There’s something about a Chicago micro wedding that slows everything down in the best possible way. When you take away all the noise and keep the day small on purpose, you’re left with the people who matter most and the kind of moments you can actually feel while you’re in them. That was exactly the energy Dana and Dom wanted, and watching it unfold was such a reminder of why intimate weddings are so special. With the quieter pace of the day, I was able to lean into both digital and film. Taking my time, slowing down even more, and shooting far more film than I usually can at a larger wedding. It was one of those rare days where the work didn’t feel rushed at all, just steady and fully present.
Getting Ready in the City
They started their day at the Ambassador Hotel in Chicago with a balcony overlooking the skyline. It was calm and unhurried and so beautiful. Their ceremony took place right there on the balcony, with the city stretching out behind them and their closest people gathered nearby.
A Balcony Ceremony With Their People
Dana and Dom held their ceremony on the hotel balcony, with twelve of their closest people standing nearby. The city stretched out behind them on a perfect sunny day. It was short, heartfelt, and exactly the kind of moment that belongs to a micro wedding! Nothing was over the top, nothing staged, just the two of them promising their lives to each other while the skyline and their closest people watched on.
For more intimate wedding inspiration, check out Megan + Brian’s stylish and laid-back Chicago City Hall elopement.
A Trolley Ride Through Their Favorite Chicago Spots
After the ceremony and some hotel portraits, everyone boarded a trolley from Way To Go Limousine and set off through the city for a little tour. It didn’t feel at all like a formal wedding timeline. It felt like a group of friends exploring together, with Dana and Dom leading the way.
We made stops at:
- Adler Planetarium for lakefront views
- Garfield Park Conservatory for something lush and green
- Federales in Logan Square, a favorite spot for the couple (margs included)
Every stop fit who they are as a couple, and that’s the part I loved most! On the way to dinner, we swung by Dana and Dom’s apartment for a short break to cut their cake and share a champagne toast. It was simple and personal in a way that made the whole day feel connected to their actual life, not just the version crafted for a wedding. That’s the beauty of a Chicago micro wedding.
Candlelit Dinner at Ada Street
The night ended at Ada Street, where everyone gathered around a long table tucked into their warm, candlelit dining room. It felt cozy and moody the way a micro wedding in Chicago should. Like a long and memorable dinner with your closest friends instead of hundreds of people you don’t know. True micro wedding magic.
Why I Love Chicago Micro Weddings
There were so many points in the day where I honestly forgot I was photographing a wedding. Everything moved with ease. Nobody rushed. Nothing felt performative. It was fun in a way that reminded me why couples choose a micro wedding in the first place…to keep the experience honest and close-knit. To stay present. To move through the city together without pressure.
Dana and Dom’s day was a perfect example of how meaningful a Chicago micro wedding can be when you let go of the expectations and focus on what feels right for you.
See more of my wedding work on Instagram!
Planning a Chicago Micro Wedding?
If an intimate, meaningful day like this speaks to you, I’d love to document your story. Micro weddings leave so much room for presence and connection, and Chicago has endless spots that make days like this feel personal and unforgettable.
Whenever you’re ready to start dreaming up your own Chicago micro wedding, reach out and let’s chat.
Vendor Team
Photography: Anna Page Photography // Bride’s Dress: Anthropologie // Designer: Wtoo by Watters // Veil: Etsy // Hair + Makeup: Glam Atelier // Groom’s Tux: Nicholas Joseph // Trolley: Way To Go Limousine // Dinner: Ada Street