Happy New Year! I can’t believe how fast 2015 went! We worked with so many amazing couple this year it’s hard to even put into words how blessed I am to photograph so many people in love!

Not that I don’t love big weddings, but they aren’t for everyone. Which was partially why I started Elope to Chicago. When I launched it in 2014 I could never have imagined that we would end up with 38 elopements and/or intimate weddings in our second year! I had the pleasure to witness so many beautiful ceremonies and meet people from all over the country (and Canada!) who came to Chicago to get married.

I laughed, I cried (maybe a few too many times, but I hide behind my camera) and I fell in love with each couple I worked with. I know that sounds totally cheesy, but it’s true. There is something so intimate about two people expressing their feelings for each other, integrating traditions and their own quirks to the ceremony and being 100% true to themselves as a couple that gets me every time. The celebration can be whatever you want it to be when you elope! We had couples enjoy 5 course meals at the some of the best restaurants in the city, jet off to Paris just hours after saying I do, catch a Cubs game and Chicago dog and take in all that the city has to offer with their closest family and friends.

So as hard as it was I picked my favorite couple image from each elopement or intimate wedding this year (apparently I have a thing for kissing photos?!).  I may have to come back and do my favorite ceremony photos in another blog as there are many of those as well.

Of course I also have to thank my amazing team without whom this wouldn’t be possible (in my best Oscar acceptance speech voice). These ladies are so fantastic and talented they blow me away all the time with their awesomeness. Thank you to Kate and Carla with Kate Johnson Artistry for making our brides look picture perfect. Thank you to Christine and her team from Christine Janda Events and Design for providing amazing floral options for our couples for the perfect pop of color! Thank you to our two officiants, Marian with All Ceremonies Beautifully Done and Eva with A Perfect Fit Rev, for working with many of our couples to personalize their dream ceremony.

I can’t wait to see what 2016 holds! Enjoy!

P.S.  If you’re interested in eloping to Chicago in 2016 we are currently booking into June. We will be making some slight changes in the next month (flower updates etc. ) but most everything will stay the same as it is on the site. Feel free to email us at info@elopetochicago.com with any questions or fill out the contact form above!