Winter Elopement at Will County Courthouse in Joliet, Illinois

Brianna and Charlie’s elopement was the perfect blend of simple, sweet, and full of heart. It was such an amazing day to capture and be a part of. As my first courthouse wedding couple, they made my dreams come true.

We met at the courthouse, where they officially said “I do” in a quiet ceremony that felt just right for them—no big production, just the two of them soaking in the moment and making it official. There was something really special about the stillness of that space, the way they looked at each other, and the genuine excitement on their faces as they walked out, hand in hand, as newlyweds.

The ceremony itself was perfection —quiet, simple, and beautifully intimate. There was something incredibly grounding about the setting: no frills, just two people promising forever in the most heartfelt way. Brianna and Charlie exchanged vows and the emotion in that room was undeniable. As they held hands and said their “I do’s,” there was a calm joy that filled the space—no nerves, just pure love and intention. When they walked out as newlyweds, the happiness on their faces said everything.

After the ceremony, we took some time to explore downtown Joliet and capture a few more portraits. The city had this perfect mix of charm and grit—historic buildings, quiet streets, and little hidden corners that made for such a fun backdrop. Brianna and Charlie were totally in their element, laughing, holding hands, and just soaking in that “just married” feeling. It was so relaxed and natural—no pressure, just the two of them being fully present with each other. These in-between moments, walking from spot to spot, ended up being some of my favorite frames of the day.

We couldn’t resist stopping at the Rialto Square Theatre—those vintage vibes were everything. Brianna and Charlie looked like stars under the marquee, totally owning the moment. It was giving “classic romance meets downtown adventure,” and I was so here for it.

We wrapped up the day at Bird Haven Greenhouse, and it felt like stepping into a secret garden. The light was soft, the air was warm, and everything was lush and glowing. Brianna and Charlie wandered through the greenery like they were in their own little world—laid-back, in love, and absolutely glowing. It was the perfect ending to the sweetest day.

Brianna and Charlie’s elopement was proof that small can still be so full of magic. From courthouse vows to greenhouse vibes, their day was all heart, zero stress, and totally them. I had the best time tagging along and capturing all the love—and honestly, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.