Welcome Party

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Wedding Day

Eagle Ridge Point Patio

Ceremony

Eagle Ridge Ballroom

Cocktail hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Before we get into the details of how we got here, we first must meet our characters. Julie Germaine Conrad was a sweet and independent little girl, destined to take on the world and care for others with her oversized heart. Julie’s early years spent camping in her backyard and at Camp Ondessonk fostered her adventurous spirit and love for nature. A star pupil in the classroom, she spent much of her adolescence bouncing from swim meets to musical practice to math competitions. Luckily for Lucas, her high school successes would lead her to Vanderbilt. Lucas James Wesoloski was considered, for lack of a better term (and to his older brother’s dismay), the “Golden Child.” As a playful and joyous young boy, his battle with leukemia instilled an appreciation for life that encouraged him to enjoy it all. Trying everything from baseball to ukulele, Luc most enjoyed competing in Speech Team and volunteering throughout his high school career. A summer engineering program at Vanderbilt would help him find his dream college— and that is where our story begins.

Chapter 1: Character Development

Julie and Lucas, despite both majoring in Neuroscience, would not meet until their sophomore year of college. Julie spent her first couple of years hanging with her Pi Phi friends, working as a lifeguard, and doing research on autism. Luc spent these years learning (barely) to play rugby, winning rec league basketball championships, and babysitting freshmen as a Residential Advisor. Luckily, their passion to serve others lead them both to volunteer for an organization called Camp Kesem. Luc had already spent a summer at Kesem— a free, weeklong summer camp for children whose parents battled cancer— when Julie joined as a counselor. Luc, affectionately known at camp by his camp name ‘Flubber,’ would get to know Julie (aka ‘Digit’) over the week of camp and in counselor training sessions the semester before. Perhaps it was their campers who knew first of their future as a couple, because the duo was shipped and given the celebrity couple name ‘Fligit’— which we all have to agree flows better than Brangelina or Bennifer. Even though Digit studied abroad the first semester after meeting Flubber, their connection from Kesem would lead to a first date upon her return at Luc’s favorite coffee shop in Nashville— The Frothy Monkey. The two continued on the second half of their junior year spending a ton of time together. Whether they were nerding out in the biomedical library until 3am studying or taking hikes all over Tennessee, the two were practically inseparable. They found comfort in how they balanced yet challenged one another, and it was not long until “Fligit” became official in April of 2017.

Chapter 2: Fligit is Born

About mid-way through their senior year at Vanderbilt, Julie and Lucas knew they were bound for their next adventure. They both dropped their black &amp; gold for some red &amp; blue as they set out for the University of Illinois at Chicago— Julie for medical school, and Luc to get his Master’s in nursing. While living close to campus in Little Italy, the two continued their studies while exploring a relatively familiar city in their free time. Chicago meant new explorations, new friends, and new…. one-eyed furry pets. The couple turned trio, with the addition of their adopted kitty, Mack (named after Khalil Mack - Go Bears!), would eventually move from the west side to the north side. Although it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows (i.e. global pandemic, traumatic car accident, etc.), Luc’s new dream job as a Hematology/Oncology nurse on the unit where he received treatment as a child provided a much needed boost of positivity for the couple. Not long after all of that, Fligit would make things a littttttle more official.

Chapter 3: Music City ✈️ Chicago

Towards the end of Julie’s four years of medical school, Luc budged and let her adopt another furry friend named Jinora. As the couple prepared for the ominous Match Day, where they would find out if they’d be moving to a new city for Julie’s four years of a Med-Peds residency, Luc secretly planned how he would get down on one knee. A short walk from their apartment sat a wonderful restaurant called North Pond. Many of Luc & Julie’s walks would lead them to the North Pond restaurant, which sits at the head of the pond for that it is so affectionately named. Even though Julie tried her best to uncover when the proposal would be, Luc’s acting skills remained strong when the couple went for a delectable brunch one Sunday morning. After brunch, Luc would lead Julie to a lookout area on the edge of the pond. With their city skyline in the background and a few inches of the past night’s snow beneath their feet, Lucas got down on one knee. Spoiler alert… Julie said “YES” to marrying Lucas. Or so he remembers, because if you ask Lucas, he will tell you he blacked out for a little bit. But that’s besides the point. Now, if you are committed to making it this far in the story, you are probably well-acquainted to this soon-to-be married couple’s love for each other. Luc and Julie are ecstatic to see you at their wedding, at a place that is so special to them. This story will begin an exciting new chapter on September 9th, 2023 & the bride and groom expect you all to bring your dancing shoes.

Chapter 4: The Proposal

Being the eager beavers that Lucas and Julie are, they completed this website many months ago and have some life updates to share for anyone reading before the Big Day. The biggest update is that their sweet cat Mack passed away in April 2023, and they welcomed another furry friend (Nellie) into their life in May of 2023.Also, their 2009 Honda Pilot decided to give up on September 3rd. Yes - 6 days before the wedding! So if you so choose to contribute to the "New Car Fund", you will be helping them pay off their new Mazda CX-5!

2023 updates

Our Story

Wedding Party

Landon Conrad

Emma Morris

Seda Klachko

Brooke Rogerson

Claire Wilson

Zacary Wesoloski

Sam Edwards

Wes Gordon

Monica Reyes

Zach Harris

Note to friends and family:

September is the busy season for Galena and Eagle Ridge as it is prime time to golf. If you know you would like to attend the wedding, please consider booking accommodations ASAP to ensure you have the best pick of available options. We promise you will not regret vacationing in Galena!

We highly encourage all guests to reserve accommodations through Eagle Ridge, as there will be free shuttle transportation for all guests who stay within the Eagle Ridge Territory. Please take note that there is a 2 night minimum stay in order to reserve a room / cabin through our wedding block. This is typical for Galena from August-October since it is their busy season. We are hopeful that our guests will make a fun weekend to explore Galena, our favorite place in the world! In order to reserve your room, please call the Reservations office at 800-892-2269 and state you are with the Conrad/Wesoloski Wedding or Group #6983WO. Reservations must be made over the phone through the Reservations office in order to be in our block and receive the discounted rates. Reservations made individually online will not be included in the wedding block. Reservations must be made by August 9th, 2023, but we highly recommend booking rooms further in advance. For the most convenient stay, we would recommend a courtyard room. The courtyard is attached to the wedding venue, so you can walk (...or stumble!) home when the night is over. The villas and distinctive homes are available for larger groups traveling together, but they are not attached to the venue so will require about a short drive (5-10 minutes). The complementary shuttle service will be available for anyone staying in a villa or distinctive home in the territory.

Note: accommodations with a hot tub are available for a $95 per night surcharge!

We also have a room block at The Ramada by Wyndham Galena Hotel and Day Spa. This hotel is a relatively new hotel in the area, but it also will have a 2-night minimum due to the busy season. The Ramada is located about a 15 minute drive from the venue, right next to the Palace Campgrounds. Although we do recommend staying within the Eagle Ridge Territory, we understand the desire for multiple options. Please note that you will have to provide your own transportation to and from the hotel if you choose to stay here. Reservations must be made by 8/8/23. Please visit the link below to make a reservation in our hotel block:

Ramada by Wyndham Galena Hotel & Day Spa

For our more adventurous guests with RVs or Campers, Palace Campgrounds is a popular camping site located about a 15 minute drive from the venue. Please see the website above and use the "Reservations" tab to reserve your space.

Palace Campgrounds

There are plenty of options available in and around the Eagle Ridge Territory on the Airbnb (and Vrbo) website. Although separate from our block rate, by talking to your friends and family about sharing a cabin, you could find some unique and affordable options if you plan ahead. Just go to airbnb.com to explore some fun options!

Airbnb

Travel & Lodging

Q + A

Food & Drink

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. distills and produces fine spirits in the heart of Galena, Illinois — a town steeped in distilling history. Take a tour of the distillery, try the best Old Fashioned in town, or just hang out and play some games in their lounge. Open from 10am-10pm Friday &amp; Saturday.

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

Either swing by their multi-story location downtown or stroll through the vineyard just a skip and a jump from the Eagle Ridge Territory to try one of their 30 wine varieties. Julie recommends the Frontenac Gris Rosé while Lucas prefers the much sweeter Señor Sangria!

Galena Cellars Winery

Highlands Restaurant and Lounge 289 is a casual, friendly space offering locally sourced&nbsp;ingredients, house made specialty drinks and views overlooking The Galena Territory that are stunning.

Highlands Restaurant

Vinny Vanucchi's will welcome you with open arms and make you feel like part of the familia. Perched halfway up a charming cobblestone street at the intersection of Washington and Main streets, this Galena restaurant features 4 distinctive dining areas including a Bistro and an outdoor Cappuccino Garden. This is one of Julie and Lucas's favorite spots in town!

Vinny Vanucchi's

Big Bill's offers some of the best sandwiches in town, especially those looking for a casual and quick bite to eat. They also have a full coffee bar, so don't be shocked if you see Lucas there bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning!

Big Bill's Sandwich Shop and Coffee Bar

For those looking to kick back, catch a little live music, and sip on craft beer, The Galena Brewing Company is the place to be! Stop in to enjoy some of their delicious beer and food pairings.

The Galena Brewing Company

Campeche Restaurant

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Activities

About a 30 minute drive from the Eagle Ridge Territory, check out the Chestnut Mountain Resort for everything from their alpine slide to a delicious lunch overlooking the mighty Mississippi River!

Chestnut Mountain Resort

For over 20 years, the Galena Canning Company has offered some of the best locally-sourced goods you'll find in the Midwest. Stop in to load up on all of the best BBQ rubs, dips, spices, and seasonings. Grab an extra can of the Pumpkin Butter for the bride-to-be!

Galena Canning Company

Poopsie’s is a fun, funky shop located at the beginning of Main Street in downtown Galena. Lucas has been coming to Poopsie's for fun little gadgets and gizmos since he was a kid.

Poopsie's

Thunder Bay Falls is a gorgeous waterfall within the Eagle Ridge Territory. Make sure to swing by and snap a quick picture, especially since you'll already be in the territory!

Thunder Bay Falls

Just a couple blocks from downtown, take a tour of Civil War hero and former President Ulysses S. Grant's residence. All of you history buffs won't want to miss this one!

Ulysses S. Grant Home

For the more outdoorsy ones of the bunch, head West to Dubuque for some gorgeous hiking trails at the Mines of Spain. With all sorts of trails and #views, you won't regret putting in a few extra steps on your weekend vacation. Make sure to swing by Charlotte's Coffee House in downtown Dubuque for a delicious breakfast or lunch!

Mines of Spain 

Things to Do

The Proposal

Photos courtesy of our friend Louie Abellera (@louieabelleraweddings)

Julie & Lucas

Julie & Lucas

J&L

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

4:30 PM–5:30 PM

Ceremony

5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Cocktail hour

6:30 PM–11:00 PM

Reception