I won’t event begin to explain why it’s been so long since I’ve blogged. Let’s just blame it on the madness that was 2020.

I wasn’t even sure where to begin this process again. Do I pick up with the 2019 elopements I hadn’t blogged even though it feels like another lifetime? Do I just start in 2020?

Ultimately I may bounce around a bit, but I figured I’d start with the last “normal” micro wedding we did back in March. Back when there wasn’t a mask in sight, before the lockdowns and gallons of hand sanitizer. Despite all that it wasn’t as if nothing was happening at this point. Coronavirus was a phrase we had started to hear. Cases and closures on the west coast were happening. We’d been told to stop shaking hands and hugging. Here in Chciago it was St. Patrick’s Day weekend and all the festivities had been cancelled.

So going into Kim and Brad’s wedding it already had a different feeling, but nothing could have prepared us for what was to come. I remember making sure I brought some hand sanitizer (I carry it for riding public transport anyway). And I tried not to hug people. Simple right?

Kim had come all the way from New Zealand to marry the love of her life, Brad. They were joined by Brad’s three adult children and their significant others for an intimate ceremony and dinner at Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. I love that they got ready together and he helped her zip up the dress and even put on her shoes! Before the ceremony we headed out in to the city and did some photos downtown. It was normal. We laughed, we smiled and then we headed to the South Loop to get them married!

By chance after this wedding I had a break in my schedule where I didn’t have anything for about 5 weeks. So I remember standing outside waiting for my Uber ride home and being grateful that maybe I could lay low for a few weeks and hopefully this whole thing would sort itself out (insert ridiculous laughter here). I was so naive.

But if 2020 taught me anything it’s to be grateful for the love in your life. Whether that is your spouse, your family, your friends, your significant other, your pets or any and all of the above. Love always wins.

Photography: Becky Brown Photography

Officiant: Jill Brown – Chicago Choice Ceremonies

Hair & Makeup : Bridal Beauty Team

Florist : Christine Janda Design & Events

Venue: Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

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