Downtown Dolls

August 2, 2016

All day everyday downtown Chicago is hustling and bustling. The magical pulse is felt by many - local residents and tourists alike! Downtown Chicago boasts some of the most spectacular city views in an urban setting. Each weekend we have the pleasure of venturing downtown for our many events - especially weddings. A downtown wedding is something to dream about and something to remember! Downtown Chicago offers many gorgeous structures and classically designed buildings - all of which make amazing and unique spaces for your wedding! Some recent Fotio wedding locations include Chicago gems such as The Rookery, The Drake Hotel, The Renaissance Blackstone, The Chicago Club, and The University Club (just to name a few!). Fotio has the ability to a share a little piece of Chicago in each photo. Mainly people pick their venue based on the way it looks because it has nice walls or great attributes. Fotio's greatest strength is our minimal set up and ability to use the venue's walls whether it be wooden panel, ornate wall paper, exposed brick etc. Each event gallery is new and fresh and unique to the venue space! To check out our photo galleries, head on over to our events page: www.fotio.co/events

Bride and Groom at the Blackstone Hotel Chicago

The bride and groom looking great at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Chicago wedding!

Bride and Groom looking super cute at the University Club.

Drake Hotel Wedding Photo Booth

July 28, 2016

This was a fabulous Indian wedding celebration at the elegant Drake Hotel located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Fotio photo booth was setup during the cocktail hour in the French Room and later for the reception in the Gold Coast Room. The pictures turned out wonderful and everyone had such a fun time with Fotio! View the full gallery of pictures here: http://fotio.co/7-3-16-wedding/

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The girls take a photo booth picture in the French Room at the Drake Hotel!

The beautiful flower centerpiece displayed during cocktail hour in the Drake Hotel's French Room!

The bride and groom post for a picture in the photo booth in the Gold Coast Room!

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Wedding guests taste testing the wedding cake at the Drake!

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Beach Party Brunch Photo Booth at Carnivale Chicago!

July 26, 2016

Summer in the city. Summer with Fotio! As our adventures continue, our next stop is Carnivale's Beach Party Brunch! The atmosphere was so light, airy and free. The staff made this unique space feel like an authentic beach party! The setting was great and the food was AMAZING! Mimosas for everyone! Everyone stopped by the Fotio booth and took some photos with their friends and family. We always love going to the Carnivale BRUNCH. It's always a blast! See you this fall at the next Back to School brunch! To check out more Fotio adventures follow us on Instagram! @fotioco

Fotio photo booth set up at Carnivale for the Beach Party Brunch!

Lovely ladies looking very beachy in this photo!

Carnivale is the perfect place for a themed party!

These kids were having a blast with our Fotio props!

Ladies waiting for their Fotio photos to pop up!

Carnivale staff take a family pic with Fotio!

Paws Summer Beach Party at Castaways

July 19, 2016

It was an easy breezy kind of night at the popular North Avenue Castaways Beach Bar for the annual Paws Beach Party Fundraiser! There were so many cute pups and dogs of all sizes! Castaways is an ocean liner inspired building that really makes you feel like you are on a boat! Fotio was set up on the upper deck of the boat with downtown Chicago and the beach ever so perfectly placed as our backdrop. Here is the full gallery of photo booth pictures from the event: fotio.co/7-14-16-paws

Fotio is at Castaways on North Avenue Beach!

Beautiful view looking east at Lake Michigan!

The tables are all set and ready for the party!

Farm BBQ Retirement Party with Fotio!

July 13, 2016

This past weekend, Fotio had the pleasure of attending a retirement party on a farm in Dyer, Indiana! It was a gorgeous Midwestern summer afternoon, with a very laid back and relaxing atmosphere. A retirement party fit for a king, equipped with delicious food, great drinks, picture perfect weather, cool breeze, fresh air, rolling hills. As friends and family begin to gather to celebrate the retirement, what better way to capture the essence of the day other than Fotio? We had the pleasure of setting up in the cute gazebo with a stunning view for our Fotio background. A view overlooking a pond and an 11 acre pasture. Fotio is fun for the whole family and provides a one of kind experience. If you want to see more of our adventures, check us out on Instagram: @fotioco

The party was picnic themed! Loves the red and white checkered pattern!

Party guests having fun with the Fotio props!

He looks like he is happy about retiring!

A University Club of Chicago Wedding

July 6, 2016

This was a wonderful wedding celebration at the University Club of Chicago located at 76 E. Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603. The wedding and reception both took place in the magnificent and historic Cathedral Hall. The large vaulted wood ceiling and stained glass truly make this a wedding venue to remember. Our vintage camera photo booth style fits in perfectly with the elegance and classic feel of the space. View the full wedding gallery here: http://fotio.co/4-23-16-university

A Fotio photo booth setup in Cathedral Hall at the University of Chicago wedding.

The bride and groom pose for a picture in Cathedral Hall.

Fotio photo booth setup against the wood panel wall in Cathedral Hall.

Live music provided by Front of House in Cathedral Hall (an Arlen Music Production)

Wedding guests having fun watching the photo booth slideshow.

Wedding guests having fun with the vintage props in Cathedral Hall!

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Fotio Photo Booth Event Love!

July 5, 2016

Fotio is the perfect photo booth for every event! Fotio is small, looks cool, and takes fantastic pictures at any event large or small. Inside or outside, all over the city, downtown or in the suburbs, we are everywhere you want us to be! We love them all! Throughout the year we celebrate so many great people and important milestones: Chicago Weddings, Birthdays of ALL AGES, Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs, Beer Releases, Company Parties and so much more! We capture the fun moments of the big day and keep it classic! Not only are we making memories, but we are also entertainment for all the party guests! If you have a need a high quality, timeless, original photo booth, look no further as we are here. Down below we have chosen some photos from our archive to share a glimpse into the world of FOTIO.

Birthday party fun! 14 never looked cuter!

Fun drinks at the company party! Great background!

Ladies looking great, bringing the extra vogue!

Fun props and costumes are always encouraged!

Company part- hear no, speak no, see no evil!

Bride and Groom on their wedding day! Don't they look lovely?

Old Forrester on Repeal Day at the Dawson!

Happy Birthday! Make 30 a night you want to remember!

Company party, have some fun with your co-workers!

Hanging out at Union Station never felt better!

Metropolitan Club Wedding at the Willis Tower

July 4, 2016

This was a beautiful Chicago wedding at the Metropolitan Club located on the 66th and 67th floor of the Willis Tower. The lighting was perfect and guests could enjoy the views of downtown Chicago throughout the evening. Later in the night guests were invited to visit the Skydeck Chicago's clear observation decks on the 103rd floor! Our vintage photo booth charm fit in perfectly in this chic yet classic downtown Chicago wedding venue. Fotio used a textured wall in the event space which looked really amazing in the photo booth pictures. We had the pleasure of working with Ashley Godinez the Private Event director at the Metropolitan Club and Kristin from Toast and Jam DJ's (one of our favorites!!).

A Fotio photo booth setup in the Metropolitan Club at the Willis Tower.

Beautiful set wedding tables at the Metropolitan Club Chicago.

Beautiful views and beautiful flowers at the Metropolitan Club.

A couple pose for a formal photo booth picture as the reception begins!

The bride takes a Fotio solo shot! Looking good!

A silly photo booth pic with our vintage props taken at the Willis Tower.

Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft Birthday Bash

June 27, 2016

We had the pleasure of celebrating a very special man's 90th BIRTHDAY party over the weekend at the Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft. His family pulled out all the stops: there was a huge candy table by our Chicago favorite Candyality, a nitro ice cream bar, ten piece band that dressed up like the Rat Pack, a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and of course a Fotio photo booth. Bridgeport Art Center is by far one of our FAVORITE event spaces as it offers amazing views of the city along with spacious, easily transformable rooms with rustic and historic charm. The Bridgeport Art Center is also home to many artists, exhibits, classes, and other events throughout the year so it is certainly a unique and vibrant location for your event! The BAC has open studios every 3rd Friday if you want to explore the spacious 18,000 sq. ft historic building (built in 1911!) otherwise you can get in touch with Venue Logic if you want to learn more about the Skyline Loft event space. This is one of the best spaces for watching that perfect Chicago sunset on your special day!

Fotio looks so cool in front of the large windows in the Skyline Loft at Bridgeport Art Center.

Fotio looking super chic in the lofty loft.

The view that gives the space it's namesake. Great views of downtown!

Set up against a rustic brick wall. Really gives you that Chicago feel!

Having a great time with Fotio photo booth!

The skylight shining through on the gorgeous table setting!

View of the dining room. The skylight shining down! It was truly a perfect Saturday night!

The props make people feel alive! It's kind of like magic!

The guests were loving the candy table by Candyality!

Candyality jumped in the photo booth at the end of the night!

Ravenswood Event Center Industrial Ballroom Wedding

June 24, 2016

The Ravenswood Event Center Industrial Ballroom is a magnificent wedding venue located on the north side of Chicago in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood neighborhood. The brick walls extend 30' high to the ceiling which serves as a beautiful backdrop for your urban or vintage wedding. We especially love how amazing the brick looks in our black and white photo booth pictures! This was a wonderful wedding for Justin and Jocelyn with an all-star team of vendors including photography by Azuree Wiitala, live music by Lola Bard Productions, Grapefruit IPA from local brewers Arcade Brewery, and room decor/event coordinating by Jennifer from Ravenswood Event Center. View the full gallery of pictures here: http://fotio.co/5-28-16-ravenswood

A Fotio photo booth setup in the Industrial Ballroom at Ravenswood Event Center Wedding.

The bride and groom take a photo booth picture in the Industrial Ballroom!

The bride and groom share their first dance in the Industrial Ballroom. Lola Bard Productions provide the live music!

Bride and groom get a photo booth pic with friends!

The bride having fun watching the photo booth pictures!

The industrial ballroom looks so cool as the sun goes down!

The Proper Prop Game

June 20, 2016

Sometimes an accessory is all you need to make an outfit and in this case, it is making the photo. Dressing up allows us to play a bit, really diving into your inner child. We have pulled some Fotio photos from our archive to exemplify a good range of proper prop usage. Fotio is a fresh new take on the prop game. We source high quality and classic looking props to make sure the photos still look elegant with that special Fotio feel. Let us help you make your party, memorable, entertaining and most of all, AUTHENTIC.

There are FIVE props in this photo and it is amazing, seen here at Morgans in Fulton Market.

Father son at Sepia! Looking very cute with their props!

Fun for life! Props help everyone ease into the night!

These two cuties did a great job working the camera!

Chicago Club Fotio Photo Booth Style

June 15, 2016

The Chicago Club is a private social club, founded in 1869 located on the corner of Van Buren and Michigan Avenue in the Loop neighborhood of downtown Chicago. The clubhouse is perfect for business meetings, dining, weddings and social gatherings. When you walk in, you feel like you have entered a different time period. It feels like old Chicago. Knowing that some of the Chicago greats have walked through these halls, you can't help but wonder if their energy still lingers? The gorgeous wooden interior is classic and timeless. It really adds that element of sophistication that so many downtown Chicago buildings boast! Throughout the whole main floor, there are many portrait paintings of the founding fathers of the Chicago Club. Not only are they cool to look at, but it is part of Chicago's history! Fotio photo booth was set up in the middle of it all, blending in perfectly with it's vintage and classic feel! This venue is a great place, along with a bunch great people! The Chicago club is a perfect and elegant Chicago option for your wedding and reception. We hope to return very soon!

The fireplace room is very cozy and comfortable!

This family was playing it more on the goofy side!

Fotio photo booth was set up in the beautiful hallway!

Props help people really get into the photobooth!

Main stairway with the Chicago Club logo!

John Hancock 360 Observatory Event Rental Review

June 9, 2016

John Hancock Center is a 100 story monolith skyscraper in downtown Chicago on North Michigan Avenue. Built in 1967, this grand structure is known for it's "braced " exterior which allows the building to be extremely tall. Fotio photo both was set up in the building's 94th floor at the observation deck and event rental space. On a clear day you can see up to 60 miles in all directions from Chicago's 360 Observatory with views of Lake Shore Drive, North Avenue Beach, Lake Michigan, and even Navy Pier! Looking high above the city among the clouds, you can't help but feel like you are dreaming in this magnificent rental space. This downtown Chicago venue is nothing but spectacular views and is perfect for your next corporate or private event where you want to showcase Chicago's true beauty. Out-of-towners and Chicago natives alike will be impressed! We hope to go back and visit very soon!

Fotio photo booth looking super chic in the sky high event space at 360 Chicago John Hancock Observatory!

Breathtaking view of Lake Michigan from John Hancock Observatory!

They are having the best time with Fotio!

View looking East showcasing Navy Pier and the new Ferries Wheel!

View looking West! Illinois is very flat!

View looking South! Look at all the buildings, BIG and small!

View looking North towering over Lake Shore Drive!

This place is nothing but breathtaking views!

Kicking off SUMMER, Chicago Style!

May 31, 2016

Chicago is known for it's summers. Rooftop parties, backyard BBQs and beach fun is all we can think about! We searched the archive and picked some of our favorite summer memories! We love being outside in the warm Chicago air. North Avenue Beach was a blast: we set up at Castaways for the PAWS Chicago boat party Fundraiser, a Chicago favorite. Galleria Marchetti is the PERFECT place for outdoor fun in the sun Friday afternoon kind of place. Table Shuffle Board was set up along with a set of bags in the backyard! We also love the Lacuna Artist Lofts Rooftop venue, Lincoln Park Nature Walk, and Camp Wandawega! Here is some summer inspiration for your next outdoors event!

North Avenue Beach has the best views! Taken at Castaways Chicago!

Backyard BBQ party at Galleria Marchetti!

Havana Nights themed summer outdoor party!

Fotio Photo Booth at Catalyst Ranch!

May 24, 2016

If you are looking for a unique one of a kind Chicago experience then Catalyst Ranch is your place! It is a playfully decorated event space located in Chicago's Near West Side very close to downtown that is filled to the brim with unique vintage treasures and whimsical charm. Catalyst Ranch is perfect for company parties, corporate meetings, bridal showers, baby showers and most of all WEDDINGS. Perched high up in an old Chicago warehouse building the Catalyst Ranch makes you feel like you are on a planet all your own. This is a truly special venue that is worth checking out!

Catalyst Ranch sign in the entry way as you arrive.

Fotio looked super chic in this amazing space.

Unique decor and treasure throughout the whole floor.

These guys found some authentic Catalyst Ranch props!

Looking very serious, but having a blast!

UNICEF Hope Gala Photo Booth Setup at the Geraghty Chicago

May 18, 2016

We had so much fun working with UNICEF Next Gen for their annual Hope Gala after party at the Geraghty located in Pilsen, Chicago! This is such a good cause and it's so fun to see many familiar faces at this popular fundraiser (always love running into Candid Candace!). The Geraghty is a cool new venue by Kehoe Designs Company. It is stocked with many modern amenities yet still achieves a very classic and timeless feel. This is a spacious and highly customize-able venue space for your large wedding or corporate gathering! Fotio photo booth fit in perfectly at the venue - we used the ornate metal turf backdrop which looked amazing in the pictures!

Fotio Photo Booth Setup at the Geraghty for UNICEF Hope Gala.

Another angle of Fotio photo booth at the Geraghty Chicago!

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The Emil Bach House Wedding

May 17, 2016

Recently Fotio had the pleasure of shooting in the backyard of the Frank Lloyd Wright Emil Bach House for a unique outdoor Chicago wedding. This prairie style house was built in 1911 and sits quietly in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. When the house was constructed it was a "country home" with a clear view of Lake Michigan from its back porch. The home is part of a series of geometric, cubic homes with overhanging, flat roofs designed by Wright in the early 20th century. This Chicago Landmark with all of it's wooden paneling and gorgeous wooden interior, it is absolutely stunning. Every detail of this masterpiece screams Frank Lloyd Wright. Behind the house is this cute little Tea House which gives you this nice tranquil feeling while sitting in there sipping tea. The spacious backyard is where Fotio was set up during the wedding. We were outside in front of a stone and wooden panel adjacent to the tented reception area. The wall separated the front yard from the backyard which was kind of interesting. The Fotio photos are very fun and unique - we love this place!

Bride and Groom are looking extra cute in this photo at the Emil Bach House! Cheers to the happy couple!

View from the inside of the Tea House looking at Fotio set up in the backyard of the Emil Bach House.

Fotio set up in front of the Frank Lloyd Emil Bach House.

Bride and Groom pose with family at the Emil Bach House wedding!

Staying warm by the fire looking at Fotio set up at the gorgeous Emil Bach House.

Frank Lloyd Wright lamp inside the house.

Columbus Park Refectory

May 9, 2016

Columbus Park Refectory is truly a magnificent Chicago wedding venue. It is located in Columbus Park, which is a 135-acre park on the far west side in the Austin neighborhood. Columbus Park was designed by the prairie landscape architect, Jens Jensen (it was his first large park which he began designing it in 1915!). The park reflects a Prairie School approach with lots of natural habitat surrounding the Refectory. Although Jensen designed the park himself, he did not design the Refectory. A local Chicago firm finished the building in 1923. The Refectory overlooks a stunning lagoon, stone ledges and abundance of native life. Inside, the Dining Hall has these sky high windows that really make the room so gorgeous and full of light. The dance Hall is where the Fotio photo booth was set up along with the DJ who played from an above alcove! People were on the dance floor having fun and snapping Fotio pictures all night long. The Columbus Park Refectory is the perfect place to travel back in time and escape the city on your special day. The venue and whole experience is beautiful, whimsical, and truly feels like a royal manor fit for a king and queen!

The Bride and Groom are looking super cute in their photos! Having so much fun with Fotio!

Wedding guests being extra awesome for the camera!

Everyone dines in gorgeous Columbus Park Refectory dining hall.

A touch of history: the photos of weddings past for those who came before them. Also, love the vintage birdcage!

As the sunsets on this fabulous wedding, the back patio is a great place for cocktail hour!

Looking super sharp and and well dressed! Way to go guys!

Wedding guest posing with their friends!

Fotio loves this room, those windows are truly stunning.

Garfield Park Conservatory

May 5, 2016

Garfield Park conservatory is one of Chicago's most sacred treasures. It's grand glass exterior sits quietly in the Garfield Park neighborhood just west of downtown Chicago. Designed by Jens Jensen and constructed in 1906, this place is truly magical. Having nature's landscape under glass is truly a treat. The conservatory has so much to offer for events big or small and even houses plant species that do not grow in the Midwest or even in the U.S. This is an amazing venue for your guests to explore and an even serves as an inspiring teaching tool for nature enthusiasts. GPC has eight impressive display houses and gorgeous outdoor gardens. The Desert House is the home to a varied assortment of fascinating cacti and succulents. The Fern Room includes lush ferns showing us what Illinois might have looked like a long time ago. The Palm room has this intoxicating smell of fresh palm trees. The Palms are so huge in size, you really feel like you are in another time! It's a very enchanting atmosphere. The Show House is where the fabulous flower shows take place in the Spring, Summer and Holiday seasons. This room is always so pretty and vibrant as it changes for the seasons. The evening Fotio was there, we were set up in the Horticulture Hall for a fundraising gala. The Horticulture hall is the main space they use for events and special gatherings like weddings and corporate events. Garfield Park Conservatory is truly one of Chicago's best venues with natural charm and a timeless feel! Thanks to Fotio photographer Rachel Smith for taking these fabulous pictures!

The cacti families look spectacular under the glass ceiling!

Dramatic photo of these pretty flowers in the Show House!

Fotio photo booth looking super chic set up in Horticulture Hall at Garfield Park Conservatory! We could get used to this! Luftwerk's Seed of Light sculpture in the background!

Horticulture Hall at Garfield Park Conservatory looking absolutely stunning. Luftwerk's installation looking absolutely stunning.

The band was so much fun and sounded great!

Orange looking gorgeous in the Spring sunlight.

The Power of Props

April 28, 2016

One thing we take very seriously is our vintage prop collection. We search high and low to find the best photo booth props out there. Our unique vintage treasures give your photos a classic look that allow your guests to be a little extra silly and let loose. Sometimes guests need that little push to be playful for the camera. Our props will help make your event fun, entertaining and worth a million memories. We will always be on a mission to create fresh photos as we expand our prop collection!

Prop chest sits quietly in the dimly lit room at the Hideout Inn!

These ladies look like they are having fun with Fotio at Le Colonial!

Our props look PERFECT with this background!

Holiday props for a Holiday party at the J Parker at Hotel Lincoln!