Winter in Chicago can be brutal. And even if we don’t have a ton of snow I can promise you that it will be cold, very very cold. But I still love winter elopements! They can be so cozy and romantic as long as you come prepared with indoor options and proper clothing!

So when Stephanie and Lawrence reached out to us about doing a sunset ceremony at a hotel in February I was thrilled! We met them at the Park Hyatt where their dog Cole served as “best man” and cutest guest! We did a quick first look and headed downtown to the Cultural Center for some photos before they closed.

The Cultural Center is easily one of the most beautiful indoor places in the city. If you’re reading this and you haven’t seen the Tiffany Dome in person just go. It’s free. (well go when it reopens!). We basically had the place ourselves and we took full advantage.

The plan was to do the ceremony as the sun was going down so we could see the city lights coming to life from their hotel room view. I won’t lie, this is a very tricky lighting situation. But I love a good challenge! They each had their mothers in attendance and included them in the ceremony with a wine blessing. The best man took a nap halfway through (see photo),but otherwise it was perfect!

I talked them into a few brief photos outside by the Water Tower and Michigan Ave before they headed off to dinner!

Photography: Becky Brown Photography

Officiant: All Ceremonies Beautifully Done, Rev. Marian Hale

Hair & Makeup: Kate Johnson Artistry

Ceremony Location: Park Hyatt