One afternoon, a heartfelt inquiry hit my inbox. The first sentence stated, “We met on a quiet Wednesday in the fall and are planning to get married on a quiet Wednesday in the fall.”
From that moment on, I knew I couldn’t wait to document Sadie and Sammy’s Chicago rooftop wedding.
They went on to explain, “We are planning to elope, which just feels like “us.” Choosing to just focus on what we want is a shift for both of us, as most of our lives, we have been the go-to people for everybody else. Eloping allows us to really incorporate more personal touches and we can’t wait to see our plans take shape!”
^^ I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this is the mindset every couple should take when it comes to wedding planning. Whether you’re eloping or throwing a 200+ person wedding, your big day should always incorporate personal touches and feel like “you”.
⏯️ Press play to watch their Wednesday morning wedding unfold, or keep scrolling to read all about the sentimental touches.
Getting Ready at Ambassador Chicago
Sadie surprised Sammy with a bottle of Mezcal from Durango Mexico (where Sammy’s dad is from).
Ya’ see, Sadie sent me an email days before the wedding letting me in on her plan:
“My hope is that a new tradition will be taking a shot from this special bottle on significant occasions, and I want Sammy and his dad to start that tradition with a special moment together.”
🏆 Please pause while I gift Sadie the award for the most considerate and detail-oriented fianceé.
Once Sammy and his dad took a shot, I made my way back upstairs to Sadie. It was finally time for her to slip into her gorgeous dress with the help of her family + friends. As soon as she was zipped up, we made our way to the rooftop for the first look.
With skyline views and a violinist playing softly in the background, it was the perfect first look.
A Chicago Rooftop Wedding With Skyline Views
Finally, it was time to get these two married.
The couple opted to incorporate as many personal touches as possible. This included a ring warming, personal vows, and a ceremony script that had everyone crying happy tears.
If you want a ceremony script full of personal touches, check out these amazing officiant journals (created by Sadie + Sammy’s officiant, Liz Rae & Co). They’re full of prompts to help you write a personalized wedding ceremony.
Use the promo code WHITEQUILL at checkout to save 10%.
After these two shared their first kiss, champagne was passed out. One of Sadie’s friends said a few sweet words before everyone raised their glasses to the newlyweds.
Brunch at Blue Door
It was important to Sadie and Sammy that the wedding had a neighborhood feel. So, instead of Ubering to Blue Door for brunch, we decided to walk the 4 blocks for some neighborhood portraits.
While Ed (their photographer) snapped the formal photos, I was able to capture the little in-between moments (and the way Sadie’s veil was showing off in the wind).
Once at Blue Door, Sadie and Sammy got to indulge in a few wedding traditions. First up, cutting their wedding cake. Then, once everyone had fresh drinks, they listened to a series of toasts from loved ones.
All-in-all, it was the perfect Chicago elopement. And I’m so honored that I was there to document it.
The Vendor Team
Hotel + Ceremony: Ambassador Chicago
Brunch: Blue Door
Videography: White Quill Creative
Photography: Ed and Aileen Photography
Officiant: Liz Rae & Co
Planning a Chicago Rooftop Wedding or Elopement?
I’d love to chat more about your plans! Whether it’s a small group of family and friends (like Sadie + Sammy) or a full-fledged wedding, I’d love to help document all the in-between moments!
