Romantic Little Elopement Wedding in Pilcher Park
Written by Lauren of Lauren Ashley Studios
Our good friend Jess recently tied the knot in a sweet little ceremony with Jack at Pilcher Park, surrounded only by their closest loved ones. Scroll on, and discover in her own words, how this ‘True Wedding Gift’ was put together.
As a wedding photographer in Chicago, it is an honor and a joy to be a part of any wedding we’re invited to. Nothing brings us more inner happiness than creating memories for our couples. But when one of those couples also happens to be your good friend, it takes the experience to a whole new level! This was certainly the case when we photographed the wedding of Jess & Jack. Good friends of ours who exchanged their vows at the beginning of February with an intimate elopement ceremony in Pilcher Park.
The Proposal
Jess and Jack met back in 2019 during a serendipitous muddy ATV ride, and have been almost inseparable ever since. Their whirlwind romance was a delight to behold, and as friends, we couldn’t have been happier for them. Or so we thought! Then they went and got engaged! It was an adorable moment around Christmastime in Tinley Park, downtown at the train station. During a photo op surrounded by Christmas lights, Jack set up his GoPro and suggested they take a family photo inside a giant festive ornament. As they gathered together, Jack knelt down, and with the biggest smile on his face, asked for Jess’s hand in marriage. So sweet!
Planning the Wedding
For Jess & Jack, the path to their elopement was as spontaneous as the rest of their relationship. They decided on the spur of the moment to get hitched the following day. At first, they thought that they weren’t going to have a wedding at all. They were just going to have an officiated ceremony in their living room! But when we found out, we were quick to change their minds, and had soon convinced them to let us throw them an intimate ceremony in the park.
In order to best tell the story of Jess & Jack’s elopement, we thought it would be great if they actually shared it themselves. We’re so glad we did! You can really feel how much this day meant to them from the way they have written it. And it is a pleasure to share it with you.
The Elopement Story of Jess & Jack
On January 23, I casually asked Jack, “When do you want to get married?” Jack replied, “I’m ready for you to be my wife.” I jokingly suggested, “How about tomorrow?” He replied, “Let’s do it.”
Our life together has been spontaneous since the day we first met, and we wouldn’t change it for the world. When you know, you know.
The Wedding Day
Our elopement ceremony included sections from the children’s book “A Recipe for How Much I Love You” that highlights everything you need to make a marriage work. We also honored Jack’s Irish heritage by including the Celtic tradition of Hand fasting, which is actually where the phrase “tie the knot” comes from.
Following the elopement ceremony, we headed down the street to Tom Kelly’s for an open-menu celebratory lunch. Our favorites were the Reuben, Bacon Jam Burger and the Cowboy Burger. Our guests noticed the symbolic Celtic hand fasting displayed on the wall. (I just realized that the very last time we set foot in that pub, was when we realized we were falling in love with one another…)
On the day, everything came together flawlessly. Our elopement was truly a dream come true. Jack and I are incredibly grateful for everyone’s kindness and generosity. Mallory (our officiant), Lauren (our photographer), and Jamie (the owner of Bella Sposa), three self-less women, brought an unforgettable sparkle to our special day. This has been, by far, one of the most beautiful chapters of my life, thank you for making it happen. And thank you, for not allowing us to get married in our pajamas in the living room!
A special thank you to Jess and Jack for sharing their wedding story with our community!
Wedding Pro’s:
Photography: Lauren Ashley Studios
Venue: Birdhaven Greenhouse
Dress Store: Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique
Hair and Makeup Artist: Heidi Szymborski