Thornton Distilling Wedding Photographer

I always love photographing a Thornton Distilling Wedding. In this blog post, I’m thrilled to share why the Thornton Distillery, located just south of Chicago near the Illinois-Indiana border, stands out as a mesmerizing wedding venue that continually captures my heart as a wedding photographer.

 

Thornton Distillery offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of Chicago, providing a balance of accessibility and tranquility. Conveniently located within reach of O’Hare airport and the city’s core, it is also just a stone’s throw away from historical Catholic churches—a perfect fit if you’re considering a traditional church ceremony before reveling in your reception.

Year after year, I have had the privilege of capturing several weddings here. What makes Thornton Distillery particularly appealing is its versatility. Many couples opt to marry in a nearby Catholic church, followed by a reception at the distillery. Others find it ideally suited for both ceremony and reception, especially when planning a more intimate wedding. The seamless transition from a spirited cocktail hour at the well-appointed permanent bar area to a reception in the main room is facilitated by a thoughtful layout that allows space transformations to occur swiftly and smoothly.

Cocktail hours thrive here thanks to the spacious downstairs area, complete with a pool table and ample seating—it’s designed for mingling and enjoyment.

Photogenically speaking, Thornton Distillery does not disappoint. The rustic walls and barrel-lined halls provide a stunning backdrop, transforming each ceremony or reception into a visually arresting experience. The bridal room, with its expansive mirrors and open layout, along with a dedicated groomsmen’s area, ensures that both parties have comfortable, elegant spaces to get ready.

Bridal Room and Grooms Room

For those considering a ‘first look,’ the distillery features uniquely captivating nooks ideal for such intimate exchanges.

However, when it comes to photography, the ambient lighting conditions of Thornton Distillery require a skilled hand, experienced in low-light settings. The venue’s complex lighting structure, devoid of bounce-friendly white ceilings, calls for strategic placement of multiple off-camera flashes to ensure beautifully balanced, soft-lit photographs. My extensive experience in similar environments over the past 25 years allows me to navigate and manage the nuances of such settings effectively, ensuring that your cherished moments are captured perfectly.

A unique Thornton Distilling Wedding Space

A particularly enchanting spot for pictures is the artesian well in the basement. While it offers a uniquely atmospheric setting for photographs, it’s good to consider the slight dampness and potential for drips—something best planned for post-ceremony shoots to safeguard your attire.

At this Thornton Distilling wedding, (photos above) we had some time to get creative. I used some yellow gels on a light behind this couple to match the old yellow tungsten lights and capture the mood of the room.

The distillery space also presents an extraordinary opportunity for environmental portraits amidst the authentic distilling equipment, adding a dramatic and industrial flair to your wedding photos.

Choosing Thornton Distillery for your wedding not only promises a remarkable and distinctive venue but also an unforgettable experience that you and your guests will cherish. As a seasoned photographer familiar with its character and nuances, I am always excited about capturing the magic of your special day in such a captivating setting.

 

I would love to be your Thornton Distilling Wedding Photographer!

 

Thornton Distilling Wedding Receptions

A little history about Thornton Distilling

In 2014, Andrew Howell and Jake Weiss discovered the oldest standing brewery in Illinois and the historic artesian well it housed. Intrigued by its history, they teamed up with Ari Klafter, a skilled distiller with a Master’s degree in Brewing & Distilling Science from the top distilling program in the world at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Scotland, to form Dead Drop Spirits in Thornton, IL. The distillery embraces traditional methods and focuses on quality without shortcuts. Although their flagship single malt whiskey will only be available from late 2024, they currently produce a variety of spirits and plan to offer artfully matured spirits sourced globally. Dead Drop Spirits, operating under Thornton Distilling Company, celebrated its grand opening on December 5, 2019, coinciding with the Repeal Day anniversary and a century since Al Capone’s involvement with the site.

 

If you are a planning a Thornton Distilling Wedding, I would love to be your photographer, Follow this link to find out more about hiring me.