W Chicago - City Center

Wedding Day

Ceremony 

Cocktail Hour

Reception 

Summer

Our Wedding

The Meet Cute 

Kayla and TJ met at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. Kayla was a sophomore and TJ was a junior. They met right after the SNC hockey team won the National Championship game where TJ was the star goalie. The team was celebrating their win in the front lawn of one of the hockey houses. It was sunny and 65 right after a big snow storm hit. Kayla remembers seeing TJ from a distance and asking one of her friends who he was. She was immediately drawn to him. TJ felt the same way, but had one of his teammates scout her out first. Eventually Kayla and TJ were both talking in a group of several people and it shortly ended up just being Kayla and TJ. They meshed well right away after finding out they’re both from Chicago. Kayla must’ve really swept TJ off his feet...literally...because TJ slipped on some snow while talking to Kayla.

The Proposal 

Kayla and TJ went to Maui for a week for TJ’s sister Lauren’s wedding. Lauren had asked if all the bridesmaids would want to get dinner and drinks at a restaurant called Monkey Pod that same night. Kayla was getting ready at her and TJ’s condo. Kayla was feeling rushed, as always, and trying to figure out what to wear. She was getting very confused on why TJ insisted on her wearing a certain dress since he wasn’t going to be with her that night. TJ mentioned to Kayla that he wanted to watch the sunset by the beach since it was going to be “a good one.” Kayla was immediately frazzled and kept saying she can’t be late for the dinner. However, TJ persisted and led Kayla down to the beach. Little did Kayla know that TJ would start spitting out how much he loves her and as Kayla blinked, TJ was already down on one knee. It was a very easy yes. Even better, the photographer running out from her hiding spot was none other than Lauren. A celebration party was held at Bob and Marcey’s condo where TJ’s entire family was waiting for them.

Our Story

Photos

Kelsey Reardon 

Lauren Sivak

Megan Black 

Eileen Mulroe 

Kayla’s good friend from grad school (EMU)

Madison Ciccaglione 

Kayla’s best friend since elementary school

Sara Mcgann 

Kayla’s good friend from undergrad (SNC)

Meghan Lamb 

Michael Black 

TJ’s cousin and one of his best friends

Matt Dacy 

One of TJ’s best friends and former teammate (SNC Hockey)

Steven Phillips 

Sean Campbell

Keegan Milligan 

Alex Sivak 

Steven Mather

Wedding Party

Q + A

The W Chicago City Center Hotel

Lodging 

Can’t go wrong with a Chicago hot dog and watching the Cubs play at Wrigley Field. Cheer on TJ’s favorite player - Ian Happ - and Kayla’s favorite player - Nico Hoerner - at the Cubs game on Friday.

Cubs v Cardinals 7.21.23

TJ and Kayla love going here with friends to try out endless combinations of drinks. Choose your spirit, your taste (fruity, spicy, smoky, etc), and your glass!

The Berkshire Room

A definite recommendation that TJ and Kayla give to visiting friends and family! Tour the beautiful architecture of Chicago while sipping a cocktail. 

Kayla & TJ

Kayla & TJ

Things to Do

Cubs v Cardinals 7.21.23

The Berkshire Room

Chicago's First Lady Architecture Tour