"I Need A Sunday Kind Of Love"

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

• Celebrating our nuptials with Family & Friends
• Weaving around downtown traffic to get as many pictures as possible
• Mariachi Band
• Piñata bashing for the kids

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Try to slow down and savor each moment of the day
• After the ceremony, reserve a few minutes away from your guests to soak it all in
• Guest might want to chat for an extended period of time, but keep moving!
• There will be hiccups, but you will be the only one who notices--don't let it add any irritation to your special day