Wedding Day

Saint James Chapel

Ceremony (full mass)

University Club of Chicago

Reception Party

Late Night After Party

The Gallery Rooftop

Post-Wedding Brunch

Summer

Our Wedding

Registry

Joey will be Ally's and her bridal party's makeup artist! https://joeysoluvly.com/

Leslie Hoffman will be doing all the girls hair!https://lesliehoffmanhair.com/

Questions

Friday, March 28thRehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner (Wedding Party - invite only)4:30 PM - Church Rehearsal St. James Chapel 6:00 PM - Rehearsal Dinner at RPM Seafood on the river Addresses:Church: 835 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611RPM Seafood Restaurant: 317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654 A shuttle to pick up those in the wedding party will begin pick up at 4 PM from The Palmer House, stopping at the University Club around 4:05 PM before heading to St. James Chapel. Transportation will be provided from the rehearsal at St. James to dinner at RPM Seafood, and after dinner, shuttles will be available to everyone returning to The Palmer House and University Club. Significant others, please meet at RPM Seafood no later than 6:00 PM. Saturday, March 29th (Wedding Day!)3 PM - Wedding ceremony begins at St. James Chapel (835 N Rush St.)4 PM - Wedding ceremony concludes4:15 - 4:45 - Family photos (please stay after the ceremony ends and grab ribbon wands to meet us outside!4:45 - 5:30 PM Wedding Party Photos5:30 PM - Cocktail hour at the University Club of Chicago7 PM - 12:30 AM - Dinner &amp; Reception11:15PM - 12:30 AM - Late Night After Party - bites and cocktails in the President's Bar! Sunday, March 30th10 AM - 12PM Brunch in The Gallery at The University Club of Chicago for our honeymoon farewell!

Weekend Itinerary

Bus Transportation

Transportation will be provided for all guests to and from the ceremony. Before the ceremony, the bus will pick up guests exclusively from The Palmer House and The University Club of Chicago at 2 p.m. sharp. After the ceremony, the bus will be conveniently parked outside the church to take you to the reception venue. If you are not staying at either of the hotels above, you can arrive to either and wait for the bus at 2PM.

Leaving the Reception at University Club of Chicago

Leaving the University Club Reception: At the end of the evening, to head back to your hotel, feel free to: - Go to the main lobby of the University Club - they can call you a cab. - Use the Uber app to call a car back to your hotel.

Saturday Transportation

Attire: Brunch / Casual

Please no sweatpants, sweatshirts, or t-shirts Ally will be wearing a casual dressStephen will be wearing slacks and a sweater

Post-Wedding Sunday Brunch

Valet Parking at The Palmer HouseValet parking is available at the Palmer House Hotel (where there are room blocks) with unlimited in-and-out privileges 24 hours a day curbside at the Monroe Street entrance. Overnight Hotel Guest Valet Parking – $78.00 An attendant will issue a valet ticket upon arrival.Overnight guests can charge parking to their guest room for payment. To retrieve your vehicle, call Valet at extension 5172, ask the operator to connect you, and present your valet ticket number. Alternatively, you can simply present your valet ticket to the attendant at the Monroe Street entrance. Valet Parking at The University ClubValet parking is available 24 hours, seven days a week.Member day rate: $35, overnight rate: $60&nbsp;(including in and out privileges)Guest day rate: $40, overnight rate: $60 (including in and out privileges) Self-Park / Garage ParkingIf you prefer not to valet, there are plenty of parking garages nearby at the following garages: East Monroe Garage: The entrance is on Columbus Street, Just East of Michigan Avenue and Just South of East Randolph Street Grant Park North Garage: The entrance is on North Michigan Avenue between Monroe Street (from the South, heading North) and Washington Street (from the North, heading South)&nbsp; Grant Park South Garage: The entrance is on North Michigan Avenue between Congress Parkway (from the South, heading North), and Adams Street (from the North, heading South) 55 East Monroe Parking Garage (across from the Palmer House hotel).&nbsp;This garage can be accessed from either Monroe Street (eastbound traffic) or Adams Street (westbound traffic). Overnight guests can charge parking to their guest room for payment at check-out.&nbsp;Simply present your parking or valet ticket to a Guest Service Agent for validation prior to departure. For non-overnight guests, please note that parking must be paid in the 55 East Monroe Street lobby level prior to entering your car to exit the facility. Self-Parking at 55 East Monroe Street – $54.00

Parking in Chicago

As some of you know, our favorite place in the city is Ralph Lauren! If you have time, check out the store - walk around, grab a coffee or a cocktail in the restaurant! Restaurants: Ralph Lauren Restaurant (and Ralph’s Coffee): For classic American fare in a chic, elegant setting. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or pre-dinner drinks and coffee. American&nbsp;Millers Pub&nbsp;The Gage&nbsp;Tortoise Supper ClubThe Loyalist&nbsp;*Time Out Market - food hall with tons of different restaurants for large group!&nbsp; French&nbsp;Venteaux Mediterranean&nbsp;Avli on the ParkAba Mexican&nbsp;Barrio&nbsp;La Josie&nbsp; Italian&nbsp;Siena Tavern&nbsp;Parlor Pizza Bar&nbsp;NonninaQuartinoTrivoli Tavern&nbsp;Alla Vita&nbsp; Japanese&nbsp;The izakaya at momotaro&nbsp; Fun cocktail Places&nbsp;Three-dots and a DashGilt BarCindy's Rooftop Cherry Circle Room Things to Do: Chicago Architecture River Cruise: Even in March, it’s a unique way to see the city’s skyline and learn about its iconic buildings. Art Institute of Chicago: One of the world’s top art museums, located right in the Loop. Perfect for a cultural visit and exploring masterpieces.

Things to Do / Restaurants

Post Wedding Brunch

UBER CODE

Photos

We have been together for just nearly half a decade and met while working at Modern Luxury Magazine (him a writer and editor; myself in marketing). On one of our very first dates, we went to the Botanical Garden. This was a date to walk off some nerves before meeting my parents for the very first time later that evening. Stephen was SO nervous. He asked to sit down and the first nearby spot was this little blue wooden bench in the English Garden by an Ivy-covered brick wall. We sat there for a moment and he told me how much I meant to him and how excited he was to meet my parents. While we sat, a nice couple walked over and asked if we wanted our photo taken, and we did! Every year since (minus the couple because of Covid) we would go back to our bench and get a photo and it’s become a special little spot for us.&nbsp; Fast Forward to August 2023, Stephen wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens again (nothing out of the ordinary). As we walked through the English Garden, like we had so many times before, heading for our bench we stumbled upon a white tent.&nbsp;Strange&nbsp;we thought maybe they were giving away seeds, something for gardening, or setting up for a wedding. But as it happens, on the day Stephen decided to propose, there was a tent offering impromptu poems&nbsp;with two people on typewriters from a company called “Poems While You Wait.” Happily, I said we should get a poem and asked Stephen (who was sweating because he was mere moments away from proposing) what the poem topic should be about. He said “Falling in Love in a Garden.” Our poet said come back in 15-20 minutes. While the poet crafted our poem, Stephen led Ally to a peaceful spot by a pond and proposed! We went back to the poet to pick up our poem and told her we had just gotten engaged. Thrilled, she said that had never happened before in all her years of writing. We excitedly told her that her poem would forever be part of our little love story at the gardens and couldn’t wait to frame it next to our engagement photo.&nbsp; We felt like such a serendipitous little wink&nbsp;is a testament to the truth that when you meet the right person, all the right things do fall into place. &lt;3&nbsp;

Our Engagement Story

Chicago Weather

Please make sure to bring the necessary items to be comfortable in the weather for the day. We are, unfortunately, expecting rain and snow. Everything for the day will be inside. The club will have a coat check, so bring what you need, including an umbrella, if your hotel doesn't offer one. Wedding party: weather permitting, we may take a few photos outside quickly. <a href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/chicago/60608/daily-weather-forecast/348308?day=77" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click for the Weather Report for March 29th, 2025</a>

Weather

Attire For Our Venue: Black Tie Formal

"Glamorous Black Tie" 

Welcome to Chicago! We are thrilled to celebrate our special day with you downtown in the heart of the city at the University Club of Chicago. To ensure everyone feels comfortable and looks incredible, here are some dress code guidelines: Our Overall Vibe: Think timeless, elegant, and effortlessly chic. Picture yourself in a classic movie in the heart of the city. We are aiming for a sophisticated, timeless ambiance! For the Gentlemen:Tuxedos: Classic black tuxedos with a bow tie are strongly encouraged. I'd love for everyone to please wear a black bow tie! No regular ties please! For the Ladies:Evening Gowns: Floor-length gowns are preferred. Opt for rich fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet. If you're not accustomed to dressing in black tie, consider it an opportunity to embrace the glamour and enjoy dressing up for a night of celebration! If you have any questions or need further guidance, please feel free to contact us. We can't wait to celebrate with you! Note: The club itself already has a dress code. Anyone not wearing appropriate clothing before, during, or at the end of the evening will kindly be asked to change.&nbsp;

About The University Club of Chicago

Dress code if you're staying at The University Club

DRESS CODE:Business casual attire or better is required throughout the Clubhouse Monday through Friday. Smart casual attire is permitted every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Clubhouse. Smart casual, which does include denim, is permitted in the following areas:During check-in, check-out and traversing the Lobby to and from the guest rooms.All private dining rooms71 floor Living Room and Bean Counter8th floor The Parliament dining room Athletic attire is only permitted in the Club's athletic facilities. Members and guests dressed in athletic attire may enter and depart only through the athletic entrance in the West alley or the West valet entrance to the Clubhouse and must utilize the back athletic elevator or back staircase.

Attire

Getting to the University Club

Directions to the University Club of Chicago (76 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603): Note: Monroe Street is a one-way street heading west. From the North (via Lake Shore Drive):Take Lake Shore Drive (US-41) southbound.Exit at Monroe Street and turn right (westbound).Note: Monroe Street is a one-way street heading west. From the South (via Lake Shore Drive):Take Lake Shore Drive (US-41) northbound.Exit at Monroe Street and turn left (westbound).Note: Monroe Street is a one-way street heading west. From the West (via I-290/Eisenhower Expressway):Take I-290 East and merge onto W Congress Parkway.Turn left onto Michigan Avenue (US-41).Turn left onto Monroe Street (one-way westbound).

Airports

Nearby airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - Flying in northsideMidway International Airport (MDW) - Flying in southside

Hotel Room Block Information

AVAILABLE UNTIL FEB 26th! 

-This hotel is a:- 10 min drive to St. James Chapel- 3 min walk to the reception venue The University Club of Chicago.- Across the street from Millenium Park <a href="https://book.passkey.com/event/50864241/owner/1455/landing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your reservation here</a>*Reservations must be made by Wednesday, February 26th&nbsp;&nbsp;at 2:30 pm to get the room block rate.* <em style="font-size: var(--tkww-union-typography-scale-400-font-size,1.125rem); text-align: left; font-family: inherit; font-weight: var(--tkww-union-typography-regular-font-weight,400); color: var(--tkww-union-color-text-default,var(--tkww-union-color-neutral-black,#000));">IMPORTANT NOTICE: SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH, <em style="font-size: var(--tkww-union-typography-scale-400-font-size,1.125rem); text-align: left; font-family: inherit; font-weight: var(--tkww-union-typography-regular-font-weight,400); color: var(--tkww-union-color-text-default,var(--tkww-union-color-neutral-black,#000));">CHECK-IN IS 3 PM. IF YOU ARE ONLY BOOKING SATURDAY YOU WILL NEED TO COME TO THE HOTEL DRESSED AND READY FOR THE CEREMONY.

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

University Club Rooms are limited - 12 available. This is where the reception will be located. Enter the following&nbsp;group code:&nbsp;8675 to reserve. If you wish to arrive on an earlier date or stay additional nights, please call (312)726-2840, ask for Guest Room Reservations, and mention the Alexandra Straussner &amp; Stephen Ostrowski Wedding block of rooms. DRESS CODE:Business casual attire or better is required throughout the Clubhouse Monday through Friday. Smart casual attire is permitted every Saturday and Sunday. Smart casual attire, including denim, is permitted in the following areas: during check-in, check-out, and traversing the Lobby to and from the guest rooms.-All private dining rooms-7th floor Living Room and Bean Counter-8th floor The Parliament dining room Athletic attire is only permitted in the Club's athletic facilities. Members and guests dressed in athletic attire may enter and depart only through the athletic entrance in the West alley or the West valet entrance to the Clubhouse and must utilize the back athletic elevator or back staircase.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In its sole discretion, the Club reserves the right to determine on a case-by-case basis what is or is not appropriate attire, and in doing so, its objective will be to preserve the ambiance of the Clubhouse. <a href="https://gettaroom.b4checkin.com/chicago#main" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your reservation here</a>Cutoff date of February 28, 2025

Other Hotels Nearby

<a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/chicago-athletic-association-hotel/chiub?src=adm_sem_crp_chico_crp_ppc_NAM-UnitedStates-IL-Chicago-UB-CHIUB_google_Evergreen2022_e_hyatt%20chicago%20athletic&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw7s20BhBFEiwABVIMrSgSZGiG3OkXSMkhht_YPoL2VjvzWsA23MoWkf0T7aoYEUX5putqHBoCNHEQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">- The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel by Hyatt</a>- <a href="https://www.grayhotelchicago.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Kimpton Grey</a> You're more than welcome to find other hotels in the Downtown/Loop area. We suggested hotels closer to the reception so you don't need to pay for transportation after the party and can get back safely!

Travel/Hotel

Find your table early! 

HEAD TABLEMrs. Genevieve BearyMrs. Carissa BohacikDr. Alena DyerMs. Audrey ForierMrs. Alexie HartmanMr. Alex LaydenMrs. Kristy LaydenMrs. Simone LevineMr. John LockettDr. Matt MadionMr. Erik MalinMrs. Amy MalinMr. Dave McGrailMr. Ankit MehtaMr. Stephen OstrowskiMrs. Alexandra OstrowskiMs. Haley PackerMs. Allison RomeiMr. Anton SchauerteMs. Kendra SchmidtMr. Justin SilpeMr. Austin StraussnerMr. Christian StraussnerMrs. Sarah Straussner Table 1Mr. Michael BurkeMrs. Sheri BurkeMr. Doug CorwinMrs. Christina CorwinMs. Sandy DyerDr. TJ DyerMr. Nate FennMs. Janet ForraiMr. Craig HomannDr. Carol HomannDr. Seth MalinMrs. Maria MalinMr. Rajan MehtaniMrs. Daisy MehtaniMr. Edward OstrowskiMrs. Carol OstrowskiMr. Steven StraussnerMrs. Maria StraussnerMr. Michael UpholzMrs. Nancy UpholzMr. Conrad UpholzMrs. Jean UpholzMr. John UpholzMrs. Yo Upholz Table 2Mr. Kurt BellMrs. Kim BellMr. Shawn BellMrs. Jessica BellMs. Sue Cunnigham-SuknaichMr. Martin KelleyMrs. Charlotte KelleyMr. Salvatore UpholzMs. Samantha Upholz Table 3Mrs. Angelina EimannsbergerMr. Ken HaddadMrs. Meredith HaddadMs. Victoria KentMr. Jeff KirshmanMrs. Maria LockettMr. Jeffy MaiMs. Rachel NiesenMr. Anthony Pearson Table 4Mr. Steve DeSpainMrs. Eileen DeSpainMr. James MichalakMrs. Theresa MichalakMr. Robert RomeiMrs. Dianne RomeiMr. Mark SchmidtMrs. Chris SchmidtMr. Mark WallaceMrs. Karen Wallace Table 5Mr. Kevin ConwayMr. Philip GawthorpeMrs. Judy GawthorpeMr. John GillespieMrs. Aimee GillespieMr. Paul JanasMrs. Elena JanasMs. Melissa LottMr. Raymond SturdivantMrs. Rebecca Sturdivant Table 6Ms. Elle AronsonMr. Jordan BearyMr. Todd BohacikMr. Robert BurkeMr. Noah CorwinMr. Nicholas CorwinMs. Abby DaumMs. Caroline FedererMr. Ben GorenMr. Will HartmanMr. Steve KowalczykMrs. Megan KowalczykMr. Marc LansingDr. Leann MadionMr. Kyle RobbinsMrs. Beth RobbinsMrs. Katie SilpeMr. Stephen SteinhauserMrs. Mackenzie SteinhauserMs. Margaret SturdivantMs. Mary SturdivantMr. Mike Traber Table 7Mr. John BogdajewiczMrs. Brenda BogdajewiczMrs. Kelly GarganoMr. Phil GarganoMr. Craig MartinMrs. Donna MartinMr. Matthew UpholzMrs. Mandy Upholz

 Reception Seating Arrangements

Bridal Party

Mrs. Kristy Layden - Maid of HonorMrs. Sarah StraussnerMrs. Amy MalinMrs. Alexie HartmanMs. Allison RomeiMs. Haley PackerMs. Audrey ForierMs. Kendra SchmidtMrs. Carissa BohacikDr. Alena DyerMrs. Genevieve Beary

Groom’s Party

Mr. Ankit Mehta - Best ManMr. Erik MalinMr. Austin StraussnerMr. Christian StraussnerMr. Anton SchauerteDr. Matt MadionMr. Justin SilpeMr. John LockettMr. Dave McGrailMr. Alex Layden

Alexandra & Stephen

Alexandra & Stephen

Photos