To celebrate the release of our 2025 issue of Chicago Style Weddings, we teamed up with Wedicity for a night to remember: a vibrant, Tulum-meets-Chicago Sunset Soirée aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of Chicago. With over 550 guests, iconic skyline views, and a sunset sail capped by fireworks, this was our biggest (and most unforgettable!) release party yet.
Held on July 9 and docked at Navy Pier, the four-level dining yacht became a floating celebration of Chicago’s incredible wedding community. Guests explored each deck while enjoying signature bites and cocktails from City Cruises, flipping through our new issue, and dancing the night away.
The evening’s success was due in large part to the powerhouse planning team at Wedicity: Tionna M. Van Gundy, Kristina Flens, and Giovanna Danno. Known for their guest-centric approach and eye for detail, they crafted an experience that celebrated not just the magazine, but the people who bring Chicago’s wedding industry to life.
All Aboard
With our biggest release party turnout to date, there’s no denying that City Cruises’ Spirit of Chicago was the place to be. The four-level vessel features three stylish interior decks and two expansive observation decks, giving guests plenty of space to mix, mingle, and take in those unbeatable skyline views.
With event design by Wedicity and florals by Ordinary Seed, the yacht was transformed with tropical flair and thoughtful details throughout. A curated mix of rentals from Hall’s Rental, AFR Furniture Rental, and BBJ La Tavola created stylish and colorful lounge vignettes, making every inch of the space photo-ready. MyDrap provided custom logo napkins for an added touch of branding, with the event logo designed by Mag Milestones . And of course, out signature cocktail, “Tropical Splash,” was served in style in colorful Dish & Decor Vintage Rental glasses.
Electric Energy
One of the most memorable elements of the night? Each level of the Spirit of Chicago offered a unique entertainment experience, giving guests something fresh to enjoy no matter where they wandered.
On the Fiesta Deck (bottom level), guests were treated to the melodic sounds of Park Avenue Orchestra’s guitarist, Mike Maneechote, while Bright Light Entertainment hand-rolled cigars for a luxe and interactive touch. The Jubilee Deck (middle level) kept things upbeat with a DJ set from City Cruises Live, creating a fun lounge vibe perfect for mingling and sipping cocktails. Then, up top on the open-air deck, Visualize Entertainment brought the party with DJ Scott Gerke and a live steel drum player providing their signature Key West energy.
And of course, we timed the cruise just right to catch Navy Pier’s weekly fireworks show. As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests gathered along the decks to watch the city skyline light up in a display of color and sparkle
Looking Good!
Before boarding the boat, the Chicago Style Weddings and Wedicity teams got glammed up in a lake-view suite at Sable at Navy Pier. With the expert team at Feeling Pretty on hair and makeup, we were camera-ready and feeling our best as we prepared to hosted the party of the summer.
Throughout the evening, Jaymi Nichole Visuals photographed the energy and style of the event beautifully – which you can check out in the gallery below. And for behind-the-scenes moments and real-time fun, La Novia Creations brought her A-game as our social media content creator (check out her work on our Instagram, @chicagostyleweddings). Don’t miss the cinematic highlight video below, produced by Luis Andres of Prospect Cinema— it truly captures the spirit of the soirée in every frame!
We’re incredibly thankful to the talented vendor team who made this release party so special. From lush florals to swoon-worthy sweets by Delish Cakes, to Urban Allure Events + Flowers by Coll‘s flower purse photo props and unforgettable ambiance, this event was a celebration of everything we love about the Chicago wedding community: style, creativity, and genuine connection.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Like what you see? Connect with our sponsors here – don’t forget to tag them in your party posts!
EVENT HOST:@chicagostyleweddings
EVENT PRODUCTION + PLANNING + DESIGN: @wedicity_
EVENT PLANNERS: @thetionnamarie, @kflens, @giovanna_danno
VENUE & CATERING: Spirit of Chicago @citycruises | @cityexperiences
FLORAL + DECOR: @ordinary_seedPHOTOGRAPHER: @jayminicholeweddings
VIDEOGRAPHER: @luisandresfilms
CONTENT CREATOR: @lanoviacreations
RENTALS: @hallsrental, @afrfurniturerental,@dishanddecorvintagerenta
LINENS: @bbjlatavola
CUSTOM LINEN NAPKINS: @mydrap_northamerica
STATIONERY & SIGNAGE: @mag.milestones
FLORAL PURSES: @urbanallureevents + @flowersbycoll
CAKE + SWEETS: @delishcakes630
CIGAR ROLLER: @brightlighteventsentertainment
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: @citycruises, @visualizeent, @parkavenueorchestra
BEAUTY TEAM: @feeling_pretty_inc
SWAG BAG GOODIES: @kokateevents, @graceandivoryofficial, @ordinary_seed, @mag.milestones, @wedicity_
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: @sableatnavypier
See yourself and want to share? View all photos from the release party here, and be sure to credit our vendor team!