West Town Chicago Surprise Wedding

Homestead on the Roof

Renee and Andrew’s West Town Chicago SURPRISE WEDDING was such a fun celebration and the best reason to keep a secret from some of my own family members.

Andrew is the twin brother of my niece’s husband, so when Renee contacted me to talk about photographing their wedding day, I was extra excited. But then she explained that they were going to have an engagement party that turned into their wedding day . . . and that I couldn’t tell my sister because it was top secret! What a fun secret to keep!

On the big day, I arrived to Homestead on the Roof to meet up with Renee, the moms, and the sisters (who were all in on the surprise). Homestead on the Roof is a secret rooftop venue nestled above a pizza joint in West Town Chicago. Renee slipped into her wedding dress while I gathered and photographed her details. She wanted to do some photos prior to the engagement party, so we did those and then she put on her engagement party dress. Hiding downstairs in the attached bakery was her wedding dress, the flowers, and anything else that would give away the fact that there was about to be a surprise wedding.

As guests started arriving for the party, Renee and Andrew mingled with the guests who were congratulating the happy couple on their engagement. A while into the party, the couple invited everyone inside for a toast. Drew thanked everyone for coming to celebrate, invited them to toast to their engagement, and then let everyone know that in 15 minutes there was going to be a wedding outside on the rooftop patio. The guests went crazy, but were so excited to be a part of something as unique as a surprise wedding.

Renee and Drew changed clothes, the outdoor space was flipped into a ceremony space, and the couple became husband and wife surrounded by their favorite people.

To the newlyweds, I am so honored to have been a part of this fun celebration and wish you all the best in your marriage.

To my sister, I am so sorry that I couldn’t tell you the truth when you said to me during the engagement party, “I hope they hire you for their actual wedding.” I was sworn to secrecy. I hope you forgive me.

Vendor Team:

Venue: Homestead on the Roof

Florals: Floral Wonders

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

DJ: Monastero Entertainment

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