Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba

Rehearsal Dinner

Boleo

Welcome Drinks

Walden

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Ranalli's West Loop

After Party

Our Wedding

They say love is written in the stars, but for Billy and Allison, it was more like an invisible string tugging them together, without either of them noticing. It all officially kicked off in 2021, but honestly, their story was already in the making long before. Back in 1995, Allison moved to Schaumburg with her parents — just four miles away from Billy, who was out there living his own parallel life. They hung out at the same parks, ate at the same restaurants, and probably brushed past each other in stores. But, of course, they didn’t meet. Flash forward to college: both ended up at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, once again existing in the same circles without actually crossing paths. Same quad, same bars, same frat and sorority events — and still, nothing. Time marched on. The string kept pulling. Then, in 2021, after Allison moved back to Chicago from New York, fate finally brought them together. Thanks to Bumble (yes, the app worked!), they met at Big Mini Putt Club, and boom — everything clicked. All those near-misses? They suddenly made sense. Their love story wasn’t just beginning — it was finally catching up to them. Now, Billy and Allison are ready to celebrate the journey that led them here. They're excited to share this chapter with the people they love most and begin the story that fate had been writing for them all along. Because sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that were meant to be.

The Invisible String Theory

Our Story

Moose

Officiant

Kelly Johnson

Bridesmaids

Sam Rullo

Lauren Bielowicz

Grace Ashcraft

Elizabeth Hurley

Groomsmen

Joey Ruttenberg

Tom DuBois

Scott Glotzbach

Tony Rizzo

Moose Piwowarski

Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

Ava Ponchak

Elly Ponchak

Benny Ruttenberg

Charlie Ruttenberg

Wedding Party

Q + A

Dress Code

Getting there!

We are providing shuttle service to and from the venue for guests staying at (or near!) The Kimpton Gray. Getting to the CeremonyPickup Location: The Kimpton GrayBoarding: 4:00 PMDeparture: 4:15 PMNote: This is the only shuttle available before the ceremony begins. Returning to the HotelEarly Shuttles: Starting at 8:30 PM, shuttles will run back and forth between Walden and The Kimpton Gray.Final Shuttle: Departs Walden at 11:15 PM. The After PartyThe final shuttle (11:15 PM) will make a stop at Ranalli's West Loop for the after party before continuing to the hotel.

Transportation

For our wedding weekend, we've secured a block of rooms at the Kimpton Gray Hotel at a discounted rate. We also have a discount code at The Hoxton. Feel free to use either of these or choose your own accommodations! While both The Kimpton Gray and The Hoxton have overnight parking, there are a lot of parking garages nearby with lower rates. We recommend checking SpotHero for alternative parking options.

This is where Allison and Billy will be staying! Guest transportation from Kimpton Gray to the venue will be provided day of! You can reserve your room directly through the personalized booking link below, or by calling the hotel's reservation line at (877) 771-7031 and mentioning you're part of the Piwowarski + Ruttenberg Wedding Block. The listed rate is for a standard guest room booked before January 6, 2026. If you’d like an upgraded room or suite, give the hotel a call and mention our block — they can offer additional options that may be priced lower than their regular rates.

Kimpton Gray Hotel

The Hoxton Hotel is located in the West Loop of Chicago, a bustling area home to the city's best restaurants, nightlife, and us! To get a discounted hotel rate, enter HITCHED226 where it says “Got A Code?" after you put in your check-in/check-out dates.

The Hoxton, Chicago

Most guests will find Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) the most convenient arrival point, with easy access to downtown.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Travel

Where it all began! Big Mini Putt Club is where Billy and Allison had their first date in December 2021.

Big Mini Putt Club

Swift &amp; Sons is a steakhouse in the West Loop, not far from Allison and Billy's home, and their go-to place for celebrations.

Swift & Sons

Another popular go-to for Allison and Billy, Trivoli Tavern is located in a tucked-away alley and has some of the best food and vibes in the city. They highly recommend this for any of their out-of-town friends. If you're looking for something different, check out Green Street Meats for some great BBQ, High Five Ramen for some of Chicago's most coveted ramen, or Sawada Coffee located in the same alley.

Trivoli Tavern

Allison and Billy love catching an off-main-stage show at the famous Second City on date night. If you're looking for a good spot beforehand, check out Twin Anchors just around the corner for a cold martini and rack of ribs (Frank Sinatra's favorite!).

The Second City

Venture outside of the West Loop to Lincoln Park for this gem of a restaurant that blends British and Indian cuisine (and makes fantastic cocktails). Allison and Billy love it so much, they went here four times in a single month!

Armitage Alehouse

Some of the best tapas in town! Great option for brunch or dinner located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Spend an afternoon at The Art Institute of Chicago, where art, history, and architecture come together in one of the city’s most iconic museums.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Bundle up for this outdoor adventure! The Chicago River architecture tour is a must-do for first-time visitors. It’s the best way to see and learn about the city’s skyline.

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

A quintessential Chicago photo op and an easy walk from many downtown hotels.

Cloud Gate

Things To Do

Registry

Shop our registry at Crate &amp; Barrel: <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry/allison-piwowarski-and-billy-ruttenberg/r7318818" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop Now</a>

Allison & Billy

Allison & Billy

Travel

Kimpton Gray Hotel

The Hoxton, Chicago

Chicago O'Hare International Airport