nature-inspired style, and their wedding in the heart of Chicago delivered exactly that. Set against the skyline at the iconic Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk, their outdoor ceremony was framed by sweeping views, architectural beauty, and wild natural textures that felt equal parts intimate and grand. Planned with the help of Shannon Gail Events and Tigerlily Events, and captured by Ian Rempel Photography, Meg and Johnny’s day was the ultimate mix of glam, greenery, and pure joy.

Wedding style inspo: "psychedelegant"

Meg and Johnny are two peas in a pod, both free spirits who are funny, kind, and full of life. When they began planning with Shannon Gail Events, they coined the term “psychedelegant” to describe their vision: equal parts party and elegance. Think disco balls, joints as favors, and one of the best DJs in town, paired with lush florals, live plants, and incredible food and drinks. Every person in attendance was overjoyed to see them finally tie the knot, and the laughter never stopped.

Family & friends bring the funny

At one point, Johnny and Meg’s brothers ended up in tuxedo t-shirts, and earlier in the day, one of the groomsmen surprised Johnny at the first look by showing up in Meg’s bridal lingerie. The couple’s ability to keep things light and joyful carried through every moment.

On trend: chocolate hues

Meg stunned in an off-the-shoulder gown with statement bow detailing, while Johnny brought a warm twist in a chocolate-hued suit.

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Floral design: tropical + sculptural

The floral design by Steve’s Flower Market leaned heavily on tropical greenery and sculptural blooms, from Meg’s bouquet of orchids and anthurium to towering ceremony arrangements and cascading reception tablescapes.

Family-officiated ceremony - always a yes!

Meg’s brothers officiated the ceremony, moving everyone to both laughter and tears.

Expect the unexpected: last-minute DIY

A last-minute mix-up with the place cards turned into a memorable DIY moment when everyone joined in to handwrite them the night before, a true testament to Meg and Johnny’s easygoing spirit and joy-filled approach to the day.

Theme inspo: tropical disco garden

Inside the historic Café Brauer, a ceiling of disco balls signaled the start of a sparkling, high-energy celebration, grounded by candlelit tables and organic textures in green and ivory. Nestled within Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, this venue offered the perfect blend of historic architecture and scenic skyline views. The tablescapes reflected the couple’s love of organic beauty, layered greenery, sculptural blooms by Steve’s Flower Market, and glowing candlelight filled the space, bringing a lush, tropical energy indoors.

Crowd favorites & confetti cake

Throughout the evening guests enjoyed crowd-favorite cocktails, espresso martinis and Moscow mules, and a confetti cake from Chicago’s beloved Sweet Mandy B’s, accompanied by an array of mini desserts. It was everything the couple hoped for - whimsy, romance, and all!

• Event Planning & Design: Shannon Gail Events
• Venues: Tigerlily
• Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Matt Roan
• Travel & Transportation: Premier Trolley
• Wedding Photographers: Ian Rempel Photography
• Wedding Films: Sowle Film Studio
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Rare Bird Beauties
• Flowers: Steve’s Flower Market
• Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Remarkable Events
• Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: DG Sax