Todd & Michael | Chicago Elopement in Late Fall

I first met Todd and Michael when they traveled to the Oregon Coast, where Todd proposed to Michael. They are such a fun couple, and their Chicago elopement at Charcoal Factory Loft could not have been more perfect. They created a cozy wedding day centered on their love and connection, with good food and company to celebrate alongside them.

The Couple

Todd and Michael met at OrangeTheory. They lived in the same apartment building, but didn’t know it at the time! They quickly became the best of friends, and it sparked into something more. The pair spent several years traveling from Europe to South America together and adopted a cat. And then - “Our lives were already effortlessly intertwined and we ended up realizing that our relationship was so strongly founded in love for the other person that no pandemic could interrupt us. In fact, we felt like our relationship flourished during the forced time quarantining together. Engaged and excited, we decided to set forth and plan a Chicago elopement.” 

A Chicago Elopement Venue

Charcoal Factory Loft ended up being the perfect venue for Todd and Michael. Todd has an expert eye for interior design, and Michael loves fashion. The two passions merged in this space, which has unique textures, one-of-a-kind artwork, and an eclectic mix of old and new. This venue provided them a space to shelter from unpredictable Chicago weather, but still gave them the room and the vibe they were looking for. 

Todd and Michael were able to set up the venue space themselves the morning of their elopement, which gave them extra time to spend with each other before the ceremony. A close friend of theirs got ordained to perform the elopement, making it a unique and very personal experience!

Eloping in a Pandemic

Todd and Michael, like many engaged couples over the last two years, had to take a hard look at their wedding plans and decide on the most important pieces. While they initially imagined a big, traditional wedding, pandemic restrictions wouldn’t allow this to happen. They created a celebration solely focused on the two of them. They channeled the essence of their relationship into a Chicago elopement that was fun, genuine, and passionate. “We found the most joy in the small moments and details that we would've missed in a big event. We wouldn't trade those intimate memories for anything.”

Chicago Elopement Vendors

Venue: Charcoal Factory Loft

Florist: Sprout Home

Catering: Ema Chicago

Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s

Groom Apparel: Suit Supply

Accessories: Shoes from Christian Louboutin

This wedding was featured on Love Hard Honey

Chicago Elopement venue details: Charcoal Factory Loft
2 grooms suits and shoes laid on the bed.
grooms' details for eloping - shoes, ties, rings, vows, flowers.
grooms' details for eloping - shoes, ties, rings, vows, flowers.
close up of groom's shoes for wedding
personalized suit details for groom wedding
grooms getting ready before their Chicago elopement
grooms getting ready, tying their ties
grooms getting ready, seen through the window of their venue
groom's helping tie their ties and get jackets on
grooms put shoes on before their ceremony.
grooms getting ready before their wedding
groom portraits at their Chicago elopement venue
grooms brush noses outside in a close up
grooms black and white portrait outdoors in chicago
Chicago elopement in late fall - groom portraits outdoors
groom portraits outside a wall covered in vines
2 groom portraits, one close up and one long shot.
black and white groom portrait with vine-covered building as the backdrop
grooms facing the camera in a seated portrait
close up of groom suit details and lapel
grooms embrace, wide shot taken from above.
groom portraits, seated outdoors
groom portrait taken through the venue windows
grooms laughing in front of a window
Chicago elopement portraits in front of pink wall
grooms walk toward camera in outdoor portrait
Chicago elopement portraits in front of pink wall
Chicago elopement portraits in front of pink wall
Chicago elopement portraits in front of pink wall
grooms share a laugh in black and white portrait
venue reception table spread for Chicago elopement
Chicago elopement reception detail shots, including the cake and drink table.
Chicago elopement ceremony - 2 grooms exchange vows in front of a floral and copper arch.
Chicago elopement ceremony - 2 grooms exchange vows in front of a floral and copper arch.
Chicago elopement ceremony - 2 grooms exchange vows in front of a floral and copper arch.
Chicago elopement ceremony - 2 grooms exchange vows in front of a floral and copper arch.
Chicago elopement ceremony - 2 grooms exchange vows in front of a floral and copper arch.
Chicago elopement ceremony - 2 grooms exchange vows in front of a floral and copper arch.
Chicago elopement ceremony - 2 grooms share first married kiss in front of a floral and copper arch.
grooms celebrate ceremony with a toast in front of floral and copper archway.
Chicago elopement reception space - couch and table ready with snacks
Chicago elopement flowers and snack table.
Chicago elopement reception - casual conversation with officiant.
close up of iphone taking a photo of the grooms with their families
Chicago elopement cake cutting - grooms slicing cake.
Grooms sharing the cake at reception
Outdoor venue photo alongside black and white portrait of the grooms inside the venue
Grooms walk outside their venue in Chicago
Close up of the dead vines on the side of the Charcoal Factory Loft

Planning a sentimental elopement for you and your partner? I’m ready to help you craft your perfect timeline for an unforgettable day.

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