Courthouse Elopement and Portraits in Springfield, Illinois | Serena + Cody

Your wedding is something that you should celebrate YOUR WAY, no matter what that looks like! For Serena and Cody, this looked like a courthouse elopement in Springfield, followed by portraits in the Illinois State Capitol Building, and finishing the day with some delicious cake with their closest friends! It was a day that was unapologetically them, and I just can’t get over it.

These two grew up in the same town together, and even went to the same high school together, though they hardly interacted with one another then. Years after high school ended they connected through Facebook and began to hang out once Cody returned from his deployment with the National Guard. The two were practically inseparable. One night, while gazing towards the stars together the two saw a shooting star. Serena made a wish that Cody would fall in love with her, and needless to say her wish came true!

Photos with Their Friends

Serena, Cody, and I met up immediately after their elopement ceremony at the Sangamon County Courthouse in Springfield. One of the things the two wanted to make sure their day included was photos with their two closest friends, so we did just that! We met up with Serena’s best friend since high school and Cody’s best friend from the military. Outside of their relationship, these two are the ones who’ve been there through thick and thin for Serena and Cody, so it meant the world having them there for this beautiful moment! After portraits outside of the Capitol Building we then headed inside for a few more group photos as well as Serena and Cody’s newlywed photos.

Portraits in the Illinois State Capitol Building

It was so special taking Serena and Cody’s newlywed portraits inside the Illinois State Capitol Building, and not just because it’s stunningly gorgeous inside! A while back Serena had mentioned to Cody that she wanted photos in this building when they got married, so what did Cody do? He proposed to her there, making this place all the more meaningful for the two! These two have such a fun, magical, and lighthearted love for each other that was just SUCH a joy to document inside what is arguably the most beautiful building in all of Springfield. So with their elopement ceremony at the Sangamon County Courthouse finished, and portraits at the Illinois Capitol Building also done, there was only one thing left to do…Party!!

Ending the Day at The Wakery

The Wakery is a non-alcoholic bar in downtown Springfield, which you may actually recognize from a past blog of mine! It was the perfect colorful and cozy space for Serena and Cody to enjoy a Chocolate Stampede cake from Longhorn Steakhouse, Serena’s favorite. It was the sweetest way to end a day that Serena and Cody had put together, a day that was unmistakably theirs! After celebrations at The Wakery it was time for me to leave, and time for Serena, Cody, and their friends to head over to Finley’s Tap House for a celebratory dinner!

Serena and Cody’s elopement day had a little bit of everything, a courthouse ceremony, portraits in the beautiful and iconic Illinois State Capitol Building, and some tasty treats with their closest friends. Their day is the prime example of how to celebrate your love the way YOU want to! Be sure to check out my blog for more love stories, and if you want me to document your wedding day in a way that feels authentic to you be sure to send me an inquiry through my contact page!