The Charm of Intimate Weddings: Capturing Love with a Chicago Wedding Photographer

I absolutely adore small, intimate weddings, or micro weddings—whatever you want to call them! They are simply amazing. There’s something incredibly special about having the closest family and friends gathered together to celebrate love. It’s always such a beautiful and genuine experience.

As a Chicago wedding photographer who specializes in film photography, I get to witness and capture these magical moments up close. The emotion, the joy, the tears, and the laughter—they all feel so much more profound when you’re surrounded by those who matter the most. It’s like being part of an exclusive club where the only requirement for entry is love.

One of my favorite things about intimate weddings is how personal they can be. Without the pressure of a large guest list, couples can really focus on what matters most to them. Whether it’s exchanging vows at a charming little park in Chicago or having a cozy reception at a family member’s home, the options are endless and always unique. Plus, intimate weddings can be short and sweet! It doesn’t have to include a full day. For this wedding, they wanted portraits, group shots, and some photos of their party. It was perfect—I was there to capture them together, with their favorite people, and give them beautiful memories of their day!

Let me tell you about one of my favorite weddings I had the pleasure of photographing. It was a micro celebration at a super cute neighborhood Italian restaurant in the heart of Roscoe Village. This place held special meaning for the couple, making it the perfect spot for their intimate gathering. The atmosphere was filled with love and happiness, and it was all about being together, enjoying delicious food and wine, and just soaking in the moment.

The couple, with their classic Ray-Ban sunglasses, exuded an old-school cool that was 100% them. It was like stepping back in time, and I couldn’t get enough of it! Simple flowers adorned the tables, adding a touch of elegance without overshadowing the genuine joy that filled the room.

For their couple portraits, we wandered around their neighborhood. Super simple, and absolutely beautiful with all the flowers and trees. I love this about Chicago—there is always a park, alley, or some hidden spot with nature just around the corner. Every moment was effortlessly stunning and uniquely theirs.

Film photography brought an extra layer of magic to this celebration. The grain, the colors, the way every moment looked different—it all added to the old-school feel and nostalgia of the day. There’s a timeless quality to film that digital just can’t replicate. Every shot felt like a work of art, a cherished memory frozen in time. And honestly, there is nothing like film. I can go on and on about it, but this post is about this sweet couple, so I will save it for another time.

Canon 1v + Pentax 645n | HP5 + Kodak Portra 400 | The FIND Lab

So, if you’re planning your special day and considering a smaller celebration, embrace it! Intimate weddings are a beautiful way to celebrate love in its purest form. As one of the best photographers in Chicago, I’m here to capture every precious moment with all the love, creativity, and artistry that film photography has to offer. Let’s create something magical together!