Time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t believe that 2017 has already arrived. Although I am super behind on blogging all of our amazing 2016 elopements, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what an awesome year it was for our team.

In total we did 41 (yes 41) elopements and intimate weddings! From city hall, to downtown hotels, to lily pools and skyline views we saw it all this year! We had couples from Ireland, New Zealand and Canada in addition to many states in the US.

I have to take a minute to thank my team who makes it possible. These ladies deal with my endless emails,  are always checking their calendars for me, and roll with all the last minute changes that often happen in order to make our couples have the best day ever.

Thank you to my wonderful officiants Rev. Eva and Rev. Marian for your kind spirits and making our couples feel so loved. Every ceremony is unique and different and I can’t thank you enough for the time you put into working with each couple to ensure it’s everything they want and dreamed for when they say I do.

Thank you to my Glam Squad of Kate Johnson Artistry. Kate, you and your team (Carla & Bev) never fail to make our brides feel absolutely beautiful on their wedding day. It’s more than just hair & makeup, as I’ve had so many brides tell me how much fun you ladies are (obviously!) and how smooth you make the day go!

Thank you to my super talented florist Christine Janda Design & Events. You and your team (Monica & Jocelyn) always come through with jaw dropping bouquets that help bring smiles to our clients faces and make their wedding look complete.

Thank you to Carrie and Rebecca who have stepped into shoot elopements this year when I was already booked or out of town.  It’s great to know I have photographers I can count on to capture gorgeous images for our clients when I’m not around!

And a special thank you to other other vendors and venues we’ve worked with this year! A Special Shout out to Stems, Little Goat, Chosen with Bonnie, Trump Hotel, Rev. Dave Angle, Dilly Lilly, Hotel Allegro, The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and Mars Gallery to name a few!

Most importantly I need to thank our couples. There aren’t words to express how grateful I am to all of you for letting our team be a part of your wedding days. We laughed, we cried, we got soaked from head to toe, we froze together in the winter and sweat together in the Summer,  we got random honks while taking photos in the middle of the street, we took selfies with strangers, and toasted the start of married life!

Here is ONE favorite from each elopement this year (in no particular order). It was so hard to pick these as each wedding had a ton of favorites. I tried to write a little bit about why I picked each one! Enjoy!

Becky

PS – If you’re someone looking to elope to have a weekday wedding in Chicago this year please fill out the contact form above!

 

Alexandra + David: 8/12/16

After their city hall ceremony we walked outside to find that it had started raining. Luckily I had brought my bubble umbrellas as I never trust the forecast (I’m looking at you Tom Skilling). Thankfully it wasn’t a downpour and would stop and start as we were shooting. I saw this shot happening in my head and it took a few minutes to get it just right. Thankfully they dealt with me going ” Okay now tilt the umbrella down a bit” , “A little more” , “And hold it more to the right”. Finally I got them just right 🙂

Sarah + Max :7/27/16

I always try to time portraits around sunset to get the best soft golden light. This time we nailed it. These two came all the way from New Zealand to marry in Chicago and I wanted to make sure to get them some images that highlighted the city. When we got to Olive Park the light was perfection 🙂 I love this quiet moment where it looks like the city is standing still. Bonus – I went to New Zealand last month and got to see these two again! So even if you live on the other side of the world don’t think I won’t come visit you 😉

Jillian + Eric -12/30/17

I can’t think of a better way to end 2016 than with these two! They were so much fun to spend the day with! After their city hall ceremony we popped outside for some photos with the sign. You can just feel their excitement and happiness in this photo!

Jessica + Darren -4/28/17

Jessica and Darren married this spring at the perfect time to capture the trees in bloom. It may look like a warm spring day, but boy was it cold!

These two Texans snuggled up and toughed it out for photos in the city. They married under these gorgeous trees in Washington Square Park.

Ali + Lucas – 3/16/17

March is always hit or miss in Chicago, but this day was a hit all the way!

The sun was shining just like this all during their riverwalk ceremony with their children and a few family members present. Not a bad backdrop to say I do!

Elaine + Brendan : 11/16/16

Much like I mentioned in the above post about March, November can be very hit or miss on weather. We got super lucky as this was one of the last days before things turned very cold and we lost all the leaves.  These newlyweds came all the way over from Ireland to get married here so I had hoped and prayed for some good weather for them (thanks Mother Nature). Right after their ceremony the sun peaked out and beautifully back lit them for this photo!

Elicia + Kevin : 6/23/16

Nothing beats a couple in love and some gorgeous light! After their ceremony at the Lily Pool in Lincoln Park we wandered around the south pond area for some photos. This was one of the last shots I took and it was my favorite:)

Holly + Danny : 12/28/16

Nothing says Chicago quite like the Chicago theater sign! Holly & Danny came up from Florida for their winter elopement. This was our last stop of the night as I wanted to get the sign when it was dark to make sure it popped. I love this photo because they are just snuggled up and in love. Totally unaware of the madness going on around them in the city. To the left was a group of 40ish people standing outside the news studio. There was a crazy lady that just kept coming by and yelling “You’re next” to me…. not sure what to make of that. But none of that mattered and were just in their own world!

 

Patricia + Adam :

There were a lot of images I loved from this day, but this one stands out because it wasn’t anything I posed. I was setting up a light for our next shots when I looked over and saw this. Just a simple kiss on the forehead, but such a quiet intimate moment that I picked up my other camera and grabbed this photo. I won’t lie I may have asked him to do it again so I could make sure I got it, but I love the simplicity of this photo.

Melissa + Peter: 10/7/16

As usual there were many photos I loved from this elopement, but this one spoke to me. Melissa had said to me in an email about how excited she was for their wedding and how important it was that her daughter Grace was a part of it. So I picked this image because it’s the moment that they exchanged rings and became a family. I love that Grace is intently watching the moment happen.

Jackie + Michael : 9/23/16

These two were the absolute cutest! So much excitement and anticipation as they said their vows. This photo was at the Lily Pool after they said I do. I think it might be the only moment that Michael took his eyes off his beautiful bride!

Jacqueline + Matt : 9/30/16

I met these two at their place in Lakeview before heading to nearby Lincoln Park for some photos. They had me laughing and smiling all day long with their nicknames for each other! I only wish I knew what he was whispering in her ear here….

Jade + Demetrius : 8/19/16

The second I took this photo I knew it was an instant favorite.

Thank you to the person who walked by and said “Are you going to kiss that gorgeous woman or what?!”

Jennifer + Corey : 7/25/16

I love it when couples incorporate something different into their wedding day. For these two it was matching Cubs jerseys with their last name and wedding date! After our photos they were heading to the game with their families. I’d say it was a good year to be a Cubs fan!

 

Jenny + Khaliph : 5/26/16

We had a gorgeous spring day for Jenny and Khaliph’s cit hall wedding. Post ceremony we headed out to Olive Park for some photos. This was one of the last shots of the day and I think their smiles pretty much sum up the happiness of the day!

Kelly + Nikki : 12/16/16

Let it snow! I will never ever be able to recreate this photo. After they married in an intimate ceremony at Hotel Allegro we popped outside for a quick night photo. When we opened the door we realized it was snowing. Obviously I got super excited because I love snow photos. And then as I was putting them in place the CTA holiday train pulled up behind them. I pretty sure I squealed like a 6 year old girl haha. Or that scene in Elf when he goes ” Santa! I know him!” except it was ” The Holiday Train! The Holiday Train! It does exsist!”.  For those of you not familiar with the Holiday Train it runs in December around the city, and is decked out in lights, had a santa on board and candy canes for all! I’ve lived here for 5 years and this is the first time I’ve seen in it person. I had about 30 seconds to get this shot before the train pulled away from that stop. Holiday Magic!

Lauren + Oliver : 10/14/16

There were a lot of portraits I loved from this wedding, but I went with a ceremony photo because it was one of my favorite ceremonies this year. This couple from London married at Little Goat which is one of my favorite venues in the city. Their rooftop is amazing for small weddings and food is spectacular. We timed the ceremony to be as the sun was setting and it was a gorgeous sun soaked rooftop. I love this sunburst coming through as they say I do!

Jessica + Aubin : 5/23/16

I’m always looking for different angles and views of the city. After their ceremony on the riverwalk we went walking. Since they had just torn down my favorite curved staircase (I’m still pissed about this) we had to detoured and go a different way than I would normally go. I saw this view with the Hancock building in the back and had to stop them for a photo! I will never get tired of shooting in this city!

Jill + Tom : 5/13/16

These two Chicago locals married at the Mars Gallery in the West Loop before heading downtown for some photos. The forecast was for on and off rain so we were jumping in and out and trying to find some cover. They wanted the Chicago sign and it started raining just as we got out of the trolley. I popped them in the Subway entrance for this photo which I love as it’s a little different view of the Chicago theater than normal.

Justine + Jason: 7/5/16

The Alfred Caldwell Lilly Pool is one of my favorite outdoor venues in the city. It’s a little hidden gem located in Lincoln Park and can be rented hourly for a private ceremony. We did several weddings there this year. When I shoot the same place multiple times I’m always looking for new views and angles. I loved this photo as they are just surrounded by nature! You’d never know this was in the city!

Kassie + Corey : 1/27/16

These two win the award for coldest elopement of 2016! It was single digits when we headed out for photos, but they were troopers the entire time. We had gotten a light coating of snow the day before for a little extra touch of winter!

Kaiti + Danny: 7/11/16

It’s always an honor when another photographer asks you to shoot for them. So when Danny (a talented photojournalist up in Wisconsin)contacted me I knew I had to bring my A game! We made a few stops around the city, but I love this shot at Olive Park. Sometimes the wind out there is brutal, but this time it worked in our favor for this windblown close up!

Natalie + Mike: 8/11/16

You know your couple is from Canada when there are multiple hockey references and a shout out to Tim Horton’s in the ceremony! I loved this photo of them laughing mid ceremony. The best ceremonies (in my opinion) are always fun and personal!

Kathy + Chris : 7/29/16

My wonderful associate Carrie Holbo shot this elopement. The forecast was for rain pretty much all day and we were brainstorming back up plans all day just in case. Thankfully the sky opened up right before their ceremony and they were able to proceed as planned! I was so happy when I saw these sunny photos!

Sydney + Ivan : 10/6/16

This elopement wins the award for craziest weather. We were about to start their ceremony at Olive Park when it started sprinkling, then raining and then downpouring like I haven’t seen the rest of the year. We got through the ceremony and then had to make a run for cover. We were all soaked, but they carried on! Once things let up we headed downtown. The city lights had just started coming up and the rain had forced people inside so we were able to grab this photo on the Michigan Bridge that is usually so packed with people you can barely move. Thank you for sticking out the weather!

Lindsay + Tye : 9/7/16

Speaking of rain….. Right as we arrive at the Lily Pool for their ceremony a crazy storm rolled in and it completely down poured for about 15-20 minutes. I’d like to send a shout out to Amazon Prime Now for this giant umbrella that I ordered THAT morning just in case this happened. Rev. Marian  and I were basically soaked, but our couple stayed dry! And of course I had to get some photos as the rain came down, because it wasn’t one I would soon forget!

Katie + Ben : 8/26/16

Have I mentioned that we love the Lily Pool?! The sun was peaking through as Katie and Ben waited for their family and friends to arrive for their intimate ceremony. I’m not sure there is a bad photo to be had in this place! It doesn’t hurt when you have an amazing couple either!

Katie + Nick: 5/6/16

If you’ve made it this far you notice that I’ve mention the light in several of these favorites. This is no exception. After their ceremony we were upstairs at city hall taking a few photos. As we were about to leave I saw the light streaming through the doors and had to stop them for this photo. I love the details and arches in this building so much. If only I could get them to redo the actual marriage court area…

Krista + Sean : 10/4/16

Nothing beats a beautiful bride, a dapper groom, a city view, and a random shirtless dude?! I couldn’t resist picking this photo as I know they remember this guy. He was randomly in the background of so many photo (I photoshopped him out of some). But we were dying laughing as he strutted around and did a whole workout routine while basically seeming oblivious to the fact that he was in all the photos. If you’re this guy and you’re reading this, thank you for making our day!

Todd + Dan : 9/23/16

After many years together these two tied the note at the Federal courthouse with their friend Judge Rovner preforming the ceremony. Afterwards we popped across the street for a few quick portraits before heading to their dinner reception in Wicker Park!

Chelsey + Luke : 10/21/16

This elopement was shot by the wonderfully talented Rebecca Ickes. I was out of town at the time and couldn’t wait to see the images when I returned. Not only were Chelsey and Luke joining their lives, but also their families. Yes there are some pretty family photos, but to me this one is much more real!

Lisa + Jeff 6/14/16

I had a blast with these two! I loved all the little details Lisa incorporated as well to tie in their Michigan roots! We walked down to the LaSalle Bridge for this photo after their city hall ceremony! It’s always one of my favorites views!

Luz + Albert : 10/7/16

These lovebirds married at one of my favorite restaurants in the city  – Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. It’s were my boyfriend took me on one of our first dates so it’s special to me. When they told me they were getting married there I was pumped! I’ve always loved this giant mirror and the lighting in the patio area where their reception was. So I wanted to do a little something different to show off the venue for them.

Meg + Duncan: 6/29/16

Can we please talk about how awesome this dress is?! The #1 thing I love about elopements is that they break all the traditional rules.  So polka dot dress? Yes please! Duncan came over from London to marry Meg before she joined him overseas. And apparently I need to make a trip to London because I now have two elopement couples that live there!

Wisal + Willie : 10/13/16

Bubbles!! I loved this photo of the newlyweds sharing a kiss right after their ceremony.

All their guests blew bubbles in their direction for a fun twist on a first kiss!

Megan + Patrick : 6/30/16

After saying I do with their family in Wisconsin these two drove down to Chicago for photos in the city and a mini honeymoon! I spend a lot of quality time in this spot at Olive Park. It will never get old, and never looks the same twice. This particular day we had gorgeous skies as the sun started to set over the city. Can you beat this view?!

Michelle + Patrick : 11/11/16

For these two vets choosing a wedding date was easy – Veteran’s Day. After a super windy ceremony we headed downtown to the Veteran’s Memorial for a few photos. This is the sidewalk leading to the memorial. I just loved this quick glance as they walked hand in hand.

Morgan + Patrick : 11/11/16

Later that same day I met up with Morgan and Patrick for their intimate ceremony. It was soooo windy and had dropped about 15-20 degrees by the time we got out by the lake for their vows. I loved their matching Mr. and Mrs. Blackhawks jerseys! After the ceremony they grabbed dinner and drinks before taking their 15ish guests to the Hawks game! I think they should win fans of the year!

Alicia + Justin : 9/15/16 

When two animal lovers get married it only makes sense to include their pets! After getting married at local art gallery that specializes in animal art (Curly Tale Gallery) we stopped by their place to pick up their two furbabies for some photos with the skyline!

Tara + Ron : 9/22/16

And last, but not least we have Tara and Ron! I love this photo because I can’t look at it and not smile. It takes me back to this moment at the Wrigley Building laughing and smiling with these two. A perfect ending to my 2016 blog!