Micro-weddings are back and I am so in love with them. The intimacy that comes having just your closest loved ones with you during your wedding ceremony makes for such a special day.

Elisa and Eric spent their day getting married in a local chapel with their closest family members and friends present, followed by some beautiful portraits at the Illinois State Capitol Building with yours truly.

I loved being a part of their sweet and intimate day and I cannot wait to share more details from this day with you!

A Micro Wedding in Central Illinois

We started off Elisa and Eric’s day at their home. They live within 10 minutes of their church and asked if they could get a few photos with their cats beforehand. It was definitely a challenge to photograph the cats, but we were able to have them together for about 1 millisecond. Just enough time to snap a photo.

From there we met their family at the church to finish getting ready. When walking around the church prior to their ceremony, I saw these beautiful red velvet curtains and thought “wow, we have to use those for their portraits!” (we did later tehehe)

The ceremony for their micro-wedding was short and sweet, and they had their full support system there.

It was extra special to see a past RMP couple in the pews— Abby + Kristopher had Elisa + Eric at their wedding, and now they were attending theirs. 🥹When E&E booked me, we went found photos of them during cocktail hour at A&K’s day. Seeing familiar faces on a wedding day is always so fun for me.

Wedding Portraits at the Illinois State Capitol Building

Following the ceremony and some group photos, we headed to the Illinois State Capitol for portraits. We had SO much fun creating so many beautiful editorial inspired images throughout the capitol. The portraits allowed the newlyweds to have some time alone together before their wedding reception later in the evening, which they didn’t need photo coverage for.

I joke that the Illinois State Capitol Building is my office, and honestly, it truly does feel like it sometimes. I love creating new images with so many different couples throughout the space. There is so much to love about this beautiful historic landmark.

Wedding Portraits at the Illinois State Capitol Building

Following the ceremony and some group photos, we headed to the Illinois State Capitol for portraits. We had SO much fun creating so many beautiful editorial inspired images throughout the capitol. The portraits allowed the newlyweds to have some time alone together before their wedding reception later in the evening, which they didn’t need photo coverage for.

I joke that the Illinois State Capitol Building is my office, and honestly, it truly does feel like it sometimes. I love creating new images with so many different couples throughout the space. There is so much to love about this beautiful historic landmark.

A Peek at Elisa’s Review from their micro-wedding

“Rachael did our engagement and wedding photos and she exceeded every expectation we had. From the moment we met her, Rachael was so outgoing, warm, and friendly that she instantly made us feel at ease. She has this incredible gift of making you feel like you’ve known her forever, which is exactly what you want on a day filled with nerves and emotion.” To read the full review, head here!

I feel so lucky to be a part of so many beautiful weddings of all different sizes, each one just as beautiful as the next. Whether it’s an intimate micro-wedding like Elisa and Eric’s, or a large celebration surrounded by everyone you love, every wedding day tells such a unique story.

If you’re planning an elopement, large wedding or something in between like Elisa and Eric, I’m the girl for you! I truly love documenting wedding days in a way that feels authentic, relaxed and true to you as a couple. For more information on my wedding experience, head to my page here, and let’s get planning!