Photos by Booth Photographics, John Dart Photography, and Megan Saul Photography
Since 2008, Callie Murray’s The NotWedding has been providing the affianced with a truly unique alternative to the conventions & commonalities of a typical bridal show. Rather than being accosted by competing vendors all vying for your commitment to their respective services, The NotWedding simulates a staged wedding in a mock-matrimonial fashion as each participating vendor demonstrates their serviceability by performing their function precisely as they would on wedding day. And while the ceremony is fake, the brides- and grooms-to-be enjoy the real benefit of dining, drinking, and dancing their way into a perfect fit. The NotWedding’s enormous success in Murray’s native Atlanta has inspired national demand for the event and, on August 14th, City View Loft saw the Chicago debut of the quasi-nuptial occasion. The “big, fake wedding” featured a variety of honorable vendors from the crafty confections of Courageous Bakery to the floral adornments of The Bread & Butterfly, all of which were merrily indulged against the backdrop of Chicago’s glimmering skyline.
