Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Our story began on a fall night in 2016 at Northern Illinois University’s campus. Karina had decided to stay in to study, but her sorority sisters convinced her to take a study break and join them at a party. While she contemplated for a bit, she ultimately decided to go. Later in the evening, Joel ran into Karina; they started to chat and danced the night away. Little did they know that night was going to be the start of the rest of their lives. Joel graduated from NIU in the winter of 2016 and moved back to Chicago the following spring. He then spent every weekend traveling back to their college town to visit Karina. During that time, they spent plenty of nights eating at some of their favorite local restaurants, one of those being Pizza Pros, where they had their first date. In the spring of 2019, Karina graduated from NIU and moved back in with her parents. That same year, Joel started his master’s program at Northeastern Illinois University. As we all know, the pandemic hit in 2020, during which Karina and Joel decided to move into a small but cozy apartment in the Chicago neighborhood of Rogers Park. During their first night at the apartment, they ordered food from what would become their favorite Thai restaurant, and when their meal came with no utensils in the bag, they realized they didn’t have any real utensils to use. So, they ate with the serving spoons Joel’s mom had given them and laughed about how big the spoons were. Later that night, while throwing out the trash, they accidentally locked themselves out of the apartment and had to break in through a window to get back inside. Their first day in their new space, dealing with the ebbs and flows of life, was such a strong and obvious sign that doing life together just felt right and felt like coming home. They spent their first year living together tucked away, learning more about each other and planning their future. Before they knew it, a year had almost flown by, and it was time to decide where they wanted to live next—whether to stay or to leave. Ultimately, they decided to leave and take the next big step: getting a mortgage together. They found a condo just a few minutes away from their first apartment. Karina knew from the first moment she stepped into her future living room that she could see her life there with Joel, sitting, laughing, drinking coffee, listening to music, and maybe one day even having a child running around. They officially moved in during the summer of 2021 and immediately started making their new space feel like a reflection of who they were. One of their favorite activities to this day was shopping around for art pieces, furniture, and knick-knacks for their home. Their first cat, Elphaba, finally had enough space to run around and had a plethora of windows to look out of and watch the birds in the nearby trees. With so much more space, Joel and Karina decided it was time to get another cat. They were lucky to find a black cat, and they named him Pepper. After some time and a few fights, Elphie and Mr. Pepper finally started to enjoy taking naps together and watching the birds outside. In August of 2023, Joel graduated with a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. After years of working full-time, late nights, and lots of discussion posts, he crossed the stage. Karina and their family watched from the crowd, screaming in joy as they witnessed him accomplish such a monumental dream. It was at his graduation party that Joel decided to propose to Karina. Joel worked with Karina’s best friends to set up the perfect evening and proposal. Even though it had rained the entire day, Karina walked out into her parents’ backyard and was met by an aisle of flowers and candles. At the end of that aisle was Joel, and after a tender and enchanting speech, he asked the question she had been waiting seven magical years to hear: “Will you marry me?” It was an easy and clear yes for her.

Our Story

Photos

Lena

Michelle

Gilda

Dana

Ivan

Roger

Eric 

Andres

Michael

Wedding Party

What date should I RSVP by?We kindly ask that you please RSVP by March 1st, 2026. Due to venue and catering requirements, anyone who has not responded by this date will unfortunately not be able to attend.

What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony/reception?The wedding ceremony and reception will both be held at the same location -- The Grove Redfield Estate, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL 60025.

Does the venue offer parking?Yes, parking will be available at the venue.

Are there any hotels nearby?Yes, there are plenty of hotels nearby in the event that you wish to stay the night. See our “Hotels” tab for more details.

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?The venue is indoor and outdoor, however the majority of the day will be spent outdoors.Please check weather the day of and dress accordingly.

What is the dress code for your wedding?Formal attire is requested, please reference your details card to see a suggested color palette. Also please keep in mind when choosing your shoes that the terrain will be a mix of grass and concrete.

Are plus-ones and children allowed?Please reference your wedding invite to see the names of invited guests. Please do not bring any non listed plus ones. Our wedding will be an adults only, no children event. We appreciate your understanding.

Do you have a wedding registry? Can I bring my gift to your wedding?We are blessed to have a built a beautiful home so we are kindly requesting no physical gifts. Your love and presence means the world to us. If you'd like to honor us with something more, we would be grateful for a monetary contribution towards our future. You are welcome to bring cash or check enclosed in an envelope on our wedding day. Visit our "Newlywed Fund" tab for more details.

How will you communicate any updated information and/or changes before the wedding? Be sure to keep checking our FAQ’s for any updates for our wedding day. We can’t wait to celebrate with y’all!

FAQ'S

Newlywed Fund

Your love and well-wishes are the most import gifts of all. If you would like to contribute in another way, a monetary gift will help us as we plan for our future together.

In order to avoid any potential processing fees, we have added our Newlywed Zelle account below for your convenience. Zelle Email: joelandkarina26@gmail.com

We truly appreciate your support! Love always, Karina and Joel

Conveniently located along Interstate 294, this Glenview, Illinois hotel is 7.5 miles from O’Hare International Airport. Free Wi-Fi access is available, and a continental breakfast is served daily. A 37-inch flat screen cable TV and a refrigerator are provided in every room at the ESTIA Hotel Suites Glenview. Featuring a bathtub or a shower, the private bathrooms also include a hairdryer. A fitness center is available at the Glenview Best Western Plus, along with a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities include meeting facilities, dry cleaning and laundry facilities. The hotel is 2 miles from The Glen Club and 2 miles from the Kohl Children's Museum. The property provides free parking.

Best Western Glenview -Chicagoland Inn and Suites

Located in Northbrook, 16 miles from Loyola University Chicago, Hilton Chicago/Northbrook provides accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking, a garden and a restaurant. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can have a drink at the bar. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV with cable channels. Guest rooms at Hilton Chicago/Northbrook include air conditioning and a desk. A buffet, à la carte or American breakfast is served at the property. The accommodation offers 4-star accommodations with an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at Hilton Chicago/Northbrook. Wrigley Field is 18 miles from the hotel, while Lincoln Park Zoo is 20 miles away. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 8.1 miles from the property.

Hilton Chicago/Northbrook

The Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites - Prospect Heights is located just 9 miles from O’Hare International Airport. The hotel offers a fitness center and lounge. Free WiFi access is available. Each room at the hotel includes a cable TV, seating area and desk. Private bathrooms include a bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. A microwave and refrigerator is also provided. A 24-hour front desk welcomes guests to the Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites - Prospect Heights, which offers a daily breakfast buffet. The property features a free shuttle within a 5 mi radius. The property offers free parking. Allstate Arena is 20 minutes' drive from the hotel, and Northwestern University is 14 miles away. Kohl Children's Museum is 10 minutes' drive from the hotel.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Prospect Heights by IHG

Located 15 miles from Loyola University Chicago, Courtyard Chicago Highland Park/Northbrook offers 3-star accommodations in Highland Park and has a shared lounge, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 19 miles from Six Flags Great America, 20 miles from Wrigley Field and 21 miles from Lincoln Park Zoo. The hotel features an indoor pool, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All rooms at Courtyard Chicago Highland Park/Northbrook have air conditioning and a desk. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Highland Park, like cycling. Courtyard Chicago Highland Park/Northbrook also provides a business center and guests can use the on-site ATM machine at the hotel. United Center is 23 miles from Courtyard Chicago Highland Park/Northbrook, while Union Station is 23 miles from the property. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 18 miles away.

Karina & Joel

Karina & Joel

FAQ'S