Josh and I met at the Riviera Theater during a Childish Gambino show on May 9, 2012.
We were both there with friends from college, and I can safely say that neither of us were looking to meet anyone at that time. Yet somehow the two of us began talking during the opener, Danny Brown.
Shortly thereafter, his friend recognized one of mine, which lead to the realization we had all attended Illinois State University. Josh and I were crossing paths but never actually met during school.
After the show, Josh asked for my number… and the rest is history!
Special shout out to Mallory, Laura, and Derek for being the best wing people in the world—we owe ya! And a fourth special shout out goes to Hillary for selling me her ticket to show!
THE PROPOSAL
When Childish Gambino announced he would return to the Riviera Theatre for a show on March 19, 2014, I knew it would be the perfect time to propose to Kristin.
The concert was amazing, although I was nervously awaiting the end (secretly holding the box in my back pocket). We separated from our friends/family at the end of the show, giving Kristin the excuse that I wanted to buy a Gambino t-shirt.
As we were leaving the venue, I suggested we take a picture in front of the marquis. She agreed and we stepped out into the street to get the photo. I then pulled her in close and said, "this is the best day of my life." As she smiled, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Before she could say a thing, the crowd exiting the theater erupted in cheers and applause, which took both of us by great surprise. The minute after she nodded her head, the crowd began chanting, "SHE SAID YES! SHE SAID YES!"
After the unexpected (but delightful) response from the crowd, and so many wonderful strangers telling us congrats, we made our way to a local bar where our friends and family were waiting with champagne and congrats. It was the BEST day of my life.
HOW WE MET
BRIDESMAIDS
GROOMSMEN
LAUREN
BRITTAN
DANIELLE
KARIN
KASIA
RENEE
STACEY
LAUREN
The day my parents brought Lauren home from the hospital, I ran and hid behind a chair. She is my sister. She is my best friend. I could go on for hours about how awesome, cool, beautiful, and smart she is—but I won’t embarrass her. Instead, I will just say that the title "Maid of Honor" couldn't be more fitting for my amazing baby sister.
A Few of Her Favorite Things: peanut butter, grids, and adventure.
BRITTAN
I met Brittan in high school German class. I’m blessed to say I've explored multiple German cities, Paris, and much of Chicago with this wonderful lady. Her sense of adventure and thirst for knowledge make her the best kind of travel/life buddy. Fun fact: she’s also got one of my all time favorite laughs!
A Few of Her Favorite Things: making floral crowns, taking selfies in said floral crowns, and eating spicy potato chips.
DANIELLE
I hate to brag, but I must! If meeting the man of dreams made me the luckiest girl in the world, then meeting my amazing future sister-in-law made me the luckiest in the universe! Like everyone who meets her, I adore her. If she's not cracking you up, she's taking care of you--and if you're lucky, she's doing both!
A Few of Her Favorite Things: music festivals, sunshine, and K&J.
KARIN
Our friendship was initiated through a handshake on the first day of fourth grade, which quickly accelerated hours later when we realized we were on the same bus route. From then on, it did not take much for us to enter our own little world--a world that consistently got us separated throughout school for talking to each other too much. The same still happens today. Sorry I'm not sorry.
A Few of Her Favorite Things: Whole Foods, Anne Geddes, and her brother Michael.
KASIA
My friendship with Kasia grew over a series of summer bonfires during our college years. If that sounds magical, it was! She is simultaneously the funniest and sweetest person I’ve ever met. Her unwaivering wittiness is a humbling thing to experience and makes me feel smarter just for knowing her.
A Few of Her Favorite Things: pizza parties, rainy days (especially the pitter-pattering and smell of a fresh one), and trying new beers.
RENEE
Meeting Renee was the single most important thing that happened to me Junior year of high school. She was not only the coolest person I'd ever met, but the nicest. I looked up to her then, and I look up to her now. She is an amazing wife, mother, and all around good citizen of the world.
A Few of Her Favorite Things: COFFEE, her family (David, baby Ben, and their golden retriever), and Parks and Rec. Honorable mention: their cat's OK, too.
STACEY
Though I met Stacey freshman year of high school, it wasn’t until we roomed together freshman year of college when we really got to know each other. She TRULY was the best roommate in the world, and the memories we made in those years are some of my most treasured. Since then, she's become more than a roommate and friend; she is family.
A Few of Her Favorite Things: Baylon (her dog), Baylon's father (her husband), and Domaine DuPage.
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DEREK
BRIAN
CHRIS
ERIC
KYLE
ROB
ROBERT
DEREK
What a guy. I guess in this instance the Best Man. Derek and I met in college where we instantly became great friends because of our similarities in height and good looks (haha). Music fanatic and can dance with the best of them. He was also a fantastic wingman the night I met Kristin. Thank You Derek!
A Few of His Favorite Things: Bourbon, Wedding Crashers, His Wife
BRIAN
The Jokester of the group. Best bud you could have, like a long lost brother. We spent many days as roommates trying to figure out who was better at Xbox Fifa '12 and who could eat more sushi. He has taught me some of the best dance moves I have. Simply put, I love this man.
A Few of His Favorite Things: Long walks on the beach, Mint chocolate chip ice cream, and a good cry
CHRIS
Friends since High School. We have had so many good times together with some scars to prove it. Spent much of our friendship partying, vacationing, and creating the best potato gun I have personally ever seen. He isn't just a friend but part of the family.
A Few of His Favorite Things: Bacardi Razz, Chicago Sports, Coldstone Ice Cream
ERIC
Eric is one of the most dear people that I know. He is a great roommate, a wonderful friend, and has become part of the family. We've had a blast of a friendship so far. From going across the country together, to rocking out at concerts; we always have a good time. He is the Garth to my Wayne (Literally, we dressed up as them for Halloween).
A Few of His Favorite Things: Scotch Whiskey, Cheesy Gordita Crunch, Short Women
KYLE
Kyle was the first roommate I ever had. Our friendship developed through late nights listening to "Whoomp (There It Is)" - by Tag Team, and travels to visit each other's family. Kyle is loved by my family and known as someone who can keep the party going all night long (shots anyone). He is one hell of a guy (ladies welcome).
A Few of His Favorite Things: Djing, Booze, National Chill Days
ROB
I have really lucked out with this one. Rob is a stand up guy. Soon to be my BIL (Brother In Law). He is such an impressive bundle of hilariousness, intelligence, and youthfulness. He reminds me of a young John Stewart. Rob will more than likely be the life of this party with funky dance moves, great one liners, and classic good looks.
A Few of His Favorite Things: Reading, Dancing, Pretty Girls With Weird Laughs
ROBERT
The oldest friend I have in this group of men. Robert and I spent so much time at each others houses we became family. As kids, we loved watching Wayne's World (we quoted it all the time) and playing every possible sport we could together. Although we are now all grown up and do not get to spend a lot of time together, we are still great friends.
A Few of His Favorite Things: Being a father, Wayne's World (Schwing), Being Josh's friend for over 20 yrs
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THE BIG DAY
Ceremony
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Reception
6:00 p.m. – Midnight
In Between
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
We will be making our vows at Wicker Park Lutheran Church (WPLC).
In August of 2014, we became members of this warm and welcoming church. We are delighted and honored to have Pastor Jason perform the ceremony.
Note: WPLC is not air conditioned, so be prepared if the weather is hot!
Our reception will be held at the Revolution Brewing Tap Room on Kedzie Avenue.
We went to the opening of the Tap Room on our third date, and felt it would be the perfect location to celebrate our newly-made vows.
Guests may arrive as early as 5:40 p.m. Drinks and passed hors d'oeuvres will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
Complimentary valet parking will be provided.
Eat / Drink
5411Empanadas - Wine and empanadas
Blue Line Lounge & Grill - Spacious and relaxed
Big Star - Margaritas + chips & guacamole
Chop Shop - Great rooftop
LOKal - Cocktail lounge
Northside Bar & Grill - Something for everyone
Stan's Donuts - Duh
Trenchermen - Fancy drinks
Wormhole - Coffee and artesian pastries
Do
Wicker Park - Walk around the park or hang out by the fountain.
The 606 - Check out Chicago's new elevated walking path, just a 10-minute walk from the church.
Walgreens - This Walgreens used to be a bank! If you stop in, be sure to visit the old vault in the basement.
Shop on Milwaukee & Damen - There is no shortage of unique stores and boutiques in this area.
WHERE TO STAY
8500 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 380-9600
FROM
$109.00 per night
Transportation will be provided
from hotel to church, to reception,
and back to hotel.
172 West Adams St
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 332-120
FROM
$159.00 per night
No transportation will be provided.
