Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Brown.
Becky, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Photography has always been my job, even before people paid me to do it. I was always the one with the camera, I was the yearbook editor, I was the one capturing moments. I turned that into a career in shooting weddings several years ago when I started my photography business (Becky Brown Photography) while I was living in Indiana.
Fast forward a few years and I have moved myself and my business to Chicago. Friends of mine where getting married at city hall on a weekday and asked me to photograph them around the city and their small get together of friends after. I was instantly in love with idea of eloping.
It was from that day that the idea of Elope to Chicago was born. I wanted to take the main components of a wedding that most couples wanted and package them to appeal to couples eloping or having intimate weekday weddings in the city. So many vendors and venues have very high minimum requirements for weddings that just don’t make sense when it’s just the bride and groom getting married on a Wednesday or having their 20 closest friends and family for a Friday brunch wedding.
So, I started photographing more small weddings and building what I call my “Dream Team” of vendors. I launched the site in 2014 and we will hit 100 elopements this Spring!
The Dream Team consists of myself for photography (Becky Brown Photography), Kate John Artistry (Hair & Makeup), Christine Janda Design & Events (Florist), Eva LaRoche (Officiant), Marian Hale (Officiant) and Carrie Holbo (Photographer).
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any new business it’s had its ups and downs. We’ve got to work with some absolutely amazing couples along the way and have grown the business into what it is today.
It was a process at first to figure out just what couples eloping were looking for the big day. We wanted to simplify the planning process so that we basically provide most everything they need except the location/venue.
The challenge there is offering enough services, without offering too many. Many of our couples come from out of town so it’s easier for them to have everything they need in one package. I end up playing tour guide for most of them! For instance, we offer 3 types of bouquets, but they can also choose to customize one if those don’t fit their needs. Instead of eight hours of photography we start at just two for elopements etc.
We also have a list of other vendors and venues that we love for small weddings if they are looking for something beyond what we offer in the packages. We had to put some limits on the number of guests, wedding party etc. as well. We all do large weddings too, but wanted to keep these packages focused on smaller groups.
The weather is one of our biggest challenges as well. Many couples eloping here want to showcase all the gorgeousness that Chicago has to offer. But that means rolling the dice on what Mother Nature will provide. We do many outdoor ceremonies and photos and we’ve definitely gotten caught in a downpour or two and a snowstorm in March!
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Elope to Chicago and Becky Brown Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Elope to Chicago is team of local vendors that specializes in elopements and weekday weddings in City. We offer our services Monday-Friday (non-holidays) for groups of 50 people or less.
We provide our couples high quality services on smaller scale. As far as I know we are the only company in the area offering these types of packages for elopements which sets us apart. I feel like we are different because our couples feel free to be themselves and include only what they want in their wedding day. It feels much more personal and unique. We’ve had couples run off to city hall, get married on a yacht on Lake Michigan, say “I do” up on the Skydeck, exchange rings in matching Blackhawks jerseys, treat their guests to fine dining in the city and attend a Cubs game as their reception!
I am so proud of our team and the work that we produce. I personally chose these ladies because their level of passion for they do can’t be put into words. Every couple we work with is special to us and we want to do everything we can to make their wedding exactly what they imagined and more.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would say that I’m lucky that Susan and Dan asked me to tag along with them to city hall many years ago! If it weren’t for that lucky moment in time, I may never have realized the potential for this business and my love for elopements and intimate weddings.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elopetochicago.com
- Phone: 773-609-5778
- Email: info@elopetochicago.com
- Instagram: @elopetochicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElopeToChicago/
Image Credit:
Becky Brown Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
