Chicago elopement
Before Tina and Michael went to their intimate courthouse ceremony with a few family members, they decided they wanted to celebrate the occasion with photos along the Chicago museum campus lakefront. They live just a short walk away from the museum campus and so for their photos we stopped at many of their favorite spots. We also had to incorporate their deep love for ducks along the way!
I had such a sweet time with these two, and I’m excited to share a few from our time together here.
I met Hana and Chris in Millennium Park on a crisp Fall day this past year. They planned to have their wedding ceremony in Southern IL in December, however, they still wanted to capture the beauty of the city of Chicago and so they decided to take their bridal portraits beforehand.
My time with them spent exploring Millennium Park and then Union Station was filled with such sweet love and laughter. Thankful to have played a small roll in their wedding celebrations.
And now, a thoughtful and much appreciated review from the bride:
We planned an elopement photoshoot in Chicago and loved working with Erika. She was not only professional but super easy and fun to work with especially during these stressful times. We also had to change locations a couple of times and every time she was helpful nailing down details. We also loved how she always came prepared and full of ideas — really, her optimistic and positive attitude helped get us through 30 degrees chilly Chicago winds.
The photos came out beautifully and couldn't have asked for more!
-Hana
Shelly and Wyatt had plans to get married this past May. Things happened… but rather than wait a full year to get married, they decided to elope at the Indiana Dunes National Park. They had a ceremony on top of a dune with their family present. It wasn’t what they planned but still beautiful and full of sweet love.
Rob and Nora met in Boston and moved to Chicago right at the beginning of the pandemic. They had plans to have a wedding in Puerto Rico with friends and family; however, well you know… So rather than wait to get married they put together this elaborate virtual wedding within just one week! They had a slideshow for guests that showcased the history of their relationship, family and friends did readings and made speeches, all were able to watch their ceremony and hear their sweet vows to each other, AND they cut cake and drank Champagne to celebrate it all!
While this day was planned rather quickly, it did not fall short in any way. It was filled to the brim with thoughtful touches, happiness, and love.
Last thing - Quick vendor shoutout: Nora found her hair and makeup team just days before the big day. Kiss This Makeup did such an amazing job!
The 2020 global pandemic has altered plans for many. Kate and Paul plan to have a large wedding in 2021, but rather than wait and see if their plans will remain the same, they decided to tie the knot a year earlier with a few friends in the Chicago area and many more loved ones via video chat.
I met up with them outside their apartment in Hyde Park as they helped each other put on their finishing touches. Side note - Paul actually did Kate’s hair! He gets two thumbs up from me. ;) We then walked along the path they take each day together to The University of Chicago - were they met. We took photos along the way and then at many personally significant spots on campus.
After photos we made our way to the Ida Noyes Hall Courtyard were their ceremony took place. Friends gathered around on blankets and more watched virtually as they exchanged their vows to each other. It was sweet and full of so much love.
Thankful to have been apart of this special day for Kate and Paul.
Anna and Quinn are great friends of mine from church. When they asked me to photograph their intimate wedding at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool you can only imagine how excited I was!
Anna and Quinn started dating back when they lived in D.C. They each have lived throughout the U.S. and Anna has even lived aboard for some time. When it came time to plan their wedding, they decided rather than have one large celebration in which many would have to travel to, they’d have an intimate ceremony with just immediate family in their current hometown of Chicago. Then they had wedding celebrations in their past hometowns for all to enjoy. And the thoughtfulness didn’t end there… They even lived streamed their wedding ceremony so that all were able to witness their beautiful wedding vows wether physically or virtually.
Capturing these friends of mine get married was a true joy and certainly a highlight to my year.
VENDORS:
Ceremony Venue - Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Brunch Venue - Uncommon Ground
Officiant - Jason Helveston
Videographer - Daniel D Video
Bride’s Attire - BHLDN
Groom’s Attire - Bonobos
Hair - Freyja Salon
