CHICAGO WEDDING BLOG

Jordyn and Allan’s Rockwell on the River wedding along the Chicago River in Avondale, with a first look next door, a stop for greenery, and a reception that ended in body surfing.

Jordyn and Allan became friends in college once they realized they were headed to the same school. What started as an easy, low-stakes friendship slowly turned into something more, as they spent time together and kept noticing the best in each other.

A Rockwell on the River Wedding

Jordyn and Allan were married at Rockwell on the River, in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood on the city’s north side. The venue sits inside a converted, century-old industrial complex along the North Branch of the Chicago River, and it still shows its history: exposed brick, timber lofted ceilings, and enough open square footage that the space never feels cramped, even with a full guest list moving through cocktail hour.

The ceremony took place on the outdoor patio, looking out over the dock and the river, before everyone moved inside for the reception. It is one of the more distinctive wedding venues in the city, industrial without feeling cold, and it gave Jordyn and Allan’s day a backdrop that felt specific to Chicago rather than interchangeable with anywhere else.

Shout out to Chelsea and her team at Gilded Aisle Weddings for helping plan and coordinate everything!

Wedding Details:
Getting Ready Venue: Westin River North
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Rockwell on the River
Catering: Food For Thought
Planner: Chelsea from Gilded Aisle Weddings
Photographers: NAKAI Photography
Florals and Decor: CJE Designs
Band: Chicago Players by Gold Coast
Stationery: Lefty Lucy Illustrations
MUA: Toshi Szpyra Makeup
Hair: Jules Fleming Artistry
Gown: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture

Getting ready along the river

The day started at the Westin River North, which has its own views over the Chicago River.

The Westin’s river facing patio was under construction, which normally would have been the spot for a first look. Chelsea, their planner from Gilded Aisle Weddings, used her network to get us next door at RPM Events instead, where we were able to do the first look with the river right behind them. A good reminder that a strong planner can solve a problem like that with one phone call.

Lincoln Park Wedding Photos

Jordyn and Allan wanted a lot of green space in their portraits, so on the way from the Westin to Rockwell on the River, we stopped at the outdoor gardens in front of Lincoln Park Conservatory. We took advantage of the greenery and the space for their wedding party to spread out!

Just the John Hancock peeking over the top to remind you that this is Chicago.

Photos at Rockwell on the River

Once we arrived at Rockwell on the River, we made time for a few more portraits before the day got busy. The brick walls and cobblestone pavers out front gave us one backdrop, and a walk out onto the dock gave us another, right along the water.

We definitely wanted to take a few photos on the dock!

The details

CJE Designs handled the florals, with red, pink, and orange flowers filling the chuppah for the ceremony. Jordyn and Allan’s friend Lucy from Lefty Lucy Illustrations designed all of the paper goods by hand, custom illustrations that carried through the invitation suite, the cocktail napkins, and the welcome sign. String bulb lights hung across the reception room, giving the whole space a warmer, more intimate feel once the sun went down.

A Rockwell on the River Wedding Ceremony

The outdoor space was perfect for their ceremony.


This room is way bigger than it looks in the photograph – it’s just that the ceilings are that high – such a great space!

The dance floor

I had a good feeling about this one going in. I had already photographed their friends Julia and Ari’s wedding at the Four Seasons, and that dance floor did not stop all night. Allan and Jordyn’s friends kept the streak going. At one point, guests picked them both up and carried them across the crowd, body surfing over the dance floor.

Body surfing, at a wedding reception.

Not something you get to photograph often. Not something Jordyn and Allan will forget either.

Congrats again Jordyn & Allan – thank you for having me as your wedding photographer! It was a pleasure spending the day with your family and friends!

Planning a Wedding at Rockwell on the River?

Let’s talk about your day.

I’m Kenny Nakai, a Chicago wedding photographer who has photographed weddings along the Chicago River, in Avondale, and across the city since 2007. I would love to hear what you are envisioning. Send me a message!