Quartino

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

St Mike’s Old Town

Ceremony

Morgan Manufacturing

Reception

Sunday - Happily Ever After  Open House

#tohaveandtohale

Our Wedding

But it is safe to say... Brian and I first met in early 2016 at Plante Moran. I recently started working in the audit practice in the firm’s Chicago office. Brian was (is) known for taking walks around the office and stopping to talk to co-workers along the way (Brian - it's called 'internal networking' ok...). On one of these strolls, Brian came by my desk and introduced himself. I was a new face in the office, so the friendly welcome and small talk conversations were nothing unusual and happened dozens of other times. I realized I was scheduled on an upcoming audit engagement with Brian. It was an insurance client in mid—March. Though the audit was *kind of a mess (Brian - *worst job ever), I enjoyed my time on the engagement and Brian and I shared a lot of small talk to break up the long hours we were working.&nbsp; We worked on a couple of other projects that spring (Brian - false, there were no other jobs that spring!). Brian’s story without a doubt mentions something about a random instant message he received from me in April (Brian - compleeeetly out of the blue). My message came towards the end of the workday and simply said something like, ‘hey, what’s up’. (Brian - there was motive behind this message!) I was truly just trying to be friendly, in an effort to build relationships at the firm (Brian - she was fishin', and I was the fish). Little did I know this random, very vanilla (Brian - mhmm) message would spark Brian’s attention like it did. By summertime, I again had other engagements on my schedule with Brian. This is another area of divergence in our story. According to Brian, he did not specifically request me to be scheduled on any of these jobs...he says he was given three options by his manager and that based on ‘previous experience’, he chose me (Brian - it was purely about job metrics and the best staff available to achieve results!). I’ll let you be the judge of that. None the less, I was eager to see what the summer had in store. We started talking and texting a lot more and Brian always had me laughing – even if it was awkwardly into my computer screen because of a funny message he sent. After a few work happy-hours and other group gatherings, Brian finally asked me on a date though, I’m not sure either of us called it that at the time (Brian - I mean... I did). We went to get beers and pizza at Homeslice in Lincoln Park after work one July evening. I wasn’t sure where our relationship was leading, but we had so much in common and enjoyed each other’s company. We went on several other dates that summer, which included one of my favorites, the Windy City Smokeout, a country music and BBQ summer festival in Chicago, before really defining our relationship – which did ultimately include a conversation with HR (ahem* independence issue for a couple of CPA’s), though not at all unusual as it is a very common occurrence in our industry.&nbsp;&nbsp; Over the next few years, Brian became my best friend, my confidant, and the person I always wanted to talk to (Brian - ditto). There was never a dull moment between us, and we made even the mundane things fun, like waiting in line for a salad at lunchtime at the office or sitting in the car wash. We explored so many new cities together and welcomed the changes that each season brought (even when that season was busy season!) I got to know Brian’s family, especially at family get togethers at Brian’s parents lake house in Michigan, and he got to know mine through holidays in Ohio, and trips to Georgia. It became clear to me that what we had was special.&nbsp; The day we got engaged started out like any other Saturday (Brian - It wasn't...). It was Brian’s birthday earlier that week, so the plan was to head to a friend’s house to watch football and celebrate. When Brian sent a text that morning that started with “Ok - here is my Saturday birthday schedule proposal”, it could have blown his cover, but Brian went for it and, again, I thought nothing of it (Brian - that was goooood). We went on a walk in Lincoln Park, as we had done many times that year (see: COVID), before we were to head to our friend’s house. We stopped at Starbucks before heading on our walk (Brian - not part of the plan! She was supposed to be hands free!). Brian convinced me to do my hair and makeup under the guise that we would want to be ready to head to our friend’s house (Brian - I tried to get her to wear a nice outfit but that didn't work as she "didn't want to smell like park" for later. She even asked why I was "so dressed up" and why I was wearing my peacoat - which had the ring pre-planted in the pocket). For those of you not familiar with Lincoln Park, there is a well-known wooden pavilion commonly referred to as the Honeycomb. It's a very popular spot for pictures, events, gatherings, weekend yoga, and of course, proposals! Brian and I meandered our way (Brian - she literally wanted to go in any direction other than where I was trying to get her to go, very stubborn!) through the trails of the park and eventually under the Honeycomb. Brian led me to the middle of the Honeycomb, where I immediately felt like we were blocking the flow of traffic and suggested we move out of the way. News flash: we didn’t move. It was a bit of a blur for both of us after that, but I know some thoughtful words were exchanged before Brian, as he later called it, ‘bent the knee’. When it finally hit me, I was in total shock and awe. It was a chilly morning so my initial ‘Yes!’ got muffled by my scarf (Brian - I told her she had to say something!). I was elated! Latte still in hand! I later learned Brian had planted my friend Courtney nearby in the trees to capture photos of the moment. Like I mentioned, the Honeycomb is a super popular location for photos, so, after the knee drop, we heard the dad of a family getting pictures taken yell to their photographer, “Hey! Stop taking pictures of us and take pictures of them!”. Shoutout to Alex Rathbun for being so sweet and snapping a handful of pictures of us in the moment and after. Between Courtney and Alex, we have the moment captured from all angles. After telling our family and friends (most of who already knew…duh), the celebration continued at a restaurant in the suburbs, and an after party for the books at my parents’ house in Naperville. Shoutout to Vai’s restaurant, and shoutout to GGG for the amazing, celebratory, and later autographed, bottle of Poggio Antico. It was such a magical day and one that Brian and I will never forget. We are beyond thankful for the unwavering support and continued love from our family and friends throughout our journey so far, and we cannot wait to start the rest of our lives together. Let’s celebrate – see you in September! XO Team AB

It depends who you ask

Our Story

Engagement photos: Rachael Osborn PhotographyHoneycomb photos: Brightly AlexOthers: As shot on iPhone

Photos

Team A

Jess and I met during our freshman year at Miami University when we both joined the same sorority. Fate had it that neither of us had a roommate for sophomore year. That was only the beginning as we lived together for the rest of our time at Miami. We have remained such good friends and have tackled medical school, the CPA, drawing 101, breakups, new cities, and everything in between. Our friendship would not be complete without surprise visits to Chicago, banana pudding, deep dish pizza in the middle of winter, and Jess's favorite...diet coke. Jess is easily one of the smartest people I know and I am so fortunate to have stood by her side at her wedding in 2020. I am thrilled to have her stand by me in September. 



Jess Giffey

Courtney and I (along with Katie) were assigned as random roommates our freshman year at Miami University, sharing a dorm room the size of some people's closets. Courtney studied finance, so we initially became friends through our core business classes. After graduation, Courtney lived in Cleveland for a short period of time before taking a new job and moving to Chicago all in the span of just a couple months.  As two city girls, Courtney and I have spent many afternoons/evenings exploring new restaurants and bars in Chicago, and revisiting our tried-and-true favorites (Beatrix, Quartino, Sopprafina). I know I can always count on Courtney for a dose of logic and straightforward advice and I am so thankful for her continued friendship.

Courtney Purcell

Katie was my freshman year roommate (along with Courtney) at Miami. We certainly made the best of it and became great friends. Together we've enjoyed concerts, candle-making, comedy shows in Chicago, and even a wine tasting trip to Canada. Katie is the light-hearted spirit in any room and the one person I know I can go to for a Friends reference (mainly...PIVOT).

Katie Thum

Of all of my bridesmaids, I have known Susie the longest. We navigated the ups and downs and teenage drama of middle school and high school together - Susie was always the one to take the high road and that is still reflective of her today. After being in the Coast Guard and traveling all over, Susie relocated from Folly Beach, SC back to Chicago, and we picked up right where we left off.  Susie lives in the Boston area now. She is quirky and creative and also shares in my love of good red wine (or any cocktail with an egg white in it!).

Susie Dannessa

Kristen is Brian's younger sister. She's one of the few other people that will call Brian out for his occasional shenanigans.  Kristen is so easy to talk to and we've definitely become closer over the past few years. I was delighted to celebrate Kristen and Jake at their wedding in 2019.

Kristen Smith

Ashley and I met playing tennis in high school. We became teammates and close friends. Over the years, our tennis outings may have become less frequent, but our friendship has continued to grow. One summer, we took a weekend trip to Louisville to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It was super spontaneous, but we had an absolute blast and still talk about it to this day. Ashley is level-headed, a great listener, and certainly one of my favorite 'gal pals'. 

Ashley Cha

Kelley and I played tennis together all through high school. We spent many hot summers (and cold fall mornings) together on court. She was my doubles partner first, but I am so thankful for our friendship since then.  Kelley lived in Chicago after college and has since lived in San Francisco for several years. Though we don't get to see each other as often, our Zoom calls (especially during quarantine!) are always something I look forward to.

Kelley Cain

Team B

Nick and I first met in high school at Detroit Catholic Central where we became very close friends.  So much so that we were basically part of each others families. I spent a lot of time at his house (typically showing up unannounced but always welcomed!).  Nick was the only one who called my parents by "T" and "C", while everyone else used your standard Mr. and Mrs.  Nick is the type of friend who you get into shenanigans with one day but is there when you just need someone to lend an ear the next.  I could not be happier that we've stayed in touch for so long even though we went to different colleges and live in different states.  I'm honored to have him as my best man.

Nick Carroll

I met Corey at the beginning of our grad year at IU.  We became close over the course of that year and ended up spending the following summer together studying for the CPA exams.   Since the closest testing center was in Louisville, KY (Corey's hometown), Corey offered to let me stay at his parents house the 2-3 days leading up to each exam to continue studying.  We both ended up in Chicago for work after the exams to begin our careers.  Corey is one of the best guys I know and am very happy to have him be part of our big day.

Corey Ogburn

Colin and I were teammates during our high school days playing club soccer for Vardar in MI.  At the time, we really weren't that close.  It wasn't until a college football day in Chicago at a mutual friends house party that our friendship really took off.  After that day, we hung out all the time in the city.  We became so close that a day came where Colin was set to meet up with his girlfriend's (Taylor's) parents, sister, and brother for the first time in Chicago.  Colin was so nervous that he asked if I would join for supportive purposes and comic relief.   I was more than happy to help out!  I like to think my participation that day played a minor role in Colin and Taylor tying the knot in December (Congrats you two!).  So glad we ran into each other at that party and have become great friends since.

Colin Givens

I first met Chris when I came to visit Corey in Chicago before I moved there from MI.  At the time, Chris was Corey's roommate.  I had come in for the Notre Dame football game at Soldier Field and Corey offered to let me stay with them.  When I arrived outside their apartment, I figured Corey would come down to the lobby of their building to get me.  Instead, I was greeted by Chris with a beer and friendly "hello brother".  Needless to say, I had a feeling this new friendship had potential, and I wasn't wrong.  

Chris Meyer

I did not have a brother growing up as it was only me and my wonderful sister (Kristen).  Insert Kyle, Alexa's older brother.  It has been a blast getting to know Kyle over the last 6 year spending time on the golf course, family vacations, exchanging funny articles, family holidays, and visits to CLE/CHI.  I look forward to  officially making Kyle my brother and building future memories!

Kyle Geist

Wedding Party

Q + A

Where should we stay?

Rooms can be booked for Friday and Saturday night using the link below. If booking a Standard Guest Room, you can include a comment in the request box to request the room type you would like. However, if you want to guarantee a room with two queen beds, please book a Standard Guest Room and then email our Group Coordinator Janay Rogers at Janay.Rogers@renhotels.com with your room specification and confirmation number and he will modify your reservation for that room type.

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Rooms can be booked for Friday and Saturday night using the link below.

Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North

Rooms can be booked for Friday and Saturday night using the link below or by phone at 844.672.9070. Be sure to mention the Geist Hale Wedding.

AC Hotel Chicago Downtown

Travel

A great place for a stroll. Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo have so much to offer, with the city skyline as your backdrop. Brian and I especially like the area near the south pond. Check out the honeycomb structure where we got engaged!

Lincoln Park

The ultimate Chicago architecture experience! Dont be fooled by the others - this is the one to do.  Chicagos First Lady has open-air upper decks, a full-service bar, and climate-controlled lower cabins. Weve done the cruise several times and learn something new and interesting each time.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

The OG of Chicago popcorn. Two words. Cheese + Carmel.

Garrett Popcorn Shops

Great rooftop bar overlooking the lake and the city. Close to St. Michaels Church.

The J. Parker

Consistently voted some of the best donuts in Chicago. I do-nut know how you could go wrong.

Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken

Nearly 19 miles of trails on the coast of Lake Michigan. Bikers, walkers, and joggers abound, this is a great way to escape from the city streets and enjoy the views.

Lakefront Trail

The menu really only has two things on it. Burgers and fries. But this place hits the spot. A late night (or Sunday afternoon) favorite of Brian and Alexa's.

Au Cheval/Small Cheval

Things to Do

Registry

Day-Of Itinerary

2:00pm - Hotel Shuttles Arrive for Ceremony2:15pm - Hotel Shuttles Depart for Ceremony3:00pm - Ceremony BeginsHotel Shuttles Depart Church After Ceremony5:25 - Hotel Shuttles Arrive for Reception5:40pm - Hotel Shuttles Depart for Reception6:00pm - Cocktail Hour Begins7:00pm - Cocktail Hour Ends~7:35pm - Dinner &amp; Dancing!12:00am - Goodbyes12:30am - Final Hotel Shuttles Depart Morgan Manufacturing

Alexa & Brian

Alexa & Brian

Q + A

I am coming in from out of town. When should I book my hotel?

Will there be transportation accomodations?

What is the dress code?

Can I bring a date? What about my kids?