Melody Adams 19/01/2023 Melody Adams 19/01/2023

Chicago City Hall Elopement | Samantha + Joe | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer

Chicago City Hall Elopement | Samantha + Joe | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Vivienne Westwood | Alex Brown Hair | Miranda
Cary MUA | Raulph LAUREN
RL RESTAURANT

Sam (the stylish, hilarious and “worth following along online” bride) and her endearing partner Joe decided to have an intimate wedding ceremony before their larger celebration with friends in Mexico. So they decided to have a Chicago City Hall Elopement with their closest family members. We met at City Hall, where they had gotten their marriage certificate and then we strolled around the historic building to take their bridal portraits. Sam was wearing a chic all white shoulder padded suit with a stunning choker from Vivienne Westwood. Her makeup was done by the talented Miranda Cary and her hair was done by the amazing Alex Brown Hair. Both ladies are some of the best hair and makeup artists in Chicago. We also did a bit of strolling around La Salle, because that street has some of the loveliest building architecture and textures for portrait backdrops.

After the bridal portraits downtown we left the Chicago City Hall area and headed towards the Chicago River. The Chicago River is the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony, as it creates an open space amidst the skyscrapers in downtown Chicago. They decided to pick a space that was near somewhere meaningful to them, so we settled in a beautiful inlet of the sidewalk in the center of the city. There family was all waiting for them to arrive as they walked up. They had the lovely Rev Beth of Rev Beth Weddings officiate the wedding ceremony and she is one of my favorite officiants in Chicago. The way she words things so personably, is open to any kind of couple (no matter the background or religion) and is flexible to meet you anywhere to perform your wedding ceremony, she is simply the sweetest. They exchanged wedding rings and said ‘I do’ in front of all of their loved ones in the city center. After the ceremony there were many family hugs, kisses, selfies and heart warming smiles.

Joe helped Samantha get into a luxury SUV where they had their vintage bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne and cuddles before heading to meet their family members at the Ralph Lauren RL Restaurant. At the RL Restaurant the two of them stopped off for a drink and private cheers in the bar area and then joined the rest of their family at the dinner table. They did things the best way possible, cake first. A delicious cake was brought to them straight after being seated and they didn’t just cut it, but ate it and I love that about Same and Joe! They had a family toast and then enjoyed the rest of their evening together making memories around the dinner table with the ones they love. I really appreciate being able to capture such personal and intimate memories in couples lives. Sam and Joe, the stylish newlyweds that you are, I absolutely adore you both and your sweet and spicy personalities! x

Chicago City Hall Elopement, Chicago Wedding Photographer Melody Joy Co.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Venue - Chicago City Hall | Wedding Outfit - White Blazer Shoulder Padded Suit | Choker Necklace - Vivienne Westwood Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker | Chicago Hair Stylist - Alex Brown Hair | Chicago Wedding Makeup Artist - Miranda Cary MUA | Chicago Wedding Officiant - Rev Beth Weddings | Intimate Wedding Dinner Reception - Ralph Lauren RL Restaurant

Melody Adams 20/11/2021 Melody Adams 20/11/2021

San Juan, Puerto Rico Wedding | Iglesia de San José | Destination Wedding Photographer

San Juan, Puerto Rico Wedding | Iglesia de San José | Destination Wedding Photographer | Alexa Blanco Weddings

Daniel and Alexandra started their wedding day by getting ready with their loved ones in suites overlooking Isle Verde Beach in the dreamy coastal city of San Juan. After spending a quiet morning with their friends and family, everyone caravanned together over to the historic district of Old San Juan. They were married at the stunning church, Iglesia de San José, which is the oldest church in Puerto Rico. They had a beautiful catholic ceremony with their loved ones surrounding them and passed down traditions. As they walked out of the church as a married couple, the first thing they did was go for a stroll on the cobbled streets of old San Juan for moments of just the two of them (with myself and the the filmmaker, Daniel, not too far away). It was sweet to see everyone congratulating them on the streets as a festival was taking place. We also popped in to get a cocktail for the groom at La Factoría (which is a must if you ever find yourself visiting Old San Juan).
After strolling around the city center we headed back to the church for a few more portraits before heading back to the resort at Isle Verde Beach for their reception. Upon arriving at the reception, we walked to the shoreline to get a few portraits just as the sun was setting. Their bridal party met us on the beach and then everyone was announced into the reception for an evening of dancing with their favorites to local live music. Even the groom’s dad played a bit of his trumpet with the band. The lively tune of the evening was exactly the kind of party you want to have on the night of your wedding. This was truly a beautiful day and a beautiful celebration of love! x