Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Wedding Parade

Cocktail Hour

Our Wedding

Jasmine, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, made the leap to Chicago in September 2017. Meanwhile, Aaron had already been calling the city home since 2013, having moved from Madison, WI. It didn’t take long for their paths to cross—and once they did, a spark of friendship was lit almost instantly. Jasmine was drawn to Aaron’s fun-loving spirit and how effortlessly easy he was to talk to. Aaron, on the other hand, quickly found himself laughing at Jasmine’s sharp wit and contagious humor. They bonded over silly memes, inside jokes, late-night convos, and a shared love of movies and game nights. What started as a friendship built on laughter soon deepened into something more. The turning point came one summer during a camping trip with friends in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. One unforgettable night, under the glowing streaks of the Perseids meteor shower, they lay beneath the stars and opened up to each other in a way they never had before. With the sky ablaze above them, their hearts did the same. A few weeks later, on August 30th, 2018, Aaron asked Jasmine to be his girlfriend—and of course, she said yes. Over the years, their love has only grown deeper. Through every season, they’ve nurtured their relationship with faith, laughter, and unwavering support for one another—always keeping Jesus at the center. One sweet memory from early in their relationship happened over takeout Chinese food. As they cracked open fortune cookies, Aaron’s read:“Stop searching forever, happiness is just next to you.”At the time, Jasmine thought it was a cute, if cheesy, little message. What she didn’t know was that Aaron tucked it away, quietly saving it. Nearly seven years later, on April 12th, 2025, Aaron pulled out that same fortune—weathered but intact—and with love in his eyes and joy in his heart, he asked Jasmine,“Will you marry me?”With tears, laughter, and a heart full of peace, she said yes—knowing she had found her forever.

From Friendship to Forever

Our Story

Photos

Leidy is Jasmine’s big sister and built-in best friend. From childhood adventures to adult heart-to-hearts, she's been a constant source of love, strength, and laughter. Jasmine couldn’t imagine this day without her by her side.

Leidy Valdez

Michelle is Jasmine’s little sister and forever partner-in-crime. With her big heart and fun spirit, she’s been there for every milestone—and plenty of inside jokes along the way. Jasmine is so excited to have her standing beside her on this special day.

Michelle Benitez

Kassandra and Jasmine met at church and quickly became close friends, eventually becoming roommates and sharing countless late-night talks, laughs, and life moments. She’s been a true sister in faith and friendship, and Jasmine is so thankful to have her by her side on this special day.

Kassandra Kenner

Jamila and Jasmine met at church and instantly connected through their shared humor, heart, and faith. Over the years, their friendship has grown into something truly special—full of encouragement, deep talks, and joyful memories. Jasmine is so excited to have her standing with her on such a meaningful day.

Jamila Del Raso

Alexis and Jasmine share a beautiful, spirit-led friendship that has been a source of encouragement, prayer, and deep connection. From the very beginning, their bond has felt intentional and God-given. Jasmine is honored to have Alexis by her side to celebrate this next chapter.

Alexis Burr

Abigail is Aaron’s younger sister, but over the years she’s also become one of Jasmine’s closest friends and former roommate. Their bond is full of laughter, heart, and mutual love for Aaron (of course!). Jasmine is so grateful to have gained not just a sister-in-law, but a lifelong friend.

Abigail Davis

Miriam is the kind of friend who brings wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support wherever she goes. She’s been a trusted confidant and favorite travel buddy—always down for an adventure and a deep conversation. Jasmine is beyond thankful to have her by her side on this joyful day.

Miriam Perez

Chantal is the kind of friend who creates space for authenticity, grace, and unconditional love. With her, Jasmine feels completely safe to be her truest self—no masks, no judgment, just real friendship. She’s been a steady presence through life’s highs and lows, and Jasmine is so thankful to have her beside her on this special day.

Chantal Austin

A tried and true brother in every sense of the word— Trevor is Aaron’s greatest confidant. Their brotherhood has been refined by a lifetime of adventure— from skateboarding and gaming to filmmaking and traveling. Aaron looks up to his younger brother (literally) and his example of resilience in adversity, creativity that pushes boundaries, and a mind that challenges the status quo.

Trevor Legg

Even before becoming stuck with Aaron for life by marrying his sister Abby… Daniel has been one of Aaron’s most consistent and fun friends, not to mention the record holder for “longest couch surfer” of Aaron’s couch. Daniel offers no shortage of intriguing conversation topics and amusing life commentary to Aaron’s life. Accompanied by their SOs, there lays ahead a lifetime of roadside attractions to explore, games to conquer, people to roast, and memories to make.

Daniel Davis

When Ross moved to Chicago and needed a place to live, happenstance led him to become Aaron’s roommate which easily evolved into a solid friendship. Ross is one of the best listeners and most encouraging guys Aaron has known— always ready with a kind word and always down to spend some quality time. Many more good movies, good food, and good discussion are sure to come.

Ross Connors

Miles is one of Aaron’s Chicago OGs, connecting through church and remaining a wing man for all things tech, gaming, and Star Wars. Miles has introduced Aaron to some of Chicago’s staple eats like Checkers and Sharks Fish & Chicken which he can no longer live without. With all the times he and his wife Kassie have cared for Aaron and Jasmine and given so generously, Aaron will always be deeply grateful.

Miles Kenner

Nick and Aaron connect on a truly unique level— indulging in the absurd humor of Tim & Eric Awesome Show as well as the manic years-long pursuit of beating an evil silverback gorilla in a zombie video game. Nick also holds the distinct honor of making Aaron laugh harder than he has in recent memory. Skating together, rooming together, and now navigating new chapters of life together, Aaron is grateful for their goofy and meaningful friendship.

Nicholas Thompson

Rob has that chill and authentic vibe about him that allowed a friendship to form so naturally with Aaron. Once they became roommates, they bonded over tacos and Star Wars as they navigated their early careers as well as their spiritual journeys— with many o’ nights discussing life, faith, and convictions. Aaron looks to Rob as one of the most steadfast Godly men in his life.

Robert Del Raso

An A1 since day 1— Jay is one of Aaron’s most loyal and time-tested friends, being one of Aaron’s very first roommates when moving to Chicago and remaining one of his closest dudes. Aaron feels a level of trust and respect with Jay that he has not easily found in long friendships. Throw in some Key & Peele references and a beef pizza puff, and it’s automatically a good time. Tuck it in there, doig. 

Jaylon Harrison

Josh is as solid as they come— trustworthy, easy going, and a great listening ear for Aaron through the years. He makes his friendship uncomplicated and he has no shortage of life advice and perspective to share when Aaron is going through it. He and his wife Katie have been such fun friends and an invaluable resource for relationship advice and guidance for Aaron and Jasmine.

Josh Tabor

A man of many hobbies and a geek at heart— Stephen shares in Aaron’s love of Lord of the Rings, convoluted board games, and a good brew. He and his wife Liza have been great friends for Aaron and Jasmine to laugh with, catch a Cubs game with, and escape a room with. Equally knowledgable and well-spoken as he his fun and easy going, they couldn’t have asked for a better friend to marry them!

Stephen Whetzel

Wedding Party

Q + A

If you're coming in from out of town—first of all,&nbsp;thank you&nbsp;for making the trip to celebrate with us!We recommend two great options for accommodations: If you’re arriving early or planning to extend your stay, we suggest staying in&nbsp;Chicago&nbsp;to take full advantage of all the incredible restaurants, museums, parks, and lakefront views the city has to offer. If you go this route, we recommend&nbsp;renting a car for the day of the wedding&nbsp;so you can easily make it out to the venue in the suburbs. Just be sure to factor in&nbsp;Labor Day weekend traffic&nbsp;when planning your travel time! If you prefer a quieter stay or want to avoid city traffic, consider booking a hotel or Airbnb closer to the venue in the suburbs. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to keep things simple and be just a few minutes from the celebration. Whether you’re soaking up city vibes or enjoying the charm of the suburbs, there’s no shortage of classic Midwest experiences to enjoy while you’re here!

Travel

Whether it’s your first time in Chicago or your fiftieth, there’s always something magical happening in the city—especially over Labor Day weekend. If you’re planning to arrive early or extend your stay, here are some fun ways to soak it all in:🎡 Navy Pier &amp; FireworksA classic for a reason! Enjoy lake views, food vendors, rides, and a spectacular&nbsp;Labor Day fireworks show&nbsp;to top it all off.🖼️ Museum HoppingVisit world-class spots like the&nbsp;Art Institute of Chicago,&nbsp;Field Museum,&nbsp;Museum of Science and Industry, or&nbsp;Shedd Aquarium. Perfect for a rainy day or an AC break.🌆 Riverwalk Strolls &amp; Boat ToursWander along the scenic&nbsp;Chicago Riverwalk—lined with cafes, bars, and public art—or hop on a&nbsp;boat tour&nbsp;for stunning architecture views.🎶 Live Music &amp; FestivalsCheck out free music events like&nbsp;Chicago Jazz Festival&nbsp;in Millennium Park, or catch a concert at venues like&nbsp;Thalia Hall&nbsp;or&nbsp;The Salt Shed.🍕 Deep Dish &amp; Local EatsYou’ve got to try Chicago-style deep dish (we love&nbsp;Lou Malnati’s&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pequod’s)—but don’t stop there! Explore the city’s incredible Mexican food, hot dog joints, and vibrant food halls like&nbsp;Time Out Market.🏖️ Beach Day &amp; Lakefront TrailRelax at&nbsp;North Avenue Beach&nbsp;or rent bikes and cruise along the&nbsp;Lakefront Trail&nbsp;for unbeatable skyline views.🌿 Hidden GemsEscape the crowds at the peaceful&nbsp;Garfield Park Conservatory&nbsp;or wander through&nbsp;Lincoln Park Zoo—both are free and full of charm.🛍️ Shop LocalBrowse the indie shops, bookstores, and vintage finds in neighborhoods like&nbsp;Wicker Park,&nbsp;Andersonville, or&nbsp;Logan Square.🍦 Cool Off with a TreatGrab a paleta, horchata, or elote from a neighborhood spot like&nbsp;La Michoacana&nbsp;for a sweet nod to our wedding theme! If you’re staying closer to the venue, there’s still plenty to see and do! The suburbs around&nbsp;East Dundee, IL&nbsp;offer small-town charm, scenic nature, and cozy Midwest vibes—perfect for a relaxing Labor Day weekend.🌳 Explore Downtown East DundeeTake a stroll through the charming downtown area with local shops, coffee spots, and family-owned restaurants. Grab a drink at&nbsp;Mockingbird Bar + Garden&nbsp;or unwind on a patio at&nbsp;Bleuroot&nbsp;overlooking the Fox River.🚲 Fox River TrailRent a bike or take a walk along the scenic&nbsp;Fox River Trail, which winds through forest preserves, river views, and picturesque small towns.🛍️ Spring Hill Mall &amp; Local ShoppingLooking for something low-key? Swing by&nbsp;Spring Hill Mall&nbsp;in nearby West Dundee, or check out local boutiques and antique stores in the area.🍺 Craft Breweries &amp; Coffee ShopsPop into&nbsp;Black &amp; Gray Brewing Co.,&nbsp;Emmett’s Brewing Co., or&nbsp;Around the Bend Brewery&nbsp;for a local pour. For coffee lovers,&nbsp;Eastside Café&nbsp;or&nbsp;Craft Donuts + Coffee&nbsp;is a great way to start the morning.🌼 Farmers Markets &amp; FestivitiesEast Dundee hosts a&nbsp;Saturday morning farmers market&nbsp;with fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors—perfect for a lazy morning browse.🎡 Classic Midwest FunDrive 15–20 minutes to visit&nbsp;Santa’s Village Amusement &amp; Water Park&nbsp;(yes, it’s Christmas-themed year-round!) or check out a drive-in movie at the nearby&nbsp;Cascade Drive-In&nbsp;in West Chicago.🌞 Outdoor AdventuresSpend a little time in nature at&nbsp;Raceway Woods Forest Preserve&nbsp;or&nbsp;Fox River Shores, both great for a casual hike or picnic.🍦 Sweet Treats &amp; Local EatsCool off with ice cream from&nbsp;Van’s Frozen Custard, grab a burger from&nbsp;Aliano’s, or enjoy some casual Mexican food from&nbsp;El Molino&nbsp;or&nbsp;Taqueria El Tio—a fun local tie-in to our wedding theme!

Jasmine & Aaron

Jasmine & Aaron

J&A

Wedding Day

3:00 PM–3:30 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM–9:30 PM

Reception

3:30 PM–4:00 PM

Wedding Parade

4:00 PM–5:00 PM

Cocktail Hour