Chez

Wedding Rehearsal

The Hampton Social

Rehearsal Brunch

Current (located in the W Lakeshore Hotel)

Welcome Reception

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Please RSVP  BY AUGUST 1ST, 2022.

Please use the link below to RSVP. Individuals who do not RSVP will not be on the wedding guest list.

We are blessed that you are here to celebrate this special day with us. This is one of the most important days of our lives and it means so much to have you here. Each of you has played a pivotal role in our lives and we would not be here today without you. As you have helped us grow as individuals, we ask for your continuous support as we grow together.&nbsp; We hope that this show of love will be as memorable for you as it will be for us. Please join us in our celebration of love.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our Wedding

Everyone has an origin story and ours is no different. I (Jeffrey) met Kiara (my future wife) while trapped in an elevator with no masks during a global pandemic…well that’s not entirely true - though we did meet six months into the pandemic.&nbsp; Our love origin story starts in a more modern way.&nbsp; Not at a bar or in a grocery store, but on Hinge - which is probably sandwiched somewhere in between Match.com and Tinder when you think of overall vibes. The middle class of dating apps, if you will?&nbsp; It’s quite comical when you think about it. Exactly two years from our wedding date, on Friday September 4th 2020, a virtual meeting space brought two Chicago natives living 2.2 miles apart, together. We frequented the same stores, shared similar tastes in restaurants, and loved walks on the lake, yet it took the “relationship app” (their actual motto) to unite us. You have to love the era of technological modernity, right?!&nbsp; In all seriousness, this love story can only be described as a whirlwind type of love; time moving at a speed far greater than we anticipated with so much changing around us. New jobs, new homes, new schools, and a new definition of family. In the course of this relationship, I’ve become a bonus parent (Jaxson, I love you!) and a dog Dad to Liam. We’ve suffered some significant losses and gained even more in return. We’ve seen our families change drastically, further strengthening our bond. And at the center of this whirlwind is what can only be described as an unbreakable love.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A love so strong that it continues to grow into depths that feel indescribable; a place you pull strength from.&nbsp; Our love feels like so many things. Both beautiful and challenging. Like trying to be perfect and still feeling cherished when you're not. Or understanding that no matter what happens in life, there’s always someone there to uplift you. It is a love that has taught us the true meaning of family. And a love that places our friendship above all else in the world. This love is benevolent. It is pure.&nbsp; We are a couple that values wellness, practices intentionality, and embodies grace. Most importantly, we choose each other every day. This is our Black love story.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

The bride and groom, wedding party, and immediate family members will be staying at this hotel, which is offering a special room rate for our wedding. This hotel offers both a fitness center and heated indoor pool and is a 6 minute walk from the wedding venue Guests can reserve their rooms in the designated room block by reserving through the below link: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1647029925287&amp;key=GRP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Davis + Perkins Wedding</a>

W Chicago - Lakeshore

In addition to W Chicago, there are aproximately 60 hotels within a half mile radius of Chez. Other nearby hotel recommendations include the following: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chiaa-aloft-chicago-mag-mile/overview/?scid=45f93f1b-bd77-45c9-8dab-83b6a417f6fe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aloft - Chicago Magnificent Mile</a>243 E. Ontario St.Located next door to the hotel venue, this loft hotel includes contemporary amenities with a colorful twist. <a href="http://doubletreemagmile.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Double Tree Magnificent Mile</a>300 E. Ohio St.doubletreemagmile.comThe Double Tree Mag Mile is conveniently located across the street from Chez. The venue’s partnership with this property provides preferred rates for Chez clients. <a href="https://hotelemc2.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotel EMC2</a>288 E. Ontario St.A chic hotel that’s walking distance from public transportation and sights along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The hotel features modern, upscale rooms and incredibly convenient access to Chez because it’s only a few doors west of the wedding venue. <a href="http://ivyhotelchicago.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ivy Hotel</a>233 E. Ontario St.ivyhotelchicago.comAbout as close as you can get to Chez without sleeping in the wedding venue, this sophisticated hotel is a popular destination for guests because of its proximity to both the venue and the neighborhood’s many amenities.

Travel

Kiara & Jeffrey's Picks

Milton Lee Olive Park is a beautiful park within walking distance of Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach. This is the memorable spot that Jeffrey proposed to Kiara last summer!

Milton Lee Olive Park

Kiara has been on one of these tours with a visiting friend and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour is such a nice vibe and you learn so much about the fascinating history of the city and those that built it.

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

It always amazes us how many people don't know that Chicago has beaches. This lakefront beach is one of the closest to the venue and hotel. We love to walk along the lakefront trail, but you also have the option of renting a city Divyy bike to ride, or bringing a towel or blanket to sit in the sand.

Ohio Street Beach

Some of the best fried chicken in Chicago- let's argue. Don't forget to order with mild sauce!

Harolds Chicken Shack

Jaxson's Picks

MSI is a science museum located in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago near our home. It is home to more than 35,000 awe-inspiring artifacts and hundreds of exhibits. We took one of our first family outings here and had a blast together.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Look nature in the eye and discover the wonder of the aquatic animal world at the Shedd! We absolutely loved our visit to the Shedd. Jaxson's favorite exhibits were the penguins and the animal spotlight featuring the dolphins,

Shedd Aquarium

This place is a Chicago staple. Jaxson's favorites are the Chicago-style hotdogs (he puts ketchup on his but we forgive him), hamburgers, and fries. The Italian beef sandwiches (dipped!) and the shakes are also delicious. This is where Jeffrey and I overindulge in chocolate cake on the weekends.

Portillo's Hot Dogs

Jaxson loves pizza! Chicago's iconic deep dish is on every must-try list. Our family's personal favorites are Uno's, Lou Malnati's, and Pequod's.

Kiara & Jeffrey

Kiara & Jeffrey

Photos

October 09, 2020

November 07, 2020

December 23, 2020

February 13, 2021

May 22, 2021

July 18, 2021

August 03, 2021

October 09, 2021

October 12, 2021

December 24, 2021