Our wedding weekend was, without a doubt, one for the books!
It's not easy times we live in, yet our Family & friends journeyed nationwide, spending their valuable time and resources to shower us with love & support for the occasion.
The weekend started with a large family dinner. We didn't have a bridal party, so our parents helped organize a large dinner for both sides of the family to get the celebrations started off on the right foot. We rented a beautiful space near Old Irving Park, where many of us caught up for the first time in years, (primarily due to COVID). Throughout the evening we shared stories & laughter while we were accompanied by Portillo's Italian Beef.
WEDDING DAY
Would it be a wedding without some chaos and panic the morning of? We woke up to a text from our Photo booth vendor they had just tested positive for COVID and wouldn't be able to attend the wedding; STRIKE ONE. Next, the Hair & Makeup ladies arrived and (from my perspective) appeared to take their sweet time in getting my bride and her mother dolled-up. Meanwhile, fresh out of the shower, I began taking multiple trips up/downstairs from our 3rd floor apt. to fill my parent's van with decorations/party favors. (Grooms note: if you can shower in 5 minutes; wait until you know all other tasks have first been completed)
We finally got loaded up and headed for the venue. Here, the photographers were patiently awaiting our arrival so we could get some snapshots prior to the ceremony. Did I mention yet neither of us were dressed in our wedding attire yet? Since we were helping with some of the setup, we wanted to be as comfortable as possible, which definitely threw-off the photographers when I introduced myself as the groom in a long sleeve t-shirt and sweatpants. We thankfully had our parents and a few relatives with us to take command in getting the rest of setup completed. (and keeping us calm)
Needing someone to drive us around downtown and wait in the van, (Chicago tow zones) we had to get a little creative. Several of my friends attending the wedding were at a nearby bar in West Loop, watching the Bears v. Packers. One of my friends was gracious enough to leave the pre-party and designate himself as our temporary chauffeur. Previously living downtown, he knew the optimal routes for our picture locations like the back of his hand; it was like watching a conductor do "Flight of the Bumblebee".
This was really turning point for the better. In addition to all of the previous help mentioned above, we were truly blessed with phenomenal weather for our wedding day. The beautiful, crisp Autumn air was balanced perfectly by sunny skies, making way for the photographers to do their thing. When we returned to the venue for the ceremony, many of the guests had arrived and the moment really began to sink in for both of us.
The rest of the story is one you're probably familiar with or have experienced yourself, so there's no need for further detail. But I will say this; without our loved ones there is no way this day would have been possible or half as meaningful. God has blessed our lives and given us so much to be thankful for; especially our Family. We will be eternally grateful...but until then, I'm comin' home, baby!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Never leave home without the proper music to accompany. -like pairing wine w/ dinner- The playlist below was built specifically for this itinerary.
Let's Fall In Love - Frank Sinatra
Volare - Dean Martin
Anything Goes - Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga
For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder
Love And Happiness - Marc Broussard
Get Ready- The Temptations
I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos
A Sunday Kind Of Love - Etta James
I Saw Her Standing There - The Beatles
You Got It - Roy Orbison
Constellations - Jack Johnson, Eddie Vedder, Kawika Kahiapo
Whole Love - Wilco
Vivir Mi Vida - Marc Anthony
Sweet Home Chicago - The Blues Brothers
Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac
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