Chicago History Museum Micro Wedding

This beautiful wedding proves that bigger doesn’t mean better – Becca and Matt had to downsize their wedding to a micro wedding, but look how beautifully it turned out! We love the details and the beautiful photos that they got, we hope you love it too!

from the photographer: “Lemons into lemonade, anyone? Covid has really shook the wedding industry, and derailed couples’ wedding plans. However, Becca and Matt chose to take the most graceful pivot I have seen. What was supposed to be a 150 guest wedding was downsized to 40 guests. Their lively dance party reception was rescheduled for next year and the Chicago History Museum was converted into an intimate and elegant dinner party in the beautiful space overlooking the Chicago skyline. Becca looked elegant in a classic wedding gown. Words cannot express how truly lovely this couple is, how they pivoted their plans in stride, and accomplished the most beautiful intimate wedding. Had I not been speaking with them for months leading up to this, I honestly would have thought their day was exactly how it was supposed to be. And wasn’t it, though?”

How did you both meet? We met on Bumble! It does work!

What is your proposal story? We got a late lunch and walked along the lake (Lake Michigan). He proposed on our walk. We celebrated with friends that evening and continued to celebrate the entire weekend and the weeks to follow with family and friends. I blacked out during his speech because we were so happy and excited. To help me remember, he has recited various parts of the proposal ever since. 🙂

Tell us about your wedding choices: We were aiming for a style and vision that was simple, classic, and timeless. We tried to avoid trendy and popular choices. We didn’t want to look back and be able to pinpoint the year we were married. However, given the state of the world, we will never forget the year 2020. There was so much heartache, loss, challenges, growing pains, and learning – but it was also full of so much love.

What were the most important choices you made while planning? Each aspect was important in different ways. All of our vendors were recommendations that we then vetted amongst our own research. It was helpful to know people who had worked with the vendors and had a positive experience. Also, I highly recommend connecting with each of your vendors and communicating what is important to you and your partner to level-set expectations. During this crazy time, communication and expectations were/are so important as we were constantly having to adjust. Fortunately, we picked wonderful vendors that were understanding, helpful, and insightful during the entire process. We are very happy and thankful that we had such great vendors during the entire planning process, re-planning process (we’re now able to laugh at this!), and on the actual day.

We had to adjust our plans due to COVID with a smaller gathering and modify our existing plans. We tried to keep everything, but just do it on a smaller scale. This helped remind us of what was really important, which to us, are the little things. It feels like the ceremony is often overlooked because people want to start celebrating (fair!). However, we realized how important and special the ceremony was and how much it meant to us. We had a good friend marry us and worked with her to wordsmith every aspect of the ceremony. Our ceremony was so special and one of our favorite parts of our day.

Favorite part of the day? September 5, 2020 was the best day of our lives. Our first look was so special! It was so nice to have that moment – just the two of us. Our ceremony was also very special to us. Our officiant made the ceremony so special by incorporating all the little things about us, our relationship, and the things that are most important to us. The first look and the ceremony were our favorite parts.

Any personalized details? Given the state of the world, we only had about 40 people – bridal party and immediate family only. We wrote each of them a personalized note on their place card. We had a polaroid camera and guest book that our guests could take their photo, add to the book, and write a note to us. We have loved looking through it! We had mini hand sanitizers with a cute little sticker that said spread love not germs.

Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions? I tried to incorporate items from my family for my something blue and something old. I included an Aquamarine necklace that my grandmother had given me and a hair pin with pearls from my other grandmother into my boutique. We had a table with framed photos of our relatives that weren’t able to be there with a “wish you were here” sign. My parents, siblings, and I created a new tradition. We were able to have time together before the day started. My dad brought me fresh sunflowers from the local farmers market. It was very sweet and special to have that time with them and have that time as a family before everything started.

Any advice for couples today? The day is about you and your partner. Focus on the little details and moments that will mean the most to the two of you as that is what you will remember the most. Try to soak in and enjoy every aspect of the day. It goes by so fast! I highly recommend having a great photographer and videographer to help you capture your day. They will also capture moments that you may not have seen or remember. Reliving our day is one of our favorite things to do. Having the photos and video make it easier and more special to relive it all. Also, don’t be afraid to make your own traditions or do something different. This is your day (and your partners!) so do what makes the two of you happy! 🙂

Chicago History Museum Micro Wedding

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