A goth elopement in the woods just days before Halloween = my idea of the perfect moody wedding!

10.28.22

I love courthouse weddings! I love Halloween! I love courthouse weddings on Halloween!

Okay, so the wedding wasn’t on Halloween, but Jess and Wade had the goth wedding of my dreams. The two opted for a low-key elopement at the Skokie Courthouse on the Friday before Halloween. Both Jess and Wade invited several of their family members and closest friends to the ceremony. We were so lucky to have the perfect autumn day! The ceremony was short and sweet, and I was pleasantly surprised that Jess and Wade were the only ones in costume at the courthouse!

We drove from the Skokie Courthouse to the forest preserve just down the road. After capturing some great moments with Jess and Wade’s friends and family, the three of us made our way down the trails. I absolutely ADORE taking photos in the forest, so this was perfect. Jess and I have known each other since high school, and I feel like this elopement was perfect for them. Jess and Wade wandered around the woods looking like a literal postcard for Halloween!

I felt like my film camera was perfect for this Halloween elopement! I brought my little Canon point and shoot with Kodak Portra 400 film, and oh my god, these photos. One of my favorite things about film is the timeless feel of the final product. The warmth of these photos fits so well with the vibe that Jess and Wade wanted. By the time we finished wandering through the woods, the sun had just started to set, peaking through the trees. Everything about this elopement was magic. Thank you to Jess and Wade for allowing me into such a special and intimate moment in their lives!

Film developed by Bellows Lab in Chicago