This past autumn, we had the honor of witnessing and photographing two people in love commit to spending their lives together. That’s really one of our favorite things about our job: happy tears, lots of laughs, and personal ceremonies. Charlene and Michael had an intimate fall Chicago micro wedding at Wicker Park Inn.

Chicago Micro Wedding at Wicker Park Inn

We first met Charlene and Michael a few years ago in the city and took their photos at Garfield Park Conservatory. At that time, they weren’t even engaged – we just took some lovely Chicago couple’s photos. As New York wedding photographers, it’s such a joy when we travel outside of our own city and see other amazing places like the Wicker Park Inn. When they finally did get engaged almost a year later, they remembered us and had us capture their joyful day.

Fun and Intimate Elopement Photography in Chicago

They decided to go with a fall Chicago micro wedding at Wicker Park Inn because they both live in the city and wanted their friends and family together. They opted for a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony that still reflected who they are as individuals and as a couple. With just their close family members in attendance, they truly kept it intimate. For friends of the couple, these two held an afterparty on the rooftop at the Robey Hotel.

NYC Wedding Photographers Capturing Candid Moments in Illinois

We started the day surrounded by love at the Wicker Park Inn wedding venue. Their family members stayed at this quaint bed and breakfast which made it nice and easy to gather everyone. With the couple getting ready in separate rooms, it was easy to take getting ready photos for each half of the couple. We love the natural light that the rooms at this B&B offer. Instead of having wedding parties, they celebrated with their parents for the actual marriage itself. Plus, they had their photography team join for all the fun parts.

Romantic Wicker Park Inn Wedding in Chicago

After these two were ready to go, we did their first look in the downtown area. These two had a lovely flower mural they wanted to take their Chicago wedding photos in front of. When it comes to us as NYC wedding photographers, we’re totally open to exploring new areas and hearing our couples’ suggestions. We then went over to Humboldt Park to take the couple’s portraits.

Stunning Wedding Photos by Candid Elopement Photographers

We are pretty quick when it comes to taking Chicago wedding photography. It’s important to us that we don’t take too much time out of the big day to take photos. The most important part of the day is the genuine emotions that couples have for their photos. So we make sure to capture these feelings as best as we can. We also work really fast in order to get a short wedding photography timeline.

Wedding Photography Team in the Northeast and Midwest

We took a walk around the garden at Humboldt Park and got some great shots that still highlight the late summer feel of their day. We think it’s important to get Chicago wedding photos that are authentic. This pair wanted to take their wedding photos in the place they love and we were happy to make this happen for them!

Photo Vendor Team Based in New York and Chicago

This couple was so much fun throughout their fall Chicago micro-wedding at Wicker Park Inn! After the park, we went back to the B&B for family photos. Getting those out of the way prior to the ceremony made the schedule easy to work with. Charlene wore a traditional Korean hanbok for the formal photos with loved ones. We loved that Charlene’s individual style was shown through her Western wedding dress, but the traditional style Korean hanbok would also be captured in formal photos.

Photos of Micro Weddings at Wicker Park Inn

Then the ceremony began at their Wicker Park Inn wedding, located on Wicker Park Ave. We love how this ceremony was personalized with emotional vows exchanged. With family members on looking and close friends on a Zoom call, the love exchanged in this wedding was something to remember. This pair’s day was filled with so many emotions that we as Brooklyn wedding photographers just love!

Where to Get Married in Chicago, IL

You can’t have an autumn Chicago elopement without lots of refreshments. After the ceremony, these two popped some bottles for a toast with family. Since it was an early wedding, they held an intimate brunch for their micro wedding at Wicker Park Inn. Plus, in lieu of a cake, they had a tower of cupcakes to celebrate after their meal from the main menu was over.

Micro Wedding Ideas for Chicago Photography

To commemorate the occasion with friends, they held a wedding after-party at the Robey in Chicago, IL. This was a great solution to having such an intimate ceremony that included people they care deeply about. The rooftop at this hotel was a great backdrop for their celebration. Featuring skyline views of this beautiful location, there are few places more magical for a Chicago rooftop wedding reception.

Intimate Ceremony Photos for Chicago Couples

When looking at different venues for your wedding reception, consider the work that needs to go into the day. Charlene and Michael found different vendors to supply rentals for this raw event space. Even though there wasn’t a full reception after the intimate ceremony, altogether the space came together thanks to the arch rentals and florals. The room had lots of stunning natural light at the venue to highlight their guests and the special day itself.

Wedding Planning for Intimate Occasions in Chicago

These two had waited almost a year extra during their planning process. Because of the pandemic, they waited on planning anything major to ensure that their family, friends, and vendors were kept safe. The wedding at Wicker Park Inn turned out to be perfect for both accommodations and their photos themselves. With the perfect storm of vendors, an amazing venue, and some brilliant planning, this was one of the most beautiful micro weddings for guests and photos alike.

Lovely Wedding on Wicker Park Ave in Illinois

The hardwood floors and floral inspiration made this one of the best micro wedding venues in Chicago. For catering, they had food brought in for their loved ones to eat brunch. After their courses were over they enjoyed delicious cupcakes in multiple flavors. It’s not a party without cake, after all!

NYC Wedding Photographers Capturing Intimate Moments on a Big Day

We were so honored to capture this beautiful Chicago micro wedding at Wicker Park Inn. Charlene and Michael are two people filled with so much love and joy, and it’s evident in their photos. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two. Their sweet fall Chicago micro wedding was the beginning of something special. Thinking about getting married in this beautiful place? Let us know – we love to travel from New York as a photography team and become Chicago wedding photographers! It’s one of the most beautiful places to tie the knot.