What’s New Around Chicagoland: Summer 2025
Feature Photo of City Cruises Live
This summer’s New To The Scene highlights our favorite additions to the Chicagoland scene, from the recently opened businesses to sparkling new renovations. Stay in the loop and check out these fresh picks!
Silva Gega Bridal Atelier
31 LaGrange Rd. | La Grange, IL 60525
@silvagegabridalatelier | sgbridalatelier.com
Silva Gega Bridal Atelier is La Grange’s newest bridal salon, offering a personalized and thoughtfully curated experience. With more than 20 years of expertise in bridal fashion, owner Silvana Gega brings a passion for craftsmanship and custom design to every appointment. The boutique features an elegant selection of over 15 handpicked designer collections — including Pronovias, Anna Sposa, Ariamo and Paloma Blanca — alongside fully custom creations and expert alteration services. Known for their warm service and attention to detail, Silva Gega Bridal Atelier offers one-on-one styling beautifully tailored to each client.
Photo by Branding by Nastasia
Ladybird Boudoir & Portraits
Chicago, IL
@ladybirdboudoir | ladybirdportraits.com
Known for her dreamy, fine art wedding photography, Chicago-based photographer Danielle Heinson is expanding her creative lens. Her newest venture, Ladybird Boudoir & Portraits, offers editorial bridal portraits and intimate boudoir sessions, each designed to celebrate women in their most radiant, confident light. Danielle’s journey behind the camera began early, from photographing her sister in Halloween costumes to crafting styled shoots in abandoned buildings. Throughout it all, one thing has remained constant: a deep passion for capturing the beauty, strength and individuality of women. Ladybird brings the same romantic, light-filled aesthetic her wedding clients love into a fresh, empowering space.
Photo by Ladybird Boudoir & Portraits
Brulée Cake Boutique
854 Wheeling Rd. | Wheeling, IL 60090
@brulee_cake_boutique | bruleecakes.com
Brulée Cake Boutique brings couture confections to Chicago’s wedding scene. Inspired by Ukrainian roots and backed by over a decade of European pastry artistry, this boutique specializes in couture cakes that are as bold in flavor as they are refined in style. Their young, passionate team works tirelessly to stay on top of current trends to create extra-ordinary, one-of-a-kind cakes. With this, each creation reflects intentional craftsmanship, where dessert becomes both a statement and an experience.
City Cruises Live
455 N. Cityfront Plaza Dr. | Chicago, IL 60611
@citycruises | citycruises.com/Chicago
City Cruises has launched City Cruises Live — a dynamic entertainment experience that brings chart-topping musicians, award-winning chefs, legendary athletes, and beloved TV personalities directly to your wedding. Whether it’s a private concert, a signature dish prepared by a renowned chef or a beloved TV personality emceeing your reception, this level of personalization and star power ensures your day is as extraordinary as your love story. Paired with exceptional hospitality and seamless event coordination, City Cruises Live transforms your wedding into more than a celebration, but an unforgettable, once-in- a-lifetime experience.
Fleurish Atelier
Chicago, IL | @fleurishatelier | fleurish-atelier.com
Fleurish Atelier is a modern floral studio, rooted in intentional design, creativity and sustainability. Founded by Cynthia Amelia, a former tech analyst turned floral artist, the studio takes a thoughtful approach to weddings and events through textural arrangements that feel elevated yet organic. Each design is crafted to reflect your story, your space and your style. Fleurish Atelier is excited to bring artful, meaningful and captivating florals to celebrations across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Photo by DeVae Photography
Laury Bride and Living
4452 S. Cottage Grove | Chicago, IL 60653
@laurybride | laurybride.com
Laury Bride is a luxury bridal gown salon and design house now open in the heart of Chicago’s culturally rich, historic neighborhood of Bronzeville. The boutique offers both ready-to-wear and custom gowns, each crafted for the modern, style-conscious bride. Founded by designer and “Project Runway” alum Laurie Underwood, Laury Bride and Living merges elegance with intentionality, creating a personalized experience from first fitting to final walk.
With soft textures, curated details and a mission to celebrate every bride’s unique journey, Laury Bride is redefining bridal luxury fashion on Chicago’s South Side.
Photo by Damon Russell, Rosel Photography
Samantha Li Bridal
Chicago, IL
@samanthalibridal | samanthalibridal.com
Samantha Li Bridal transforms wedding visions into reality through bespoke planning and styling. Offering full-service planning, bridal styling and day-of coordination for weddings from Chicago and New York to Italy and Dubai, founder Samantha Li blends creativity with thoughtful precision. From intimate elopements to grand destination celebrations, her concierge-style approach delivers a seamless, elevated experience. At the heart of Samantha Li Bridal is the belief that a wedding isn’t just a day — it’s a reflection of your journey, and she’s honored to help make it extraordinary.
Photo by Jaymi Nichole Visuals
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
401 N. Wabash Ave. | Chicago, IL 60611
@trumpchicago | trumphotels.com/chicago
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago has unveiled a full renovation of its iconic event spaces, including the Grand Ballroom and a newly designed bridal suite. Debuted in March 2025, the refreshed 4,480-square-foot ballroom now features Swarovski crystal chandeliers, plush custom carpeting and a calming palette of soft blues and neutral golds. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city skyline — providing a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and celebrations of up to 250 guests. Just outside, a reimagined 3,527-square-foot pre-function foyer with built-in bars sets the stage for elegant cocktail hours and welcome gatherings.
Green Petal Project
Chicago, IL | @greenpetalproject | greenpetalproject.com
At Green Petal Project, event flowers and non-perishable items find new purpose through resale and donation. With a mission to reduce waste, spread joy and make beautiful floral arrangements more accessible to all, this business extends the life of wedding blooms by thoughtfully repurposing them. Whether you’re planning a wedding or celebration, hoping to donate to a cause close to your heart or simply wanting to brighten your home with sustainable blooms, Green Petal Project will transform your once-in-a-lifetime celebrations into ongoing beauty and kindness throughout the community.
Photo by Forget Me Not Arts
The 101 Chicago
101 E. Erie St. | Chicago, IL 60611
@the101chicago | the101chicago.com/private-events
New to Chicago and located in the heart of the Mag Mile, The 101 is a stunning collection of event-ready venues and vibrant restaurants at 101 E Erie. Spanning multiple levels — including a grand ground-floor bar and patio, elegant 19th and 20th-floor meeting rooms and a rooftop oasis with lake and skyline views — 101 offers endless possibilities for events of all kinds. Whether it’s an engagement party, rehearsal dinner, vow renewal or wedding reception, each space delivers tailored service, stylish design and elevated cuisine. From intimate dinners to celebrations for up to 250, The 101 sets the stage for unforgettable events.
Volo
2008 W. Roscoe St. | Chicago, Illinois 60618
@volowinebar | volorestaurant.com
Volo has unveiled newly completed renovations to its main dining room and bar, enhancing one of Chicago’s favorite alfresco destinations. Through natural wood, leather and quartz finishes, the updated design blends classic brasserie charm with modern elegance. The refreshed interior now flows seamlessly into Volo’s award-winning patio (acclaimed “#1 Hidden City Patio” by Chicago Magazine), creating a warm and welcoming space perfect for intimate ceremonies and stylish receptions that feel uniquely you.
Memory Lane
Chicagoland, IL | @memorylanechicago | memorylanechicago.com
Take a trip down Memory Lane, Chicagoland’s newest vintage vehicle rental company, bringing character and nostalgic charm to weddings and events. Founded by wife-and-husband duo Sabrina and Nick after their own big day, Memory Lane offers a curated fleet of classic cars, ranging from a white ’65 Mustang to a peony pink VW Bus. Not just showpieces, these vehicles are interactive props for you and your guests to pose and make memories with. Each rental includes delivery, styling and the option to upgrade to a chauffeured ride service, making your celebration as timeless as the cars themselves.
Photo by Tethered Stories
Oak + Rose Tea Room
1 W. State St., Suite 107 | Geneva, IL 60134
@oakandrosetearoom | oakandrosetearoom.com
Located on the Fox River in downtown Geneva, the Oak + Rose Tea Room offers the ideal setting for a celebratory afternoon tea experience. The space’s modern glam decor and sun-filled boutique tearoom offers customizable menus of finger sandwiches, scones, biscuits and petite pastries crafted to suit your vision. The culinary team’s talent is complemented by exceptional tea and bar options, promising that they’ll fuss over every detail so that you can soak in your special day.
Photo by A Cook’s Canvas
Hilton Orrington/Evanston
1710 Orrington Ave. | Evanston, IL, 60201
@hiltonorrington | hilton.com/en/hotels/ordoehf-hilton-orrington-evanston
Host a grand celebration in the newly renovated Grand Ballroom at Hilton Orrington. Complete with a sweeping staircase and banquet capacity for up to 325 guests, this updated space offers a refined blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Intimate spaces like the Wildcat Lounge and dedicated bridal suites provide thoughtful touches for your wedding party. With freshly updated guest accommodations, curated amenities and personalized service, Hilton Orrington sets the stage for a seamless, sophisticated celebration.
Photo by Gerber + Scarpelli Photography
Unveil the Day
Chicago, IL
@unveiltheday_ | Unveiltheday.com
Founded by Laura Clesse-Kuc, Unveil the Day offers a unique approach to wedding and event storytelling. With nearly a decade as an art director in the advertising industry, Laura transformed her creative passion into a boutique agency for content creation and social media management, where every detail counts. Specializing in candid, cinematic coverage of couples and behind-the-scenes magic for the professionals who bring events to life, Unveil the Day blends a deep love for visual storytelling with authentic connection. Every project is a collaboration, because your day, your people and your brand deserve to be celebrated.
Photo by DivMo Photo
Remi Event Space
23 Calendar Ave., Floor 2 | La Grange, IL 60525
@remi.event.space | remilagrange.com
Remi is a dreamy brand-new venue in Chicago’s western suburbs, offering 6,000 square feet of flexible space for celebrations of all kinds. With room for over 200 guests, the venue includes an airy main space, full cocktail bar, chef-driven catering and a cozy private suite. Whether you’re planning a wedding, shower, social event or birthday bash, Remi makes it easy to bring your vision to life.
