Elawa Farm History
Built in 1917, Elawa Farm in Lake Forest was initially a gentleman’s farm. This venue gained notoriety for its refined design from the North Shore’s premier estate architects, David Adler and Alfred Hopkins. Named for its original owners, the Elawa Farm wedding venue is one of the last remaining Midwest estate farms.
The Garden at Elawa is a slice of perfection. Overlooking the stunning Middlefork Savanna on the western border of Lake Forest, the garden initially received commissioning in 1918. But recently became carefully re-established.
Photography Opportunities
Full, lush greens form neat aisles lined by statues; it one of my favorite backdrops for wedding portraits. There are so many places for a couple to walk hand in hand or a young, excited toddler to give chase; it’s just picture-perfect.
The Paddock, overlooking the spectacular Garden, is an outdoor space featuring the Hay Barn, which is most often used for weddings and events. The versatility of this gorgeous space allows for indoor seating or festive outdoor dinner served family-style. It’s the perfect place for an intimate wedding!
The grandeur of the historical setting means that Elawa Farms is also host to amazing black-tie affairs. The warm, original brickwork of the Hay Barn is a raw canvas where couples can add sophisticated touches like candelabras on perfectly set buffet tables. The Hay Barn can host both an indoor ceremony and reception for up to 175 people.
Both the Hay Barn and the Wagon Shed have a natural, rustic elegance that feels warm and inviting. The Edison lights and wildflowers found on the grounds have an upscale, chic feeling to the grounds. Organic vegetables grown at the working farm offer a truly farm-to-table experience for guests and can be coordinated with the catering staff.
The Elawa Farm Wedding Venue Event Spaces
A premiere Lake Forest wedding venue, Elawa Farms offers couples the option for indoor and outdoor ceremony options. Say “I do” in the Garden or under a custom arbor overlooking the Middlefork Savannah. You can also arrange for a ceremony or reception to be hosted in the green space under a fantastic tent.
One of my favorite places to do family photography and wedding portraits is the Middlefork Savannah at Elawa Farms. Just a short walk away from the barn, you find yourself standing in the rare tallgrass savanna, which features almost 100 acres of oak savanna, woodlands, wet and mesic prairies, sedge meadows, and marshes. It’s amazing to think this property is a mere 40 miles from Chicago’s Loop, it feels a world away!
Each space on the estate’s grounds is beautifully maintained, from the rolling hills and unique tallgrass to the plantings of native wildflowers. Creating outstanding wedding portraits from fun candids walking along the path or fantastic family formals is easy to do at Elawa Farms.
Elawa is a truly remarkable place to have your wedding in nearly any season. In the spring, I love the lush green of the gardens and the flowers starting to bloom. Summer is glorious, with so many places to take photos it can make your head spin! In the fall, the mature trees around the property begin to burst with color, along with the other native grasses supplying texture and warmth to the photos.
A Black Tie Elawa Farm Wedding
In September, a late afternoon played host to one of the most fabulous black-tie affairs that Elawa Farm has ever hosted. Having been together for over ten years, Jim and Barbara decided to commit to each other at this working, organic farm whose rich history makes it the ideal spot for hosting an intimate wedding in Lake Forest
Guests were treated to black tie face masks and temperature checks upon arrival, and let’s be honest, that’s also how love looked in 2020. Love adapted.
Dapper in a black tux and tie, Jim’s grandson was proud as he walked his Grandfather down the aisle. Jim’s best girl, dressed head to toe in white and lace, was his beaming granddaughter. Framed by the lush greens and set against the tall savannah grass, it was an adorable start to a fantastic ceremony.
Barbara was every bit of elegance and on her wedding day, her ensemble was designed completely by Badgley Mishka. From her stunning earrings to her gorgeous shoes, Barbara looked elegant and radiant. I loved the long sleeves covered with bling on her gown!
The moment that Jim sees Barbara is breathtaking and is exactly what I love about being a wedding photographer. From the smile on his face to his look of absolute love and adoration for his bride: THAT is what love in 2020 looked like.
The Locations of Their Wedding
In a grand space like Elawa Farms, surrounded by old-growth and the Middlefork Savannah, you feel that this place is special. The sophisticated touches like white and green florals rich with white hydrangeas made it feel like black-tie-meets-elegant-garden-party. It’s a true testament to a venue when they can make any size celebration seem like exactly the right fit.
After they exchanged vows, the party moved to the outdoor reception area. There, the couple’s attention to detail created a welcoming yet chic party. Family-style tables hosted an amazing menu featuring some of the organic vegetables grown on the working farm at Elawa. Mixing the chairs’ warm wood with white linens and centerpieces of glass-encased candles and vibrant greens, the canopy of trees and Edison lights gave this outdoor reception a cozy feeling.
After ten years of happiness, the day for this couple was perfect. The sun setting behind their family formals and the way their wedding attire complimented the historical buildings created fantastic portraits.
Taking current times into consideration, hosting an outdoor reception for 50 friends and family was an inspired choice. Their reception brimmed with laughter and dancing at the helm of the dueling pianos. Above all, the guests were thrilled to be present and celebrate their commitment. As the sun went down, the space filled with twinkling lights and a round of exuberant toasts.
Elawa Farm Wedding
What a wonderful reminder of the good things in life are still good. Love endures. If you’re looking for a place where you can get many different looks to your photos without having to travel around Lake Forest, I can’t think of a better setting than an Elawa Farm wedding.
While you’re here, let’s talk more about what you envision for your wedding. To learn more about wedding photography, please view my wedding page. And don’t forget to view more wedding resources at the blog links below!
