Ignite Glass Studios

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

It was Fall of 2013, Erin was on her phone, and wouldn't you know it, somewhere within a 2 mile radius, Chris was also on his phone. Erin swiped right, Chris swiped right, and then those three magical words flashed across their screens, "It's a Match!" On 10/10/13 at 10:49 a.m. Chris sent Erin what would be the first of many messages, "Hey Erin, how's it going? Looks like you're a runner. What race are you at in your profile pic?" At 2:12 p.m. Erin responded. They continued to chat for the next few days mostly about races, their recent trips to wine country, and preparing for the Chicago Marathon they had coming up just 3 days away. Chris, intrigued by Erin's witty banter, and maybe impressed by her sub 4:30 (eye roll) marathon time asked her to South Branch for a meet up. Chris walked over to South Branch excited for a first date with a sexy triathlete who owns her own business and sounds like a lot of fun. When he saw her text that she was running late, he didn't sweat it. It was clear she was rushing to get out of work, and it means she must be excited too. He asked what her favorite drink was so it could be ready and waiting when she got there.Erin arrived (not even that late) and the night was a success. Although, as Chris remembers it, he wasn't sure Erin had as good a time as he did, so he was pretty nervous to call her for a second date...Clearly, the meet-up was a success because Chris called Erin the next day and asked her out on an official date. Erin was not only impressed that he called (over sending a text), but also that he already made a reservation at a mom &amp; pop byob restaurant, which Erin had told him the day before was her favorite kind. Fast forward to that Sunday afternoon before the official first date, "Beep", message flashes across Erin's phone, "Hey Erin! I'm looking forward to dinner. I'm actually going to be coming from Lincoln Park, so if you don't mind riding a motorcycle, I can pick you up on my way." Erin, thinks, "A motorcycle? Was this guy just pretending to be a nerd at the bar? Should I cancel? Is this safe?" After texting a series of friends, and what they now joke to be the longest it has ever taken Erin to respond to one of Chris's texts, she decides to play it cool, "That sounds good. Gonna be a first timer." From the first date, came a second, and third, and fourth, Chris continued to plan more and more clever dates. For the next 3.5 years they would train and race together, travel the united states, eat their way through the West Loop, and sample every donut known to man. And then on December 31st, 2016 on a mountaintop at Kunde Winery, Chris popped the question! Erin said yes, and that brings us here to their wedding page! If you made it through this entire story congrats and welcome! Erin and Chris look forward to continuing their story and celebrating with all of you at their wedding.

How We Met Each Other

Our Story

Places to Eat/Drink

Little Goat Diner

One of Stephanie Izard's many concept in Chicago. This cute, modern diner in the West Loop serves up gourmet comfort food (and breakfast all day), and hits the spot after a night on the town.

Molly's Cupcakes, 419 E Illinois St Suite #120, Chicago, IL

If you are looking for a sweet treat, check out Molly's cakes, just an 8-minute walk from the W Hotel (12-minute walk from the Gwen). The bride and groom's favorite is Cookie Monster (and malted chocolate when they have it!).

Donuts, Donuts, Donuts and More Donuts!

There are so many good donut shops in Chicago, but our top four are Doughnut Vault, Glazed &amp; Infused, Do-Rite, and West Town Bakery (specifically the doussant). We recommend getting one from each and saving them for the morning after the wedding, thank us later!

Breweries

If beer is your thing then Chicago is a great place to be. None of the breweries will be walking distance, but they are all a short cab or train ride away. Here are a couple of our favorite to visit: - Revolution Brewery (kinda hipster, great vibe, good food, some of our favorite beers)- Lagunitas (the biggest, cool tap room overlooking the brewing, furthest from downtown) - Haymarket (most bar like of the three and the closest, great place to drink on the patio or watch a game)You can also find great locally brewed beers at most bars. Some of our favorites brews are Off Color Brewing - Apex Predator, Revolution - Anti-Hero and Revolution - Eugene Porter.

Favorite Beer Gardens

Kaiser Tiger, The Dawson, and Parlor Pizza - West Loop are all fun spots to grab a drink if the weather is nice, you can't go wrong with the food either.

Great Rooftop Bars

Drumbar, Cindy's Rooftop, Raised and Bernie's Lunch and Supper are all great rooftop bars. Of course, if you are staying at the Gwen, they also have an amazing rooftop.

Chicago Pizza

For deep dish, check out Lou Malnati's. For thin crust, Pizano's is the way to go. They both deliver, so we won't judge you if you decide to order from both. :)

Quartino

Quartino is an urban Chicago Italian restaurant and wine bar, and it has a cute outdoor patio in the summer. It's just a short walk from the Gwen.

Del Seoul

If you find yourself in Lincoln Park, then this place is worth the visit. It's amazing Korean BBQ for under $10pp. Bride favorites are a shrimp taco, a fish taco and the gamja fries.

Beatrix

This restaurant is a short walk from the W Hotel. It's a great spot for coffee/tea or grab and go breakfast. They also have a delicious sit-down brunch, if that's what you're looking for.

The Purple Pig

The is a cute spot right next to the Gwen, and it's great for happy hour. Come here if you are looking for; well, like the sign says, cheese, wine and swine.

Pamper Yourself

Blowtique, Shops at North Bridge

This blowdry bar is conveniently located in the mall attached to the Gwen Hotel.

DryBar, 755 North Wells

A blowdry bar, a short walk from either hotel. Blowouts start at $40.

Healthy Zu, 120 North Halsted

This is a short cab ride from either hotel, but totally worth it for their $28, 60 minute reflexology massage. Don't be fooled by their modest exterior, it's an amazing value. They take same day appointments and walk-ins.

Mario Tricoci, 900 North Michigan Avenue

A great full service hair salon and day spa just a short walk from either hotel.

Glowout Salon

This salon is a short cab ride from either hotel. It's a super cute female owned business. Great place to go for a tan, blowout or braid. http://www.glowoutsalon.com/chicago/

Goldplaited, 2803 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL

Offers high quality blowout, makeup and updo services just a short cab ride from either hotel.

Details

Jessica Johnson

Kelly Sloan

Lia Johnson

Charlotte Leslie

Ashlan Johnson

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Room blocks are available from Friday, September 1st to Monday, September 4th. To make a reservation for the Sloan/Marshall wedding block, please click here <a href="https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/sloanmarshall" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/sloanmarshall&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1486848799722000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEzeOTQLRxC6le2pSHM7-IDP2KARA">Sloan-Marshall Wedding Block</a> or call 312-943-9200. Reservations must be made by August 2nd to receive the group rate (starting at $179/night). The bride and groom will be staying at this hotel. It is located on Lake Shore Drive, just steps away from Ohio Street Beach. The hotel is reccomended to anyone looking for breathtaking views and a kid-friendly option as the hotel also has an indoor heated pool with outdoor terrace. UPDATE: As of 7/12/17 more rooms were added to this room block. If you'd like to stay here and can't get a room, please email Erin at ecsloan@gmail.com.

W Chicago - Lakeshore

Traveling To/From O'Hare

Traveling To/From Midway

Room blocks are available from Saturday, September 2nd to Monday, September 4th. However, the rate will also be honored on 3 days prior and 3 days after. To make a reservation for the Sloan/Marshall wedding block, please click here <a href="https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1702130752&amp;key=FFF5993" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id%3D1702130752%26key%3DFFF5993&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1487185543561000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEFyaWXdQX44d5jtwh61SliXEGvSA">Sloan/Marshall Wedding Room Block</a> or call <a href="tel:(888)%20627-7039" value="+18886277039" target="_blank">1-888-627-7039</a>. Reservations must be made by August 2nd to receive the group rate (starting at $159/night). This hotel is located just steps from Michigan Avenue and is inside The Shops at North Bridge. It's in a convenient location, in the middle of everything, and has a cute rooftop bar.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago

Travel

A beach located directly across from the W Hotel. If you like open water swimming, there is a swim rope and a buoy that marks the 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile mark.

Ohio Street Beach

If you jump on the lakefront path and head north, first you'll hit Oak Street Beach and then North Avenue Beach. North Avenue Beach is a place to see and be seen in the summer. They have the famous Castaway Bar and live bands playing most Saturdays during the summer. (The drinks are always poorly iced and the food pretty mediocre, you definitely just go for the experience.) But there are also lots of fun beach activities, like volleyball, kayaking, jet skis and more.

North Avenue Beach

If you haven't been here before, it's worth the half mile walk from the W Hotel (mile walk from the Gwen maybe not as worth it) to just check it out and take pictures. It is definitely a tourist trap, but great if you have young kids. The main attractions are the boat rides/tours, ferris wheel, children's musuem, and mini golf. If you do go, fear not, they also have a beer garden.

Navy Pier

Join us on Saturday, September 2nd from 8:30-10:00 p.m. in the <a href="http://www.wchicago-lakeshore.com/directions" target="_blank" data-link-type="web">Living Room Bar at the W Hotel Lakeshore</a>. Around 10:00 p.m. we will relocate with our beverages to the Wet Deck and watch the Navy Pier fireworks.

Saturday Night Fireworks 

A 15-minute walk from the W Hotel and a 3-minute walk from the Gwen. Chef Mario Batali's sprawling, modern outpost featuring a range of Italian eateries &amp; food markets. Great place to grab some wine and cheese to enjoy back on the terrace of either hotel.

Eataly

This is a 90-minute architechural boat tour that offers amazing views and history of Chicago. If you haven't done it before, it's highly recommended. Locals enjoy this just as much as new comers to the city.

Shoreline Sightseeing

Join the bride on Sunday, September 3rd from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. for yoga on the <a href="http://www.wchicago-lakeshore.com/directions" target="_blank" data-link-type="web">Wet Deck of the W Lakeshore</a>, taught by the bride's sister and yoga instructor, Kelly Sloan. Towels, mats, and water will be provided, but if you are local, please feel free to BYOM. Please note, if raining, class will be taught inside.

Sunday Morning Yoga

The Chicago Riverwalk is an open, pedestrian waterfront located on the south bank of the Chicago River. It's a great place to get in your steps and then stop in City Winery for a glass of wine or Tiny Hatt for a quick bite. The Riverwalk just opened last year and if you want a quick tour of the city, or go for a jog, you can follow it through downtown until it connects with the lakefront path.

Chicago Riverwalk