The Forge

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Although we love your little ones, our venue cannot accommodate them! 

                                                                    

#IFTHESCHUDEFITS

Our Wedding

I knew Jess was a creative artsy gal and I wanted our first date to reflect that so I planned to do a wine and paint night at Bottle &amp; Bottega in Chicago. Jess had recently broken her foot prior to the date and had a cast on her leg which she chose to decoratively paint Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” on. From that point on every year for our anniversary we create something, often starry night themed. These photos are of just of our first 3, but we never miss our anniversary tradition. So far we have painted wine glasses, goblets, bowls, canvases, ornaments, and even have cut and molded glass into hanging stained glass pieces. Creativity, art, and all around fun have been a staple in our relationship since the very beginning! #iftheschudefits

Our first date 

Our Story

Dominique is Jessica’s best friend and partner in crime! They met at college in California where they share a love for animals, art, and travel! 

Dominique

Chelsea is Jessica’s cousin and is one of her favorite people! They are referred to as “the girls” by their family and all share a love of art which was passed down from their grandparents! 

Chelsea

Lexi is Jessica’s cousin and one of her favorite people!  They are referred to as “the girls” by their family and all share a love of art which was passed down from their grandparents!

Lexi

Grace is Jessica’s close friend from middle school where they used to do cheerleading together! 

Grace

Valerie is Jessica’s close friend from middle school where they used to play volleyball together! 

Valerie 

Amicua is Jessica’s close friend from highschool where they used to sew dresses together in fashion class!

Amicua 

Ava is Garrett’s niece and God-Daughter who is very important to the Bride and Groom! 

Evelyn is Garrett’s cousin, the oldest flower girl, and one of the sweetest girls we know!

Evelyn 

Ivory is the bride and groom's 10 year old toy poodle mix who travels the world with them! 

Ivory 

Vivian is Jessica’s cousin, the youngest flower girl, and is just the cutest! 

Vivian 

Ryan is Garretts oldest brother who he has always looked up to! Especially since relocating to California Ryan has been a friend, golf partner, and support system! 

Ryan

Woody is Garrett’s cousin and first best friend! They spent many summers in Grand Haven enjoying Lake Michigan!

Woody

Kyle is Garrett’s close friend since middle school! They share a love for sports including the Blackhawks and playing golf!

Kyle

Ethan is a long time friend from Maine that has also happened to live in both Illinois and California at the same time as Garrett! 

Ethan 

Josh is Garrett’s roommate from college and former tennis partner during their spare time in Florida! 

Josh 

Jason is Garrett’s close friend from childhood! They lived in Chicago at the same time after college and spent many nights celebrating the Blackhawks wins!

Jason

Eli is Garrett’s youngest nephew who is quite the  dare devil and the spitting image of the former Tom Schude! 

Leo is Garrett’s oldest nephew who loves trying any and every sport with him, including Garrett's favorite - hockey!

Leo 

Wedding Party

Featured Hotels

We do not have any hotel blocks so we recommend that you book your accommodations as soon as possible! We recommend staying in Pasadena or Glendale so we hand selected 3 hotels at varying price points in each location, which are listed below for your convenience. For a more charming experience, we also included a bed and breakfast! They're all within 15 minutes of the venue and are close to restaurants, bars, shopping, etc!

This hotel is in heart of one of California's most exciting cities, with easy access to cultural sites such as the Historic Old Town, museums, restaurants, and the Rose Bowl Stadium! Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena, in the heart of Old Pasadena, has everything you need for a SoCal getaway! This hotel is across the street from a hidden gem, Memorial Park! It’s just 7 miles from the venue and has a pool, hot tub, and fitness center! While you’re here we recommend you check out the fresh and trendy Urth Cafe as well as the unique flavors of Salt &amp; Straw ice cream!

Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town

This hotel is in heart of one of California's most exciting cities, with easy access to cultural sites such as the Historic Old Town, museums, restaurants, and the Rose Bowl Stadium! Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena, in the heart of Old Pasadena, has everything you need for a SoCal getaway! Pasadena is filled with beautiful architecture, trendy restaurants, bars, and shopping. Right across the street is the gorgeous Pasadena City Hall! This hotel is 7 miles from the venue and offers fire pits and a outdoor rooftop pool! While you’re here stroll down stairs to easily access California Pizza Kitchen, Starbucks and so much more! While in Pasadena we recommend you check out the fresh and trendy Urth Cafe as well as the unique flavors of Salt &amp; Straw ice cream!

The Westin Pasadena

This hotel is in heart of one of California's most exciting cities, with easy access to cultural sites such as the Historic Old Town, museums, restaurants, and the Rose Bowl Stadium! Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena, in the heart of Old Pasadena, has everything you need for a SoCal getaway! This hotel is 7 miles from the venue and has a pool, hot tub, and fitness center! While you’re here we recommend you check out the fresh and trendy Urth Cafe as well as the unique flavors of Salt &amp; Straw ice cream, In and Out Burger, and Afters Ice Cream!

Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel

This Bed and Breakfast is in one of the bride and grooms favorite neighborhoods in all of SoCal, South Pasadena! It’s a historic town offering restaurants, parks, and boutiques! While you’re here check out the bride and grooms favorite spots like Poke Bowl and Simplee Boba! South Pasadena is a quick drive to the venue being only 4 miles away! On your way to the venue from South Pasadena you will drive by the neighborhood of Highland park where the historical Highland Park Bowl is, the delicious Kitchen Mouse Cafe, Afters Ice Cream, and at night highland park comes to life with fun bars and speakeasy’s (go to the barber shop)! This bed and breakfast is a gem in a rare location and is sure to make you feel right at home with complimentary breakfast, happy hour, and scenic views!

Arroyo Vista Inn 

Glendale is full of life close to everything your heart desires. Glendale offer easy access to top local attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, Warner Bros Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood. It also has amazing shopping at The Americana at Brand as well as restaurants and bars. This hotel is 7 miles from the venue and includes a complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, fire pits, and outdoor&nbsp;pool! While you’re in this area we recommend you check out one of the bride and grooms favorite California chains called “Lemonade” located at one of their favorite shopping areas the Americana at Brand!

Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Glendale

Glendale is full of life close to everything your heart desires. Glendale offer easy access to top local attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, Warner Bros Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood. It also has amazing shopping at The Americana at Brand as well as restaurants and bars. This hotel is 7 miles from the venue and has a complimentary hot breakfast, fire pits and a rooftop pool! While you’re in this area we recommend you check out one of the bride and grooms favorite California chains called “Lemonade” located at one of their favorite shopping areas the Americana at Brand!

Hampton Inn and Suites Los Angeles - Glendale

Vagabond Inn - Glendale

#iftheschudefits

Accommodations

Catalina Island is a beautiful day trip departing from Long Beach California! You can take the “Catalina Express” ferry or if your up for it you can even take a helicopter! If you choose the ferry you will likely see pods of dolphins following along as you cruise to the island! When on this scenic island you will find an array of things to occupy your time such as restaurants, beaches, snorkeling, bars, a casino, an arcade, a submarine excursion, and jeep excursions which take you to the other end of the island to see wild buffalo!

Catalina Island 

Universal Studios Hollywood was a long time favorite for Jessica and Garrett! They had season passes to this amusement park and spent MANY weekends frequenting the park! Guests of all ages can find something to do at Universal! Whether you spend your day in the magical place that is Harry Potter Land or you take a ride through Jurassic Park, there is something new and fun to see! And after you are done with the park you can walk through the Universal City Walk just outside the park doors and grab dessert at the very popular “Voodoo Donut!”

Universal Studios Hollywood

Jessica and Garrett have spent many days and nights frequenting Santa Monica! They especially love to rollerblade on the path along the ocean that goes from Venice to the Santa Monica pier! Not to worry if you aren’t packing your rollerblades this trip, you can rent bikes all over Venice beach to do your own journey to Santa Monica (2.5mi). If you’re not up for biking to the pier, Santa Monica is a great activity to visit in itself! On top of Santa Monica Pier there is “Pacific Park” with amusement rides such as a Ferris wheel overlooking the ocean! There is also an arcade, restaurants, shopping, souvenirs, street performers, and at the end of the pier you will often see fisherman and local sea lions trying to steal their fish! If you decide to go to the pier make sure to grab a cone of the blue Cookie Monster ice cream and don’t forget to check out “The Original Muscle Beach” just down stairs from the pier!

Santa Monica Pier

The Griffith Observatory is a free observatory and museum overlooking the city of Los Angeles! While at the observatory you can check out the Tesla coil, learn about the cosmos, and enjoy the view! From the outdoor patio you will overlook all of Los Angeles and on a good day the ocean can even be visible in the distance! On your way out make sure to grab a photo in front of the Hollywood sign and if you’re feeling adventurous put on your hiking shoes for some fun trails just across the parking lot!

Griffith Observatory

In the land of movies and stars why not go on a studio tour? The Warner Brothers Studio tour is sure to be fun for guests of all ages! See the set of Friends, Ellen, The Big Bang Theory and so many more, as well as props from some of your favorite movies such as Batman’s The Dark Knight and the Harry Potter films! While you’re touring this historical studio you will learn about insider scoops and behind the scenes intel of how your favorite movies and tv shows come to life!

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

It wouldn’t be a trip to California without a visit to the most happy place on earth, Disneyland! Whether you are young or old, there is something for everyone at Disney! A lot of people are surprised to hear there are two separate Disney parks located in Anaheim! There is Disneyland as well as Disneyland California Adventure Park right across the street! You can purchase separate tickets to each park or a park-hopper ticket which allows you entry into both! When inside you can ride rides as well as meet your favorite characters! You can also take a stroll through downtown Disney which is free to the public and explore all of the shops and restaurants there! If you're looking for a little piece of Chicago and bite to eat, the only Portillo's in all of California is located in Anaheim as well, just outside the park!

Disneyland Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach destination away from the city while your visiting California then we recommend Malibu! Drive along the famous Pacific Coast Highway past Santa Monica until you reach Malibu! While there grab lunch and drinks at The Malibu Cafe where you can also enjoy jumbo yard games such as chess, jenga, and even play pool! When you’re done with lunch it’s time for the beach! A very special beach to Jessica and Garrett in Malibu is Leo Carrillo State Beach! This beach has everything you could want from surfers, to hermit crabs, tide pools filled with sea life, beach caves and of course beautiful seaside cliffs. Leo Carrillo is even more special because it is where Garrett proposed last July! If you stay for dinner we love Maestros Ocean Club right on the ocean, but if you’re looking for more a causal meal to end your day we recommend Dukes Malibu! And if a large meal isn’t on the itinerary before you head back to LA you can also catch the sunset, and if you’re lucky a dolphin sighting, while grabbing a drink and appetizer on the oceanfront balcony at Moonshadows Malibu!

Jessica & Garrett

Jessica & Garrett

Wedding Party