Seeing the ear-to-ear smiles on these two, you would never know it was freezing outside. Their excitement was unfazed by the single digit temperatures, if not for their rosy noses and fogged breath it might have looked like a warm Spring day!
I had the pleasure of meeting Natalie a couple of years ago at Loft On Lake and thought she was the cutest thing, in fact I may have mentioned that if she were to get engaged… call me! You can imagine my excitement when she contacted me after a conversation about eloping to City Hall with Steve, would I be interested in taking photos for them? Uhhh… ABSOLUTELY! There is something so fun and romantic about a wedding with just the two of you, like a special secret only you share (although you really want to shout it from the mountaintop!). As a fellow eloper I have a soft spot for small ceremonies, and as a photographer I feel so privileged to be one of the only witnesses. Watching Natalie and Steve say “I do” was the perfect way to wrap up 2014 and kick off 2015, roaming around Chicago on New Year’s Eve with these two was the best!
Married!
Natalie has the best smile!!
It was so cold, see their breath?!
Magnolia Bakery was the perfect location to stop for delicious “wedding” cupcakes, complete with New Year’s decor and even Mr./Mrs. forks!
My favorites…
LOVE!
We made one last stop at the Palmer House hotel to warm up, and say our goodbyes. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to kick off the new year, congrats Natalie and Steve!
Hair and makeup: My friend Kylie Phillips
Ceremony location: City Hall!
Cupcake: Magnolia Bakery
Dress: Beholden
Accessories: Shoes: Michael Kors
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Steve: Seeing her smile after saying ‘I do’
Natalie: Oh man, the whole entire day was memorable. Probably exchanging rings and saying “I do.”
What was your favorite detail?
Natalie: Finding Magnolia Bakery!
Steve: The beautiful sunlight, despite the freezing temperatures.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Steve: All the happy Chicagoans congratulating us while walking between their work.
Natalie: Steven asked the judge if he could kiss me after we were married and his reply..” You can do anything that’s legal.”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Steve: Don’t be afraid to elope!
Natalie: ELOPE! It was so romantic!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Steve: Not a thing.
Natalie: No way!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Steve: Still planning it!
Natalie: Somewhere warm! 🙂
A little history…
How did you meet? (How long have you known each other?)
Steve: I originally saw Natalie over 8 years ago at a friends home. I thought she was absolutely gorgeous and couldn’t contain myself, however, I was incredibly shy around her. I finally got the courage to speak with her and she blew me off. Then it seemed as if she disappeared into thin air. Fast forward 7 years and she shows up at a friends again. I didn’t want to lose her, so I did everything I could in order to make her mine. I don’t quite know what I did, but now I’ve got her forever. I couldn’t be happier.
Natalie: We met at a friends party on Memorial Day. I actually didn’t want to go…I wasn’t up for a party since I had just got out of work and was very tired. Something in me said to go. When I arrived to the party, Steve stopped in complete conversation and we locked eyes. It was like a scene out of movie.
When did you know he/she was “the one”?
Steve: The very instant I saw her [both times].
Natalie: When we first met. I felt a sense of calmness…I felt different.
Describe the proposal.
Steve’s mother took me in the morning for breakfast and to get our nails done.
Steve planned a picnic at Lake Ellyn where we had our first date. He made/packed a gourmet meal with sparkling grape juice! ( Since it is illegal to drink wine in a park)
After we finished eating, he walked me over to the bench we sat on, it was the very same bench we sat and talked on, on our first date and then he got down on one knee. 🙂 We were so excited after that!
Five words that best describe your significant other:
Steve: Independent, strong, beautiful, gentle, and genuine
Natalie: Extremely smart, hilarious, loving, kind, and CUTE!