Kelly and Christian’s civil elopement at Union Station in Chicago was a masterclass in effortless elegance. Opting for an intimate ceremony, they exchanged vows in a quiet corner of the grand historic building, embracing the beauty of simplicity. With only their photographer and officiant present, the day unfolded exactly as they envisioned—private, meaningful, and stress-free. Afterward, they shared a celebratory dinner with family at a winery, followed by a night of drinks, live music, and dancing with friends at cocktail bar. From start to finish, their wedding was about being together, celebrating in their own way, and making every moment count.
Location: Chicago, USA
Style: Classic, civil, intimate, elegant
Time of planning: 3 months
Number of guests: 2
Setting: Historic venue
Season: Spring
Kelly and Christian’s story began in 2012 with a simple Facebook message that sparked an instant connection. Though they had attended the same high school, it wasn’t until Christian reached out that their journey truly began. Over the years, their bond deepened, and by the time Christian proposed on a Chicago beach in September 2023, it already felt like they had been married for years. Their wedding was a natural next step—one that reflected their desire for a day that was effortless, intimate, and focused solely on what mattered most: celebrating their love, their way.
Couple's Morning
Instead of following tradition and getting ready separately, Kelly and Christian spent the morning together, savoring every moment before their ceremony. In their hotel room, Kelly slipped into a silky white robe with lace-trimmed sleeves, while Christian dressed in his vest and crisp white shirt. She helped him fasten his cufflinks, a quiet moment that set the tone for their day—unrushed, personal, and full of love. The atmosphere was peaceful, with no pressure or last-minute rush, just the two of them preparing side by side for one of the biggest moments of their lives.
Kelly’s bridal look embraced the simplicity and elegance of their wedding. She wore a fitted white Lulus dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline and sheer long sleeves, its sleek silhouette enhanced by a flowing veil. She paired it with Gucci block-heeled sandals featuring gold accents that tied into their wedding theme. For accessories, she chose delicate pearl earrings and a dainty pearl necklace from Nordstrom. Her longtime hairstylist, Laura styled her hair into a sleek bun, while Karen O created a natural, glowing look.
"My husband and I wore matching Tiffany fragrances—it’s amazing how a scent can instantly bring back memories of the day."
Christian kept his style effortlessly sharp, wearing a Vera Wang black suit from Men’s Warehouse, paired with classic black shoes. His gold watch and two heirloom rings—a wedding band and a letter “R” ring passed down from his grandfather—added sentimental touches to his outfit. “He loved the simplicity of his look and how effortless it all felt,” shared the bride.
Private Walk
Before heading to Union Station, Kelly and Christian took a short walk through the city with their dog, soaking in the quiet moments before their vows. Strolling past familiar streets, they held hands, enjoying the crisp March air and the excitement of what was to come. After their walk, they hopped into their car and made their way to the ceremony location, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives together.
"Many couples spend the morning apart, but we chose to get ready together, which made the day feel more connected and meaningful."
"What made our day truly special was being together from start to finish. There was no rushing, just enjoying every moment together."
Historic Venue
Union Station’s iconic architecture provided the perfect backdrop for Kelly and Christian’s wedding portraits. The station’s towering columns, intricate ceiling details, and sweeping staircases framed each shot with a sense of elegance and grandeur. Under the vast skylights of the Great Hall, the couple shared quiet, intimate moments amidst the station’s everyday movement, creating a striking contrast between their private celebration and the bustling world around them.
Kelly and Christian entrusted Ashley from Unabridged Photo to capture their wedding day, and her artistry brought every moment to life. Blending digital, film, and Polaroid photography, she created a collection of images that felt both timeless and deeply personal. Every frame held a unique charm—from crisp digital shots that highlighted the grandeur of the venue to soft, nostalgic film images and instant Polaroids that captured the raw joy of the day. Her ability to document not just the big moments but also the quiet in-between ones gave Kelly and Christian a treasure trove of memories, each photograph preserving the emotions and beauty of their intimate elopement.
"Our photographer Ashley knew the perfect spot to ensure privacy."
Ceremony
Kelly and Christian’s ceremony was very intimate, set in a quiet, sunlit corner of Union Station. With just their officiant, Liv, and photographer present, they stood facing each other, surrounded by the station’s grand limestone walls and intricate architectural details. The moment felt entirely their own—no distractions, no audience, just a heartfelt exchange of vows. Though the ceremony was brief, every second was filled with emotion. “We chose this type of wedding because we wanted it to be personal and deeply meaningful, a day that we could experience fully together,” explained the bride.
"When we sealed it with a kiss, I kicked my leg up in pure joy—I had just married the love of my life."
Celebration
After the ceremony, Kelly and Christian gathered with immediate family for a cozy dinner at Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Arlington Heights. Surrounded by those closest to them, they toasted to their new chapter while enjoying a meal paired with their favorite wines. The intimate setting felt perfect—just good food, heartfelt conversations, and a relaxed atmosphere where they could soak in the joy of the day.
Later, they boarded a party bus to Lazy Bird, a stylish cocktail bar in Chicago, where more friends joined the celebration. Sipping on their signature drinks—a rum and Coke for Christian and a paloma for Kelly—they skipped the formalities of a traditional first dance and instead swayed to the live jazz music, enjoying the moment as newlyweds.
As the night unfolded, the party continued at Celeste, a late-night spot known for its vibrant energy. Kelly and Christian danced with friends until 5 AM, making the most of every second of their wedding day. One of the sweetest moments came when they shared a small, celebratory cake with “Just Married” written on the plate, feeding each other bites between laughter. Looking back, their wedding was exactly what they had envisioned—personal, intimate, and filled with love. From a quiet morning together to a night of unforgettable celebration, it was a day they wouldn’t change for anything.
"It was, without a doubt, the best day of our lives."
Advice from the couple:
• Less is more. While our guests may not remember a first dance or wedding favors, they will remember the laughter, the dancing, and the love they witnessed that day. Your wedding should be a reflection of what’s important to you, without unnecessary stress or financial strain.
PHOTOGRAPHER Unabridged Photo | CELEBRANT Liv | MAKEUP Karen O | HAIR Laura D Hairstylist | NAILS Nails by Nertila | CHAUFFEUR BTL Run | FLOWERS Flowers For Dreams
