Who says a wedding has to happen in a day? Or even a weekend? Sometimes a couple’s story calls for a two-part event. The reason doesn’t matter—whether it be due to timing, careers, moves, or simply personal preference. Maybe you like the idea of an elopement or city hall ceremony but want to go all out with a springtime reception. No matter the ‘why,’ you should be able to tie the knot and celebrate your way, on your time. Let’s elope now, celebrate later!
So that’s what Ginger and Calin did! To kick things off, we photographed the intimate start of their elopement at home before they headed to Chicago City Hall to make it official. Then, a few months later (with a bit warmer weather), they gathered close friends and family for a wedding party at Le Bouchon, one of their favorite French restaurants. (You can see why—it’s adorable!) The two occasions looked and felt different, but together they told one complete story: nostalgic, modern, relaxed, and full of love.
Why Couples Choose to Elope Now and Celebrate Later
I know I said it doesn’t matter why, but maybe you’re weighing your options and trying to decide if a “now and later” format is for you. One big perk is that separating the legal ceremony from the reception can ease the pressure to fit every meaningful moment into a single timeline. It gives you the freedom to keep your wedding day private, simple, or spontaneous while still creating a later opportunity to celebrate with the people you love. Plus, you’ll have extra time to plan and style, if you prefer.
A split timeline approach might make practical sense. Some couples want to marry on a special date or avoid a long engagement. Some have their hearts set on a restaurant that can’t accommodate a ceremony. And others simply like the idea of experiencing the commitment without an audience first. Intimacy and community don’t have to compete. A two-part wedding can hold both.
Let Each Occasion Have Its Own Atmosphere
One of the best parts of planning two events is that they do not need to imitate one another. Ginger and Calin’s elopement morning felt lived-in and personal. We began at their home, where they could settle in, be themselves, and include their sweet pup in the photographs. Nothing needed to be transformed into a traditional wedding venue, and we didn’t have to gather a wedding party for updos, to-dos, and shot lists; the quiet familiarity was part of the beauty.
Their later celebration had a different energy. Le Bouchon brought the warmth and character of a neighborhood French restaurant, with a lively dinner-party feeling that suited a gathering of close friends and family. The elopement didn’t need to become more social, and the party didn’t need to recreate the elopement. Each event perfectly had its own purpose.
Choose Places That Feel Like Your Real Life
After photographing Ginger and Calin at home, we walked to Humboldt Park for portraits. It happened to be one of the coldest days of the year, so our outdoor plans didn’t last long (although we still got some great shots!). Rather than forcing the session, we changed course and headed to Weegee’s Lounge, one of their favorite bars.
That pivot gave the photographs context and personality. Favorite places can say far more about a couple than a location chosen just because it appears on a popular photo list. They also give you something natural to do: order a drink, slide into a booth, walk a familiar route, or laugh about how quickly everyone surrendered to the cold—while sipping Irish coffee or spiked hot chocolate.
Should You Photograph Both Parts of a Two-Part Wedding
You can certainly photograph just the elopement or only the later celebration, but documenting both creates a fuller narrative. The first occasion preserves the private anticipation and the “just-us” feeling. The second captures the hugs, conversations, toasts, dinner (and a waiter skillfully carrying dishes through a crowded room), and the joy of finally celebrating with your people.
Coverage doesn’t need to be identical on both dates. For example, an elopement may call for a shorter, portrait-focused collection, while a restaurant reception benefits from candid coverage of the room and the people in it. Think about what each event is meant to hold, then choose photography coverage that reflects that purpose.
Planning a Chicago Restaurant Wedding Reception
A Chicago restaurant wedding reception is an especially natural fit for couples who elope first. Restaurants already provide atmosphere, hospitality, and food, which means you can focus less on filling a blank event space and more on enjoying the evening.
When considering a restaurant, ask about private dining options, guest capacity, table arrangements, available light, and how much freedom you will have to move through the room. Most importantly, choose somewhere you genuinely enjoy. Ginger and Calin’s celebration at Le Bouchon was all the sweeter because it wasn’t just a cute venue; it was already part of their life together.
Create One Visual Story Across Different Dates
Two dates, different seasons, and contrasting settings do not have to produce a disconnected gallery. Cohesion comes from photographing the same relationship with a consistent point of view rather than making every backdrop or detail match.
I used both film and digital photography throughout Ginger and Calin’s multi-part story. Film is my favorite way to capture the nostalgic, retro character of locations like Weegee’s Lounge and Le Bouchon, and digital let me quickly capture movement and the celebration as it unfolded. Together, the two formats reflected the vintage vibes and modern style shared by the locations and the couple themselves. Meanwhile, their compelling chemistry paired with consistent photo editing provided the thread between the events.
Make Both Celebrations Feel Significant
An intimate elopement isn’t just a formality before your party later. Give your first (monumental!) day its own rituals, clothing, photographs, meal, or toast (with cake!). Let it feel complete. In the same way, the reception does not have to feel like an optional add-on. Invitations, thoughtful hosting, and professional photography can give it the sense of occasion it deserves.
Ginger and Calin’s wedding story worked because their events weren’t competing. Instead, one centered around their home, their pup, and the places woven into their everyday life. The other opened that happiness to their closest people over dinner at a beloved (and delicious!) restaurant. If a conventional wedding day doesn’t feel quite right, consider dividing the experience, changing the atmosphere, and celebrating twice!
Ready to Elope Now, Celebrate Later?
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