After matching on Hinge back in 2019, Megan + Garrett met up at a vibey, retro Chicago bar called Sparrow. That first drink evolved into 10 hours together filled with cocktails and tacos and dancing. A perfect first date, right? But fate wasn’t done with these two yet.
“A few days later,” Megan remembers, “we ran into each other again in the elevator of our shared office building – we had no idea!”
Just as their kismet-blessed love story was starting to take shape, travel threatened to push pause on the whole thing: “I was moving to Paris for a summer business school program,” Megan says. “Knowing there was a chance we could fizzle out without a bold gesture, Garrett bought a ticket to France and we got the unforgettable opportunity to really fall in love in Paris.”
A few years later, Megan surprised Garrett with a Christmastime proposal and the two started planning this unbelievably romantic Chicago elopement day. Much like their very first date, the day was a multi-part adventure, but this time the locations were all Chicago places that are part of the life Megan + Garrett have built together. The whole celebration also had an effortless Parisian vibe to it emblematic of their time abroad. Plus, Megan made both of her stunning bridal looks herself.
“The DIY details for this wedding were incredible,” says photographer Allie Idrac. “I felt like I was shooting for Vogue.”
Oh, and where better to hold the ceremony than the bar where it all started: Sparrow.
We are so blown away by the GORGEOUS gold + ivory floral skirt that Megan made and paired with this chic off the shoulder top. There’s nothing like the versatility of bridal separates.
Liking the vibe + silhouette of Megan’s look but maybe don’t have her sewing skills? Check out some of our fave tea length wedding dress or floral wedding dress to put together your own version of this look.
Megan’s ambitious bridal style projects are reminding us of other amazing brides who’ve hand-crafted their own wedding day looks. Like the ones in this earthy glam LA wedding, this intimate streetcar elopement, and this eclipse-themed destination wedding!
A Ceremony at Sparrow
“Kaitlyn totally surprised us with the most beautiful ceremony,” says Megan of their officiant’s contribution to the day. “She wrote a hilarious, yet touching, speech that included Cosmo horoscopes from the week we met and the day of our marriage.”
“There were so many great personal anecdotes that it really felt like she was perfectly summarizing how and why the last five years brought us to this moment.”
Megan’s bridal headband added such a perfect touch of sparkle. Shop this one from Anthropologie for something similar!
Also: who says brides are the only ones who can wear white? Very into Garrett’s ivory wedding suit look.
Megan’s creativity impacted more than just her wedding day style: “I designed my ring with Jennie Kwon Designs, an LA based designer with a beautiful eye for retro, delicate pieces. I knew I wanted something with color so we chose a green sapphire with a bezel setting, diamond clusters, and a gold band.”
“We also designed Garrett’s band with a small green sapphire inlaid on the inside of the band as a tie in.”
Out + About
There are SO many reasons to opt for an elopement over a more traditional wedding. If the intimacy + adventure of a just-you-two day like Megan + Garrett’s sounds more like your speed, check out our massive collection of Real Elopements for TONS of inspo.
This BOUQUET! “My best friend just left the floral industry, but came out of retirement for a day to make my bouquet,” Megan says. “The day before the wedding we went to the farmers market and four different flower shops to find the perfect blooms. Peonies are my favorite and we wanted to incorporate tons of color and texture.”
“We made the bouquet the morning of the wedding along with a few vases of flowers that we incorporated in the wedding cake tablescape and around the house.”
“The nice thing about a tiny elopement is you can really go with the flow and let spontaneous moments happen!” comments Megan. “As we walked to the car after the ceremony some really lovely women invited us to take photos at the art school they worked at.”
“It was an Italian style mansion with a lot of dramatic architectural features and an overgrown back courtyard. The space was so romantic and bohemian!”
Another stop on their elopement day agenda? A favorite wine shop!
“Our other photo spots were locations that are important landmarks or staples in our life together,” Megan remembers. Among them: “Our first apartment together where we spent a truly magical year and a half and the Music Box Theater where I introduced Garrett to my love of classic films.”
“We ended the night with dinner at Dear Margaret – our favorite neighborhood spot for celebrations. We were seated next to a couple on a date for their one year anniversary and a couple celebrating their twentieth anniversary! Our dear friends had a bottle of champagne waiting for us and we had a wonderful evening of great food and wine.”
Cake + Champagne At Home
Before they headed off to dinner, Megan + Garrett stopped at home to slice into this cherry-topped beauty by Chicago Sugar Daddy Patisserie.
There truly is nothing more nostalgically romantic than a vintage wedding cake.
“The cocktail dress required about 20 hours of hand appliqué-ing the pearl, crystal and feather details,” says Megan of how she made this incredible reception dress.
Leftovers In The Tub
“The timing of our elopement was just after we finished renovating our bathroom,” Megan says. “We have this crazy deep tub, and I thought it would be hilarious and fun to take photos in there!”
“Highly recommend cake and champagne in the bathtub to every couple out there! It was silly and delightful!”
Congratulations, Megan + Garrett on this beyond-charming Chicago elopement! GWS wishes you both nothing but the best!
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Allie Idrac // Venue: Sparrow // Bride's Ring: Jennie Kwon // Cake: Chicago Sugar Daddy Patisserie
