Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery

Welcome Party

Salvage One

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story began under the bright lights of the Illinois Masonic hospital. It was during a Code Blue––a patient experiencing a cardiac arrest, spurring everyone into action––that we first met. Jake, a pacemaker rep, was at the hospital to check on that patient after surgery, and Emily was the chaplain on call that afternoon. In the chaos, amidst the beeping monitors and rushed footsteps, our eyes locked, and the rest is history... Just kidding! This true story happened several months into dating, and don’t worry, the patient ended up pulling through. Instead of the “meet-cute that could have been,” our real story started with a swipe. After matching on Hinge, exchanging a few travel stories and discovering that our bucket lists were similar, we agreed to meet in person. It was a coffee date on a Friday afternoon in July on a beautiful Chicago day. Emily arrived exactly 7 min late (which Jake would come to learn is on time), bubbling with enthusiasm despite being thoroughly sleep deprived off a night shift at the hospital. She was instantly intrigued by Jake but slightly confused. She could tell he was sweet, smart, interesting... but he spent the entire date with his arms very tightly crossed. Naturally, she left thinking, “Okay, the conversation was great, but I don't think he's into me at all." She was wrong. Jake, blissfully ignorant of his stoic expression, thought the date went great and was already planning the next! Three days later they were on date number two, eating thai food and locked into a deep theological conversation. The series of dates that followed stretched from days into weeks, and weeks into months. A true miracle, as Jake and Emily had separately developed long histories of stiff-arming love interests. But the compatibility was undeniable and the evidence of God’s leading too strong. Falling in love felt effortless, like getting to know an old friend. We had found each other at last. Now the rest truly is history.

Our Story

Photos

Ashley de Ramos Stark

Russ Petit

Erica Norman

Cam Petit

Tabitha Durr

Jack Petit

Kate Luker

Cole Petit

Lilly Winiarski

Andrew Luker

Ellie Petit

Ben Luker

Maddie Petit

Josh Phua

Brian Rathunde

Bret Balmes

Wedding Party

Link: https://thehoxton.com/chicago-groups Location: The Hoxton is in the heart of the Fulton Market/West Loop neighborhood with countless restaurants, bars, and shops a short walk away. It is a 10-min walk from the CTA blueline (Grand stop) which comes directly from ORD airport. It is a 7-min drive from Salvage One. Transportation: There will be a shuttle between The Hoxton and Salvage One departing at 5:05 pm and returning at 11:30 pm. Rooms/Amenities: King bed, 230 sqft. Multiple restaurant and bar options within the hotel premises. Parking: Hotel valet parking is available for $75/night. If you are driving and looking for a more affordable option, we recommend checking Spot Hero. When to book: Before 11/25/25 to ensure the group rate!

The Hoxton, Chicago

Location: The Crowne Plaza is situated in the West Loop neighborhood. It is a 10-min drive from Salvage One. Transportation: There will be a shuttle between the Crowne Plaza and Salvage One departing at 4:40 pm and returning at 11:30 pm. Rooms/Amenities: King bed or two double beds, standard size. Parking: Hotel parking is available for $54/night. If you are driving and looking for a more affordable option, we recommend checking Spot Hero. When to book: Before 12/3/25 to ensure the group rate!

Emily & Jake

Emily & Jake

Travel

The Hoxton, Chicago

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG