About thirty miles north of Chicago proper lies the community of Lake Forest. This Northshore neighborhood hugs the shores of Lake Michigan. It is quaint, historic, and architecturally relevant area of Chicago’s northern suburbs. One of its well-known establishments is Lake Forest Academy, a private coed college preparatory boarding school which sits on a 150 acre wooded campus. LFA’s impeccably maintained campus makes an idyllic setting for the popular wedding venue The Armour House. It’s romantic charm makes each wedding feel like a destination wedding.
Named for J. Ogden Armour, the property was originally named Mellody Farms and was built to mirror an Italian-style estate for Armour’s wife Lolita. The famed and well photographed (see below!) marble staircase was built with the couple’s daughter in mind. Lolita Ogden Armour descended the grandiose staircase for her wedding to John J. Mitchell, Jr. in 1921. From its very foundation, the mansion was built to be the quintessential wedding venue and has remained a prestigious and popular choice for couples since the late 1980s.
Maria and I have had the privilege of shooting countless weddings at the Armour House over the course of the last ten years. Armour House offers multiple indoor and outdoor backdrops. From the beautiful architecture, stunning staircase to the outdoor landscaping and pagoda, it allows you and your bridal party to remain at one location for the duration of your wedding. The hassle and cost of travel to additional sites is avoided. Teeming with natural greenery, the grounds of the Armour House provide an evolving scene based upon the season. From the viridian hues of spring and summer, to the deeper autumnal tones of fall, and the glistening white of winter, it truly is a storybook location.
The team at the Armour House, led by Christine Gaither, is second to none. Working with the staff as a vendor partner is always a pleasure. If you ultimately decide to host your wedding at the Armour House, know that the team will deliver an unforgettable experience!
