Lacuna Events by LM

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner & Reception

Reggies Chicago

After Party

Our Wedding

The beauty of life often lies in its unpredictability. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments—those that seem so ordinary at the time—that end up shifting the entire course of your future. Dramatic, maybe, but undeniably true. Our story is more of a series of small, seemingly insignificant events that, when pieced together, formed something entirely extraordinary. It’s the kind of story that starts with friends, a city that’s both familiar and full of possibility, and a shared sense of adventure in the rollercoaster ride of your twenties.We didn’t know that August of 2017 would change everything. At the time, both of us thought it was just another regular day—nothing special, just part of the flow of life. Kate’s roommate, Milana, had invited her to John's place for a casual hangout. The plan was simple: pop in, catch up, maybe have a drink or two, and then move on to whatever the rest of the evening had in store. At 23, there were always plans to cause a little ruckus in the city. That was just how things went. Mark was tucked away in his room when Kate arrived, busy organizing his things after a recent trip. She, on the other hand, was ready for a little fun and wasn’t the type to let someone sit on the sidelines. So, in her usual upbeat fashion, she encouraged him to join the group in the living room, suggesting he make himself comfortable. It was one of those moments where the energy in the room just clicked. Everyone was laughing, talking, getting to know each other—nothing forced, just good vibes and easy conversation. As the night wore on, Kate and Milana eventually decided to call it a night. As they left John and Mark to talk things over, Mark couldn’t help but ask about Kate—her story, who she was, and what had brought her into his orbit that night. It was one of those small curiosities that, in hindsight, marked the beginning of something bigger. Neither of us had any idea that a simple hangout on a warm August day would set the stage for something that would change everything. But then again, that’s the beautiful thing about life—it often takes the most unexpected encounters to chart the course of your future. The months that followed were a whirlwind, not of drama or high expectations, but of simple, shared experiences. Mark, with his characteristic spontaneity, invited Kate to be his plus-one at his sister Marissa’s wedding. It was a bold move for someone who had only known Kate for three months, and Mark’s family—though excited—was equally shocked by how quickly things were moving. Still, they welcomed Kate with open arms, and she, in turn, fit seamlessly into Mark’s world, as though she’d always belonged there. Many weekends were spent traveling to see friends and family, sometimes venturing to places neither of them had ever been before. Each trip was another chapter in their unfolding story, each concert, each city, adding depth to the bond they were quietly but surely building. It wasn’t a relationship defined by big gestures or dramatic moments. It was about connection—the kind of quiet, steady kind that grows when you truly like being with someone. Whether it was sharing laughs in the back row of a concert, exploring new places together, or simply being in each other’s company, they were happy. As the months passed and Kate and Mark spent more time together, something unexpected and wonderful began to unfold: their worlds started to merge. Mark’s friends became Kate’s, and Kate’s friends became Mark’s. It wasn’t a forced thing—nothing about it was ever deliberate. It was just natural. Laughter, inside jokes, and the shared experiences of their growing connection made it all feel effortless. Mark had a tight-knit group of friends from the South Side of Chicago, and Kate, with her easy-going charm and infectious energy, quickly found herself welcomed into the fold. From casual hangouts to group dinners, she became a familiar face in the circle. Mark, on the other hand, was introduced to Kate’s friends, who were equally warm and quick to embrace him. It was like two puzzle pieces fitting together, the friendships complementing each other in the most unexpected way. But it wasn’t just the blending of circles that marked this new chapter. There were the parties—the legendary, unforgettable nights that would come to define the years of fun they spent together. Those nights, filled with laughter and music, were set against the backdrop of Chicago’s iconic streets—Reta, Superior, and LaSalle. These streets were more than just addresses; they were the heartbeat of their adventures, the places where stories were made. It wasn’t just about the parties, though. It was about the shared moments—the ones that came with late-night talks, the bonds that were forged over drinks, the love and support that came effortlessly. These were the years that shaped Kate and Mark, not just as individuals, but as a couple woven into the fabric of their friends’ lives. Those nights would be remembered forever—not because of the wildness or the chaos, but because they were the nights where Kate and Mark’s story continued to unfold, surrounded by the people who mattered most. As the years passed, Kate and Mark found themselves navigating the many twists and turns that life inevitably brings. They weathered family changes, the pain of loss, career milestones, and moves that reshaped their world. There were celebrations of all kinds—big and small—moments that brought them closer, and challenges that tested their resilience. From getting into a steady rhythm of everyday life to pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones, they grew together in ways they hadn’t imagined. Steadiness became their anchor, the quiet strength that held them up when life felt unpredictable. The milestones came, one after the other—moving in together, buying their first condo, and now, planning a wedding. Each chapter felt like a celebration of everything they had built together over the past eight years. A journey that had started with a simple hangout had blossomed into something beautiful and enduring, full of love, growth, and countless memories. Together, they had found their rhythm—and it was one worth celebrating. Enjoy these photos from our years of being together!

Southside Boy & Indiana Girl

Our Story

Photos

Allison Falkenberg

Annie Drews

Bridget Powell 

Milana Hurley

Lauren Bohm

Caroline Schneider

Katelyn Kearney

Lisa Baez

Stephanie Aronson

Marissa Tross

Leah Gbur

Joe Loconte

Brendan Nolan

Matt Anderson

John Hurley

Brian Falkenberg

Connor Healy

Danny Kerr

Justin Perkins

Dylan Farrell 

Preetesh Patel

John Nevin

Nik Patel

Dylan Workman

Wedding Party

Q + A

We have allocated 20 rooms for booking purposes. The room block encompasses both Friday (9/26) and Saturday (9/27), so feel free to choose one night or both - whatever you prefer. To get the group rate, guests can either book through the custom booking link (<a href="https://book.passkey.com/e/50936947?utm_source=48979017&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=296048994&amp;trkid=590152787&amp;linkid=3488975327" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://book.passkey.com/e/50936947</a>) or by calling 1-877-303-0104 and mentioning the&nbsp;Workman &amp; Gbur Wedding Room Block.&nbsp; If the room block runs out, let Kate know and she can contact the hotel to add more rooms. If booking room, this needs to be complete no later than August 29, 2025. We recommend booking early to ensure availability. Parking details: SELF-PARKINGSelf-Parking is conveniently located for guests via Skybridge in Lot A of McCormick Place. Skybridge connectivity to the Marriott Marquis Chicago is located on the 3rd Floor of Lot A. • GPS Address: 2301 S. Prairie Ave• Rates: 0-16 hours: $27.00 | 16-24 hours: $40.00• Non-Overnight Guests: Self Parking pay stations are available in Lot A upon your departure. In and Out privileges are not included.• Overnight Guests: Self Parking will be added to your rooms bill at $40 a night. Your room keywill act as your access pass to Lot-A. In and Out privileges included. VALET PARKINGLimited Valet Parking services on a first-come/first-serve basis.Guests’ room keys will provide in/out access for Self-Parking in Lot A for overnight guests.• GPS Address: 2121 S. Prairie Ave.• Standard Rates | 0-1 Hours: $22 | 1-3 hours: $27 | 3-9 hours: $32 | 9-24 hours: $60

Marriott Marquis Chicago

Hotel

Spend time on 18th street in the heart of Pilsen (where we live and where the wedding is!). Recommendation's: - Cafe Jumping Bean for coffees, gourmet sandwiches, &amp; soups. Friendly staff and colorful artwork.- Vintage shopping and cute boutiques spread across 18th- Alulu brewery for some pre-wedding beers and yummy food!- Green Room Tap for neighborhood dive bar vibes and great drink selection- Punch House in basement of Thalia Hall - basement bar with a vintage air &amp; local DJs / live music- Taquerías Atotonilco for our favorite carne asada tacos Other options in the city for things to do: - Spend time in Chinatown (super close to the hotel) for authentic cuisine and late night karaoke options- Take a <a href="https://toursandboats.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gbl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chicago Architecture Tour</a> for the best views of the city’s stunning skyline along the Chicago River- Head to Chicago's lakefront (great bike and walking trail that will take you past museums, Grant Park, and Oak Street Beach).- West loop (best loop) for vibrant bars, rooftop lounges, and upscale clubs for a night out If you need any recommendations for certain neighborhoods in the city, feel free to text Kate or Mark :)

Things to Do

Registry

Kate & Mark

Kate & Mark

Q + A

What time is the ceremony and the reception?

Transportation

Where can I park at the hotel?

Where can I park at the venue?

After party info