There isn’t a version of a micro wedding that I haven’t seen because of last year’s uncertain nature. Whether a wedding is big or small, it’s the personal details that make each uniquely special. April and Thomas’s chic downtown Chicago elopement at the Thompson Chicago last summer was full of romance and raw emotion. However, an elopement wasn’t what the pair had planned. Originally April and Thomas were going to get married at Lovett Hall last spring, April 2020. Those plans were first delayed to October 2020 and then postponed again to the fall of this year November 2021. Once they made the decision to reschedule again to 2021, April and Thomas knew that they didn’t want to wait any longer to officially tie the knot.

Both the bride and groom are from Michigan and are proud graduates of Michigan State University. The college sweethearts brought me to their home to capture their Chicago elopement in early August of last year. It was a stunning day with only a handful of soft clouds in the sky. The bride dazzled in a satin tea-length wedding dress complete with a soft pink and ivory bridal bouquet. The groom wore a dashing blue suit paired with a statement tie. The rooftop of their high-rise building overlooking Lake Michigan made for a scenic backdrop for photos. We made our way downtown for more bride and groom portraits in front of the Chicago Trade Building.

From there we headed up the Gold Coast to the Thompson Chicago for the couple to host their micro wedding followed by an intimate dinner with close family. The bride’s sister-in-law became ordained to officiate the marriage. April and Thomas exchanged tearful vows as they promised each other forever. It was a trying year filled with so much and they were so overjoyed to finally be married. April is a nurse who has worked tirelessly on the front lines throughout the pandemic and is such an inspiration. It was beautiful to witness them express their gratitude and joy to stand together in good health and become husband and wife. After their private ceremony, everyone enjoyed a beautiful multi-course meal topped with not one but two specialty cakes for dessert!

I adore capturing love in my home base as a Detroit wedding photographer. However, I’m so grateful to work with couples like April and Thomas who bring me to different cities and expand my network as a Chicago wedding photographer. They also previously brought me out to capture their Chicago engagement session which was just as magical! I was thrilled to be back to document another milestone for their chic downtown Chicago elopement. April and Thomas – you’re both so kind, wonderful, and deserve nothing but the best. I can’t wait for your grand wedding celebration later this fall! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Huynh!!

Photographer: Breanne Rochelle Photography

Venue: Thompson Chicago

Florist: Nightshade Floral Design

Bridal Makeup: Alyssa Diana Makeup

Wedding Dress: RESA

Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka