Wedding Day

Assumption Catholic Church

Ceremony

Odyssey Chicago River Cruise

RECEPTION

Our Wedding

﻿Like many modern couples, Charlene and Blake met on Hinge, however, their origin story has an “old school” twist.&nbsp;When they matched in November 2020, Blake was spending extended time in Arizona, and he was not set to return to Chicago for a few weeks.&nbsp;Despite the distance, Blake was eager to get to know Charlene and he chivalrously suggested they talk on the phone to keep the momentum going.&nbsp;To both of their surprises, their first phone call lasted well over an hour full of genuine connection, smiles, and laughs.&nbsp;Without missing a beat, these long phone calls continued until Blake returned in December, and they had a great first date over cocktails and appetizers at Gussie’s in Old Town.&nbsp;Charlene and Blake knew they found something special when their third date lasted over eleven hours!&nbsp;Charlene invited Blake to her Gold Coast apartment for a casual Sunday brunch, but the day naturally unfolded with a long stroll through Lincoln Park, beers and football at Ranali’s, holiday shopping on Armitage Street, Lou Malnati’s for dinner, and a Christmas movie to end the night.&nbsp;They quickly realized how much they loved spending time together, and as the old saying goes “the rest is history!”.Since then, Charlene &amp; Blake have enjoyed everyday life and some exciting adventures like horseback riding in Arizona, adoring the Southern charm of Charleston, sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, snorkeling in West Palm Beach, museum hopping in Washington D.C., eating Italian cuisine in Boston’s Northend, and snowmobiling in Vermont.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blake proposed to Charlene on the evening of Saturday, January 4,&nbsp;2025.&nbsp;He surprised her with a staycation at the St. Regis and asked to marry her along the Chicago River while taking a walk before dinner.&nbsp;The couple enjoyed having a quiet and emotional moment to themselves before celebrating at Tavern on Rush with a nice bottle of Dom Perignon champagne and a very excited wait staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charlene and Blake are thankful for the support of their family and friends, and they look forward to sharing their special day with you on September 6, 2025!

Our Story

Photos

Maid of Honor

Matron of Honor

Best Man

Usher

Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hotel Room Blocks

The "WEBSITE" tab below will take you directly to our room block! The room block opens to the public on August 8th. Please make your reservation before then.

SHERATON GRAND CHICAGO RIVERWALK

The "WEBSITE" tab below will take you directly to our room block! The room block opens to the public on August 14th. Please make your reservation before then.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile

Hotel Accomodations

From recreation to relaxation &amp; entertainment to education, Navy Pier offers activities &amp; experiences for all.

Navy Pier

Enjoy an unforgettable visit to LondonHouse, where the city’s vibrant lights and energy set the scene. LH Rooftop, one of Chicago’s top open-air bars, offers signature cocktails, elevated dining, and a lively atmosphere until midnight daily,

LH Rooftop

Visit the world's larget Starbucks on the Megnificent Mile which includes 5 sprawling stories of coffee, bakeries, Italian dining, and a rooftop cocktail bar.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Play dynamic tech-enabled Social&nbsp;Darts® while enjoying elevated food and beverages.

Flight Club Chicago

Satisfy your sweet tooth by enjoying limitless ice cream while wandering through 14 magical playscapes! Great for kids and kids at heart.

Charlene & Blake

Charlene & Blake

Registry