Some weddings feel timeless. Jessica and Nate’s intimate wedding at Café Brauer carried that kind of quiet magic. It was intimate, elegant, and filled with meaning from the very first moment.
A Love Story Ten Years in the Making

Jessica and Nate met in high school, taking the same classes year after year. They were assigned to a group project and, in the middle of brainstorming and late study sessions, something shifted. Getting to know each other felt easy. It was obvious to both of them from the very beginning. Ten years later, after eight years together, they still describe each other as the person who makes them feel like a better, happier version of themselves.
The Proposal in Key West
Nate planned a surprise trip to Key West. Soft light on the water. Warm air. A quiet moment on the sand. That is where he asked Jessica to marry him. The proposal was intimate and romantic. It felt exactly right for who they are as a couple.
A Wedding Filled With Meaning

Their intimate wedding at Café Brauer looked and felt like a fairytale. They chose the venue for its iconic Chicago skyline views and the outdoor ceremony space that framed their day with warmth and beauty.
Their guest count was intentionally small. That choice created a close-knit feeling where everyone truly knew each other. The room felt like community. A touching speech from their Rabbi and a heartfelt blessing from all parents set the tone for the day. Colorful flowers surrounded them with a soft, storybook aesthetic.
So many details honored the people they love. Jessica wore her mother’s wedding dress and her grandmother’s earrings. Their kiddush cup came from her dad. Every detail carried history and heart. It made the day feel even more personal.
Moments They Want to Remember Forever
When asked to choose their favorite moment, they both almost laughed. It was impossible to pick only one.
Jessica loved the signing of their ketubah and the moment the Rabbi said the words that officially married them. She loved standing under the chuppah, looking at Nate, and seeing tears in the eyes of their closest friends and family. Everyone was celebrating one shared moment and one beautiful beginning.
Nate’s favorite moment was dinner at their sweetheart table. It gave them time to breathe together and watch their guests laugh, mingle, and celebrate. A private pause inside an unforgettable night. Their intimate wedding at Cafe’ Brauer was everything they hoped it would be.
Their Advice to Future Couples

Your guest list matters more than you think. It determines the size of the celebration, but it also shapes the energy of the entire day. The people in the room create the joy, the connection, and the magic you feel. Choose with intention.
What Comes Next
Jessica and Nate have not planned a honeymoon yet. For now, they are excited to be husband and wife. They are ready for the adventures and memories waiting for them, and they are stepping into this next chapter with full hearts.
We Would Love to be Your Wedding Photographer

It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.




















































































