Monika and Rafael didn’t plan a traditional wedding day—and honestly, that was exactly the point.
After seven years together, they chose a simple courthouse ceremony surrounded by the people who matter most. There was no enormous guest list, packed wedding-day timeline, or full reception waiting for them afterward. Instead, once they were officially married, they met me at Cantigny Park so we could document this season in a way that still felt meaningful, beautiful, and completely like them.
We began with a few family portraits before heading out around Cantigny for what we lovingly referred to as their little bridal portrait session. And it really did have the relaxed feeling of an engagement session—except this time, Monika was wearing her wedding dress, Rafael was officially her husband, and they had brand-new wedding rings to show off!
Without a reception timeline pulling us in another direction, we had the freedom to wander through the gardens, chase beautiful light, and focus entirely on the two of them. We photographed all the newlywed joy, the quiet in-between moments, and plenty of portraits that made this simple courthouse wedding feel every bit as worth celebrating.
Monika and Rafael, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this sweet piece of your wedding day. I loved getting to celebrate with your family and then having the two of you all to myself as we explored Cantigny together!
Grab a blanket, get comfortable, and enjoy a few of my favorites because your wedding portrait sneak peek is officially live!!
Monika and Rafael, congratulations again!! Thank you for trusting me to document your first portraits as husband and wife. I cannot wait to share even more from our afternoon together very soon!
Thanks for reading!
