May 8, 2017

Meet Misty Winter of UNION Chicago in South Loop

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Misty Winter.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After 16 years in the wedding industry, I’ve watched as couples chased around the city seeking out the perfect wedding professionals to help create and capture their vision of the perfect wedding day. Up north on Monday, downtown on Tuesday, West Loop on Wednesday; I knew there had to be a better way. So I came up with an idea.

Why not create a collaborative workspace where couples can come and meet with some of Chicago’s top professionals back-to-back? Thus saving them time while providing them with the ease of mind that these professionals work together seamlessly. I have watched these luxury wedding companies in action, and can say with confidence that if you hire any one of them, you are in good hands. UNION Chicago is home to wedding planners, designers, photographers videographers, DJs, stylists, and even someone to help write the words a couple will cherish forever, their vows. I couldn’t be more proud of this group of pure talent, professionalism, and experience.

How it works: Couples can schedule a block of time to come in and meet with anyone they choose from the collective back-to-back, all in one place.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have received 100% positive feedback. Parents and couples wishing this was available to them when they were handling the wedding planning process. Although it has only officially been open for 6 months, my one struggle thus far is getting the word out there that we exist. Each company in the collective is doing well on its own and very often we find ourselves working on the same weddings, but they are being booked by each company’s previously established reputation. However if couples knew that they could have a simple way to meet with many companies in a short amount of time, I believe it would help streamline their process.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the UNION Chicago story. Tell us more about the business.
As a wedding photographer myself, I have had the pleasure of shooting couples on the happiest day of their lives for 16 years. It is such an honor each time I am hired to know someone enjoys me and my work enough to join and document such an important day. I also love to travel, and have been hired to shoot events in 10 countries.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I don’t see the industry changing much over the next 5-10 years. Colors and attire will change with fashion and design trends and music selection will update, but people will always get married and they will do it in their own way, from intimate gatherings, to large celebrations of everyone they know.

Contact Info: