Avli on The Park

Elopement Celebration

Ceremony

Lottie's Pub

After Party

Our Wedding

We met just a day before Chicago went into lockdown from the COVID pandemic and began our dating story by staying quarantined together.&nbsp;While the initial dating process is typically filled with awkward first dates at restaurants or bars, we got to know each other quickly over home cooked meals and deep conversations that usually come much later in the dating process.&nbsp;Long walks in the empty streets of downtown Chicago, board games, virtual cooking classes and an array of Netflix shows were the extent of our dates, with no interruptions or distractions from getting to know one other. As Chicago slowly opened, we learned each other's social personalities, met friends and had a few outdoor adventures including hikes, outdoor concerts, boating with the family, camping and introducing the pups (Pax, Walter and Clyde).&nbsp; The engagement led to nuptials at City Hall in downtown Chicago.&nbsp;We were one of countless couples, dressed up from full&nbsp;wedding dresses &amp; tuxedos to track suits and Hawaiian print outfits.&nbsp;Our ceremony was performed with one guest each and fully masked after waiting in a 3 ½ hour line on a cold and rainy spring day.&nbsp;We met a couple friends for brunch after and then celebrated with our parents a couple weeks later. Today, the adventure continues with dining out, concerts, long walks with the dogs (Pepper as the new addition), sipping cocktails on outdoor patios in the summer, camping and the list continues.&nbsp; Next up, celebrating our elopement with our friends &amp; family, from near and far. We can't wait to celebrate with you all!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Must book by 8/2/23 to receive the block rate. Please click below to book a room directly. There are other great hotels in the area or feel free to look at airbnb options!

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North

Travel

Fresh, healthy, light and absolutely delicious! Where Tyler and I met friends after City Hall!

Beatrix

BBQ and live music! Fun downtown, casual spot with a line that starts around 9:30pm on the weekend.

Bub City

Mediterranean fare by Top Chef contestant CJ Jacobsen. Beautiful space with delicious food, connected to the hotel in the block.

Stroll along the Chicago River on the Riverwalk, while stopping for a nice cool beverage or bite to eat.  

Take a river architectural tour! One of the coolest attractions in Chicago! You can find discounted rates on Groupon if you plan in advance.

Shoreline Sightseeing

Sip on wine or draft beer at the bar next door on the River Walk! Great sight seeing and perfect location!

City Winery Riverwalk

Guided kayak tours &amp; rentals along the Chicago River!

Cantina at Urban Kayaks

A Chicago landmark! Italian beef, shakes, cheese fries, hot dogs, burgers, salads and more!

Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

Arguably one of the best pizzas in Chicago! You can also try Giordano's on Rush &amp; Superior.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Two stories of food &amp; wine including restaurants, a market, bars and more!

Eataly

If you're not staying downtown but in Bucktown or Wicker Park, take a stroll on the Bloomingdale Trail, also known as the 606. It is Chicago's version of NYC's High Line. They landscaped and paved abandon railroad tracks for locals to walk dogs, run, bike, etc.

Bloomingdale Trail Park

One of the many highlights of the summer in Chicago is the lakefront! Lakefront bike path and numerous beaches! Our favorites are Oak Street Beach &amp; Ohio Street Beach!

Jen & Tyler

Jen & Tyler

J&T

Elopement Celebration

After Party