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!

Carnival themed photo booth props seen here at Carnivale Chicago brunch!

Old glamour Fotio props at River Roast!!

Fotio Photo Booth at Architectural Artifacts!

April 24, 2016

Architectural Artifacts is a truly stunning wedding venue located on the north side of Chicago in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square neighborhood. This is a huge event space that still manages to have an intimate and easy breezy kind of feel. As the sun sets in the west, the venue becomes a perfect nighttime Chicago wedding setting! The guests were dancing, laughing and really engaging with Fotio - there was so much joy and happiness the entire night! Surrounded by unique vintage treasures, the decor really sets the ambience for an exclusive party venue with an "old Chicago" kind of feel. You can be sure that Fotio photo booth will fit in perfectly with the many "artifacts" on display at this one of a kind Chicago wedding and corporate venue! Special thanks to wedding planner Beth Costello with The Perfect Party Chicago for helping us find the super fun vintage door photo booth backdrop!

Fotio photo booth all set up and ready to go on the dance floor at Architectural Artifacts!

Bride and Groom showing off their wedding bling at Architectural Artifacts!

Vintage typesetting letters spell FOTIO!

Gorgeous sunset on the giant fancy clock at Architectural Artifacts!

View looking west into the Chicago sunset!

A Lovely Evening at the Ivy Room

April 13, 2016

The Ivy Room at Tree Studios is an elegant event space nestled quietly in Chicago's River North neighborhood. This European style building was built in 1894 and is a Chicago Landmark. Beautiful large windows fill the space with natural light as the sun sets for your evening wedding or corporate event. This venue has the downtown Chicago charm and sophistication you are looking for! Make sure to check out http://ivyroomchicago.com/ to learn more about this unique and elegant Chicago venue!

Candles and flowers adorned all the tables.

Cute rose display with Fotio seen from a far.

"Will you marry me?" Guests having fun with the Fotio props!

Selfie with a wig and a GIANT diamond ring.

Look at these downtown dolls in the photo booth at the Ivy Room Chicago!

Sod Room Birthday Party Fun with Fotio Photo Booth!

April 6, 2016

Sod Room is the best room for a Saturday morning children's birthday party in Chicago! Located in the heart of the South Loop, the Sod room has affordable and easy street parking for your guests. This party had it all. Peppa Pig was the featured mascot of the day complete with a Peppa Pig cake and pinata! But the fun didnt' stop there - Peppa Pig herself even showed up for a couple Fotio photo booth photos! The atmosphere at Sod Room is lofty, chill, and spacious. If you are looking for a calm fun environment for your child's next birthday, this is your place! The staff was very lovely to work with which is always a plus!

Mini kitchen set for the kids to play with!

Tiny sod area for the really small ones to sit and observe!

Peppa Pig posing for a Fotio photo booth pic at Sod Room Chicago!

Peppa lounging in the kid kitchen waiting for the little kids to arrive!

Unique cork board background at the Sod Room.

Wedding Season!

April 4, 2016

Sometimes it feels like all year is wedding season in Chicago! We have had the pleasure of working with so many amazing couples throughout the year - here are some of our favorite pictures!

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A Chicago Wedding at Salvage One

April 1, 2016

When you walk into Salvage One the first thing you notice is the gorgeous windows and natural light illuminating the whole building. It's like you take a walk back in time with the reclaimed furniture, various salvaged building structures, and unique art and statues present in the space. Salvage One is the PERFECT place to have a wedding reception! There is so much room for your guests to spread out and explore the various treasures throughout. This unique Chicago venue is one of a kind - truly a show stopper for your event that your guests will be talking about for weeks to come!

Bride and Groom posing for their Fotio Photo Booth!

Photo Bomb Hair Model Shot! The Family looks impressed!

Bride's parents looking super cute for Fotio!

Salvage One has the best vintage treasures! Air hockey table seen here with Wine Emporium sign and classic blue Merdedes-Benz car body!

Cupcake wars in the photo booth at Salvage One!

This view though, it is gorgeous. Stained glass windows filter the light that enters the second floor event space at Salvage One.

This wall was literally ripped out of an old house!

Fotio's look blends in perfectly with the vintage vibe at Salvage One!

"Elvis and his Crew" - Fotio at Venue One with American Crew

March 23, 2016

America's Beauty Show was in Chicago a couple weeks ago where American Crew launched their new Elvis inspired men's hair product campaign. Elvis is known for his rock and roll classic American look which is perfect for such an iconic brand! American Crew brought to life one magical night at the multifaceted Venue One event space located in Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood. American Crew really set the scene with Elvis EVERYTHING! There was a 1950's band playing, a runway show, 1957 Chevy in the middle of the show room. Guys were getting their hair cut, people were posing on the blue carpet, not to be confused with a red carpet. Everyone was having such a great time! We brought some great 50s inspired props like an Elvis Mic and acoustic guitar. Did we mention that everyone had great hair?! View the full gallery of photo booth pictures here: http://fotio.co/3-13-16

Loving that 50s inspired Elvis hair - American Crew style!

These models were having a blast with the Fotio props!

One set of the Elvis models! Nice hair guys!

Fotio tucked away in a very cozy corner at the party.

The blue lights lend to the rock and roll vibe at Venue One.

Kiss me! The ladies take the chance to kiss Elvis.

These ladies are having fun with the Fotio props!

American Crew Founder David Raccuglia and his daughter take a photo booth picture with the Elvis models at Venue One!

American Crew went all out for this event. Everywhere you turned, it was ELVIS.

Chicago Vintage Style Bat Mitzvah Photo Booth Rental at River Roast

March 22, 2016

This was a very special and fun vintage style Bat Mitzvah in downtown Chicago set in the dramatic Murdoch Room at River Roast. This is a hip and exciting venue for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and would even work wonderfully for a large scale wedding or corporate event. River Roast sits right on the Chicago River at 315 N LaSalle St and boasts beautiful views throughout the many event spaces. We had the pleasure of working with one of our favorite Chicago DJ's Brent Rolland from Fig Media as well as Darcey Gerber, a senior sales manager at River Roast. Make sure to check out the private events page at River Roast to book your next event and view the full gallery of Fotio photo booth images at http://fotio.co/3-19-16-mitzvah

The girls post for a Bat Mitzvah photo booth pic at River Roast Chicago!

A Fotio photo booth setup Bat Mitzvah style at River Roast Chicago in the Murdoch Room.

Everyone loves watching the Fotio slideshow! Such beautiful natural light in the Murdoch Room!

The kids loved the vintage 20s themed old Chicago photo booth props we brought!

Such a great family portrait Fotio style!

River Roast has a terrific river walk where guests can get beautiful views along the water. This is adjacent to the Murdoch Room and would be perfect for an outdoor wedding cocktail hour right in downtown Chicago.

Fotio attendant Nick Harvey and Chicago DJ Brent Rolland pose for a photo booth picture at River Roast!

Fotio Photo Booth Visits Chicago Venue Carnivale

March 16, 2016

Located in Chicago's West Loop, Carnivale sits perched over the highway only a few blocks from downtown Chicago. This grand building boasts seven party rooms/event spaces perfect for any size wedding, company party, or large scale private event. Fotio photo booth's visit to Carnivale was to attend a CIRCUS themed company holiday party. The venue really makes for such a colorful and unforgettable experience - one that your friends, family, or clients are sure to remember and cherish! With a well stoked bar and happy hour everyday, Carnivale is a must see! Carnivale serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch every week if you want to stop in and scope the place out. The Latin inspired food and unique ambiance is sure to please!

Bright lights and so much space. This ceiling is fantastic! Really one of a kind experience.

Having fun in the photo booth at Carnivale!

This lounge chair looks super chic in the the entry way!

One of our circus themed photo booth props - the sad puppet clown!

Nice dining room for a private party at Carnivale Chicago!

Event guests take a photo booth portrait with Fotio at Carnivale Chicago!

The artwork throughout the whole building is amazing!

Well stocked bar, sure to have everything your heart desires!

The clown puppet takes a photo booth selfie at Carnivale!

Wes Anderson Themed Photo Booth Wedding Inspiration in Chicago

March 2, 2016

So many wedding guests tell us that our vintage style photo booth and props all feel like they are from a Wes Anderson movie! We think this is awesome so we thought we would show some of our favorite Wes Anderson inspired photo booth props on the blog. Below are some highlights from some recent Chicago weddings and holiday parties around the city!

Love the Wes Anderson Themed photo booth binoculars seen at Bridgeport Art Center Wedding in the Skyline Loft.

A fun vintage frame photo booth prop at Salvage One Chicago wedding.

Love the suitcase luggage photo booth prop seen at Venue One Chicago in the West Loop!

A travel themed wedding photo booth at a Chicago Museum! Love the telescope and goggle props!

Guests use a vintage parasol photo booth prop at a company holiday party at Hotel Palomar in Chicago!

You can't go wrong with an owl prop! Taken at Fulton Market Kitchen in the West Loop.

Love this vintage photo booth prop hat! This was captured at the Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club.

This wedding guest rocked it with a vintage hat and brownie camera! Photo taken by Fotio photo booth at a New Leaf Chicago wedding!

Best Midwestern Chicago Barn Wedding Venues for Rustic Vintage Themed Event

March 2, 2016

We always get excited when we have brides and grooms ask us about renting a Fotio photo booth for their vintage themed Chicago barn wedding. We love the unique style and rustic feel that comes with a barn type atmosphere - plus our vintage open air photo booth style fits in perfectly! There are so many unique barn type venues around Chicagoland and the surrounding suburbs but here are a few of our favorites. First is the Hoosier Grove Barn, a beautiful and simple wedding venue in a renovated historic barn, located in the northwest side of Chicago in Streamwood, Illinois.

The bride and groom take a photo booth picture at Hoosier Grove Barn with the rustic barn door backdrop!

Another one of our favorite barn style wedding venues is Heritage Prairie Farms located west of Chicago in Elburn, IL. Heritage Prairie Farm is a certified organic farm (the food is absolutely delicious here!) and they have a magnificent barn area that is used for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and photo booth fun. Generally the reception is held in the tented area since the barn is a bit small for larger groups but the barn still works great for Fotio since guests pass by use the restrooms. We love the rustic backdrop and easy going atmosphere here!

The bride and groom take a photo booth picture in the vintage barn at Heritage Prairie Farms.

Wedding guests take a photo booth pic with vintage style props!

The bride takes a fun photo booth selfie with vintage props at Heritage Prairie Farm!

The next Chicagoland barn wedding venue on our list is the County Line Orchard located in northwest Indiana in Hobart, IN. The County Line Orchard has a sensational 29,000 square foot timber barn that was built in 2009. This is a beautiful and huge venue perfect for a rustic themed wedding. The wooden barn walls work beautifully for a Fotio photo booth backdrop.

The bride and groom take a photo booth picture at County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana!

Some of our other fun barn weddings have been at the Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, IL, the Mora Farm in Waterman, IL, the Blue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Donley's Wild West Town in Union, IL.

The bride and groom take a photo booth picture at the Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, IL!

Wedding guests take a fun photo booth picture with the vintage props at the Mora Farm in Waterman, IL.

Wedding guests take a photo booth selfie at the Blue Dress Barn!

The bride gets a photo booth picture with her besties at Donley's Wild West Town in Union, IL!

Fotio Photo Booth at Fulton Market Kitchen Chicago

February 20, 2016

We had a splendid time celebrating with Kapow Events for their annual company holiday party at Fulton Market Kitchen Chicago! They wanted a fun and dark kind of "Alice in Wonderland" themed photo booth so we brought some whimsical and almost steampunk themed props that would fit the theme and space. Fulton Market Kitchen was a perfect Chicago venue with the elaborate and beautiful wall murals paired with dreamy event lighting and decor. This unique Chicago event space can be rented out for weddings, your next holiday party, or any other private event! Get in touch with Kelsey Del Monico Lucas, the Director of Events at Fulton Market Kitchen, or check them out at http://www.fultonmarketkitchen.com/

The outside sign for Fulton Market Kitchen in Chicago's west loop.

Fun Wynwood inspired wall murals at Fulton Market Kitchen Chicago.

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Event guests having fun with the Alice in Wonderland themed photo booth at Fulton Market Kitchen Chicago.

A vintage Fotio photo booth setup at Fulton Market Kitchen for company holiday party.

Love this wall mural at Fulton Market Kitchen event space!

One of the interior bars at Fulton Market Kitchen Chicago!

Chicago Photo Booth Party Scene: Fotio Chronicles

February 10, 2016

We love offering our vintage style photo booth for all kinds of Chicago parties and events from birthday parties, to company holiday parties, to bar/bat mitzvahs, and of course Chicago weddings! Fotio offer a timeless and classic means to capture quality photos of you and your guests. You will look back on your Fotio pictures for years to come and be thankful you had accurate documentation and fun entertainment to capture your event. Parties are for happy times and celebrating something awesome and Fotio is the best option for your special day! Here are some tips to help with a rocking party. 1. Have a signature cocktail for the evening. We recommend something simple but memorable. Preferably the favorite drink of the host or bride/groom! 2. Ambiance is very important at a party. What kind of vibe are you going for? Maybe you want your guests to feel comfortable or maybe you want them to experience something new and exotic. 3. Guest list is also a very important. Make sure to invite people that make you feel good and that you will love celebrating with! Drama free zone is the best zone. 4. Build excitement for your event. Let the world know that your event is going to be the best time they have ever had! 5. Don't stress out too much. Planning a party can be very overwhelming but they are supposed to be fun!

Party FUN at all ages! Taken in King Aurthur's Court at InterContinental Hotel Chicago

Chicago Bride and Groom having a laugh with their guests at Revolution Brewery Brewpub!

Birthday Girl is having a blast with her 30th Birthday Fotio Photo Booth at Tenzing Wine!