Hotel Baker

Wedding Rehearsal & Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story sparked with a quiet connection in 2016, but became much more at Western Michigan University in 2018, where we fell in love! Together, we navigated the adventures of college life, late-night library sessions, and the transition from dorm to apartment living, including a few memorable cooking adventures! After graduating in 2022, with Joe pursuing law in Chicago and me teaching in Orland Park, we continued to visit one another, sharing evenings, time with friends and family, and adventures downtown. After six years together, on September 21, 2024, Joe proposed! We’re overjoyed to celebrate with our family and friends as we begin our lives together as husband and wife!

Our Story

Photos

Megan Houlihan

Reese Minogue

Athena Hine 

Sidney Yallop

Katie Walsh

Tiah Johnson

Joe Walsh

Joe Salamone

Andres Vargas

Cade Hine

Hunter Fitzgerald

Sam Lotito

Avan Valenziano

Wedding Party

Q + A

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Men should wear a suit, while women have the option of a floor-length gown, cocktail dress, or pantsuit. To ensure the distinct appearance of the wedding party, guests are kindly requested to avoid wearing white, ivory, or cream, as these shades are reserved exclusively for the bride. Additionally, deep shades of red, such as burgundy or cabernet, should be avoided as they are reserved for the bridal party.

Dress Code

Important Note Regarding Accommodation: To ensure you have the most restful and enjoyable experience before our wedding, please take note of the following recommendations regarding the Hotel Baker: -The Night Before (Saturday, October 10th): We do not recommend staying at the Hotel Baker the night before the wedding. As a popular venue, the hotel often hosts multiple weddings and events on Saturdays, meaning the night can be very loud. Additionally, it is an older hotel, and rooms are limited.Recommendation: If you need accommodation for the day prior to the wedding, we highly recommend booking at an alternative local hotel. -The Wedding Night (Sunday, October 11th): You are welcome to book a room at the Hotel Baker for the night of the wedding outside of our reserved block on a first-come, first-served basis.Our Hotel Block: Please do not book your room within our reserved hotel block unless you have been personally notified by us to do so. Our limited block is specifically reserved for the wedding party, immediate family members, and our parents. Thank you for your understanding! We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago West - St Charles, an IHG Hotel

Courtyard Chicago St. Charles

The Fox Den by Luxe

Hotel Arista

Travel

At Alter Brewing + Kitchen, experience the perfect combination of craft beers and delicious food along the Fox River. Enjoy beautiful views from the spacious patio, featuring a container bar, while you try unique dishes and sample up to 16 Alter brews on tap. The private dining room offers flexibility for any event, making it an ideal destination in the heart of St. Charles.

Alter Brewing + Kitchen

La Za' Za' Trattoria is a full-service restaurant offering dine-in, carryout, and catering options. The restaurant features a vibrant lounge and bar, a dedicated dining area, and space for semi-private parties, complete with a special party menu for larger groups. They have a seasonal outdoor patio for a relaxed dining experience. Whether you're stopping by for a casual drink, a light meal, a hearty dinner, or hosting a family gathering, business event, or celebration with friends, La Za' Za' Trattoria treats you like family.

La Zaza Trattoria

The St. Charles Historical Society was established in 1933 and operates a downtown museum housed in the McCornack Oil Company building, which was completed in 1928. Focused on preserving the history and development of St. Charles, the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 15,000 artifacts and 10,000 photos. The Jack &amp; Kathy Brens Exhibit Hall features a rotating permanent exhibit that explores various chapters of St. Charles' history, from its role as a Civil War training site to its transformation into a popular retreat for Chicagoans. On the left side of the hall, you’ll find intriguing temporary exhibits that delve into subjects ranging from local education and the Underground Railroad in St. Charles to the city’s connections to the Titanic disaster.

St Charles History Museum & The Curious Fox Gift Shop

The Arcada Theatre, built in 1926, originally screened silent films and was one of the most popular vaudeville venues in the Fox River Valley. Featuring an Art Moderne interior, the theatre is notable for operating continuously throughout its history, with only occasional renovations, and is now renowned for hosting live performances ranging from concerts to comedy shows. Over the years, a wide variety of artists have graced its 897-seat stage, including legends like Kenny Rogers, Dionne Warwick, Jerry Lewis, Shirley MacLaine, Martin Short, Dana Carvey, The B-52s, Paul Anka, and Mickey Rooney.

Arcada Theatre

St. Charles' beloved Pottawatomie Park is located on the east bank of the Fox River, just a short walk north of downtown. This picturesque spot has a history dating back to the 1830s, and in the late 19th century, plans were made to build a hotel and resort here. The grand pavilion and tower along the riverfront are remnants of that unrealized vision, replacing an earlier pavilion built in the 1880s. Today, Pottawatomie Park's main draw is the 18-hole River View Mini Golf, set within beautifully maintained grounds. The outdoor Swanson Pool is also a popular summer attraction, offering swim lessons and aqua aerobics programs. The park is also the launching point for paddlewheelers cruising the Fox River during the summer months. Additional amenities include a children’s playground, an amphitheater, bike repair station, fitness areas, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, softball fields, and an adult activity center.

Pottawatomie Park

Things to Do

Registry

Lauren & Joseph

Lauren & Joseph

Wedding Party