It was a cold day in Chicago, but you’d never be able to tell with all the warm moments and glowing love for Anthony and Andrea’s intimate wedding. Their courthouse ceremony was followed by photos throughout the city, captured by Ashley Griffin Photography. Enjoy these highlights of the sweet moments of their day below!

Small Wedding in the Big City captured by Ashley Griffin Photography featured on CHItheeWED.com!

Written and Photographed by Ashley of Ashley Griffin Photography:

I had met Anthony years ago at a swimming hole local to my neighborhood. What started as a casual conversation over some burgers soon blossomed into a friendship between this group of strangers. Anthony had always talked about Andrea in the most beautiful ways, poetic if you will. He spoke of the future he wanted with her and how he was going to make it happen. He began on that journey by joining the Navy.

Months away from his love only made their relationship stronger and we all knew that one day they would be engaged and eventually married and start a family together. Finally that day arrived when I got the text that Anthony had proposed to Andrea and they wanted me, a once stranger we all met while swimming on a hot summer day in August, to be their photographer. I was completely overwhelmed with excitement and happiness for both the two of them and the fact that they chose me to be the one to capture their big day.

The wedding took place in Chicago, IL., a place I had been wanting to check off my travel bucket list. I flew out to Chicago to meet the most beautiful and blushing bride and her soon to be husband. Her family was so welcoming and kind and so genuinely happy for the couple it was almost overwhelming. Love was filling this big city.

I had never photographed a courthouse wedding before so this was just another thing I was excited to check off my photo bucket list. After waiting in line with many other couples on such special day in their lives, it was finally Anthony and Andrea's turn. We all squeezed into that little courtroom where we got to witness the most special moment in Anthony and Andrea's lives; the start of their life together as husband and wife.

Their connection was unlike I'd ever seen, never once did they break eye contact or stop smiling so lovingly at each other. Rings were exchanged and they sealed the deal with the sweetest kiss while family members cheered cries of joy and I snapped away. It was truly so beautiful.

After the ceremony we headed to the center of town, towards the Bean, and other known attractions of the city for some photos. They were truly good sports as it started to flurry just as we began to dive into photos, which was just the icing on the cake. Andrea, a Florida girl, didn't even feel the cold as she was so filled with love and excitement. Honestly, I was too. It was truly such a special day and I thank my lucky stars still to this day that I was the one to capture it. To see such real love between two people I just happened to meet one day.

Although there were people everywhere, it felt like it was just us three taking photos, taking in the moments that created their day. This was their moment and my goodness were they shining. A love like that isn't experienced often and witnessing it is another miracle in itself. That my friends is the magic that happens when you have a small wedding in a big city like Chicago.