Chicago event planning company organizes pop-up 'Neighborhood Nuptials' for pandemic weddings

CHICAGO -- Engaged during a pandemic? This Chicago business is making sure couples don't put a hold on their "I dos" by hosting pop-up wedding ceremonies around the city.

"Neighborhood Nuptials was really created as a way to pivot event planning in general during the pandemic," said Carlene Hartline, founder of Naturally Yours Events. '"This was a way for couples to not put their life on hold and celebrate safely."

The weddings are held at local venues that express a couple's style, accommodate 10 guests or less and help support local small businesses.

In addition to the venue, couples get paired with a wedding planner, photographer and DJ with live streaming services.

"All of the other venue options were very stressful, a lot of tears trying to make something work where we could have all of our guests and family," bride Isabelle Bloss said.

Bloss' soon-to-be husband knew they could find a solution, though.

"We realized we're in it together and had to figure this out together. It was going to happen," groom Michael Bloss said. "It was definitely difficult but I wouldn't change it."

Couples can also opt for additions like a cake and bubbly toast, live music and seasonal flowers.

"A lot of these couples live in this neighborhood, they work in this neighborhood, they shop and they eat here and now they can get married here," Hartline said."

For more information, check out neighborhoodnuptials.com.