Mary and David wanted their wedding to feel less like an event and more like an evening spent with their favourite people. An intimate guest list, a beautiful Chicago setting and an intentionally simple timeline gave them exactly that.

From quiet moments getting ready to an evening of candlelight, champagne and dancing, the day felt effortless from beginning to end.

An intimate wedding in Chicago

The celebration began slowly, with Mary getting ready alongside her closest friends before meeting David for their first look.

With no need to rush between a long list of locations, we had time to wander through the city for portraits before the ceremony. Chicago’s architecture gave us the perfect backdrop — elegant and timeless, with just enough contrast to the softness of Mary’s gown.

We kept the portraits relaxed and uncomplicated, mixing a little direction with the moments that naturally happened in between.

A celebration with their closest people

Mary and David exchanged vows surrounded by a small circle of family and friends. The ceremony itself was simple and deeply personal, followed by champagne and an intimate dinner.

The smaller guest list changed the rhythm of the entire evening. There was time to linger over conversations, move between tables and actually spend the celebration with the people they had invited.

As daylight faded, candlelight filled the room and the atmosphere shifted naturally from dinner to dancing.

An evening worth remembering

There was so much to love about this wedding: understated florals, beautiful tailoring, a room glowing with candlelight. But the photographs we keep returning to are the less planned ones.

A hand reaching across the table. Friends laughing during a speech. Mary and David stealing a quiet moment together before returning to the party.

It was elegant without feeling formal, intimate without feeling small — and entirely theirs.

The Details

Photography: Maison Photography
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Planning: Emilia & Co. Events
Florals: Field & Vine
Bride’s gown: Alexandra Grecco
Groom’s attire: SuitSupply
Hair & makeup: Gold Coast Beauty Co.
Stationery: Paper & Press Chicago