A Golden Chicago Micro Wedding at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Michael and Kimberly went small for their fall wedding, and honestly, it fit the day perfectly. They gathered their favorite people at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Chicago for a ceremony that felt relaxed, personal, and focused on what actually mattered: getting married and celebrating with the people closest to them.

The Lily Pool is right in the city, but once you step inside, Chicago suddenly feels much farther away. Stone paths wind around the water, the trees soften everything, and the pavilion gives everyone a front-row seat without making the ceremony feel overly formal. Add in the warm fall color and late-afternoon light, and it was a pretty incredible place to photograph a wedding.

Some of my favorite moments happened before the ceremony even began. Kimberly followed the flower girl toward the garden, her veil trailing behind her. Michael stopped to give her a big hug while the little ring bearer stood nearby in his bow tie, watching the whole thing with a very serious expression. Those small, unscripted moments are a huge part of why I love photographing weddings—especially intimate ones.

The ceremony took place beside the lily pool, with Michael and Kimberly’s guests seated just a few feet away. There was no long aisle or enormous room separating them from everyone they loved. Their people were right there, close enough to see every smile and hear every word.

Afterward, we wandered through the garden for portraits. The Lily Pool gave us so much variety without needing to go anywhere else: layered stone, reflections on the water, pockets of glowing light, and all those rich fall colors. We made close portraits that were all about Michael and Kimberly, along with wider photographs that showed just how beautiful their Chicago setting was.

One of my favorite images from the day is the two of them kissing across the water. They look tiny against the trees and lily pool, but that is exactly what makes the photograph work. It shows the scale and beauty of the garden while still bringing everything back to the reason we were there.

Michael and Kimberly’s wedding is proof that an intimate celebration can still feel incredibly special. Fewer guests meant more time together, more room for the little moments, and a day that never felt like it was being rushed from one thing to the next.

If you’re planning a small Chicago wedding and want photographs that feel colorful, emotional, and true to the day, Bohemian Lights Photography would love to help tell your story.