St. Alphonsus Chicago

Wedding Day

Wedding

The Hive On Hubbard

Reception

Our Wedding

One Sunday in the fall of 2014 after a 5 PM&nbsp;mass at St. Alphonsus, the young adult ministry of the parish was hosting a get together with food and drinks on the roof of the rectory.&nbsp; This being Ian's first time attending mass here, and having just moved into the neighborhood&nbsp;he decided to check it out and see what it was all about, I&nbsp;mean it was free food and free beer.&nbsp; Meghan having been a parishioner for around a year had planned on going there with a friend to hang out with some others from the parish.&nbsp; After talking shortly while in line for food, Ian must have made an impression on her as later on in the evening Meghan approached Ian and his&nbsp;friend who had came and&nbsp;asked to play bags.&nbsp; While the outcome of the game of bags is disputed the mark they made on each other can not be.&nbsp; With the Bears playing that&nbsp;night,&nbsp;Ian and his friend had to leave after the game of bags, but not before exchanging phone numbers.&nbsp; Ian and his new roommates were throwing a housewarming party the following weekend and he&nbsp;invited Meghan to come.&nbsp; While Ian had just moved into the neighborhood, Meghan was just moving out and the day of her move was also the day of the party.&nbsp; She made the move to her new apartment that day with help from her family,&nbsp;but&nbsp;then&nbsp;quickly shuffled her&nbsp;parents out so she could make it to the party.&nbsp; Her and a friend made it to the housewarming and the rest of history.&nbsp; The next weekend they had their first "real date" at St. Alphonsus's Oktoberfest and soon were officially boyfriend and girlfriend.&nbsp; After almost 4&nbsp;years of dating&nbsp;on August 3, 2018 they found themselves back on the rectory roof&nbsp;of St. Alphonsus.&nbsp; With a little deception from Ian and the help of Meghan's family she had no idea that when they walked up to the roof that day they would be walking down an engaged couple.&nbsp; Bringing it all to a full circle with the first meeting, first date, engagement, and now marriage all happening at that special place.&nbsp;They can not wait to celebrate their marriage&nbsp;day with all their friends and family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Completing the Circle 

Our Story

AirBnB Tips

If you haven’t used AirBnB before, it’s time to check it out!&nbsp; We used it when we traveled through Europe in summer of 2017 and we use it in most US cities we travel to.&nbsp; It is way cheaper than hotels and makes us feel much more comfortable.&nbsp; However, Chicago is a very big city with many neighborhoods, so we will help guide you to the area that you should look in so you are close to our reception venue in West Town.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are a first time user to AirBnB, you will need to set up an account (it is pretty easy and you get a first time guest discount!). Use this link for a discount <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/c/meghang2015?currency=USD">https://www.airbnb.com/c/meghang2015?currency=USD</a> Or Use code&nbsp;PASSPORT for your 15% off discount!







AirBnB Tips



·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We prefer to rent something that says “entire apartment” or “entire guest suite” to guarantee that we will have the place to ourselves.&nbsp; If you are comfortable sharing, you can rent just one room.











·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Read the reviews at the bottom of the listing to make sure that your host is reliable, trustworthy, and gets good reviews.

 











·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you have a car, check with your host about parking options, they may be included, or use <a href="https://spothero.com/">https://spothero.com/</a> to find cheap parking.

 











·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you will be without a car, look for a place near public transportation.&nbsp; The CTA has many options for trains and buses.&nbsp; Feel free to ask call/text us for help with this if you need.

 











·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You may want to check that your place as AC&hellip;it could be pretty hot here in Chicago during August.

 











Keywords/Neighborhoods to search:

 









West Town (Venue location),&nbsp;Wicker Park (Where we live),&nbsp;Lakeview (Church location),&nbsp;Ukrainian Village,&nbsp;River West,&nbsp;West Loop,&nbsp;Lincoln Park,&nbsp;River North,&nbsp;Bucktown,&nbsp;Pilsen,&nbsp;The Loop (downtown)











·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once you find a place, you will request to book.&nbsp; Within 24 hours, you will hear from the host and from then you will communicate with the host through the AirBnB website.&nbsp; He/she will help guide you through it and the checkin/checkout process.

 











·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For some places you&nbsp;cannot book out more than 6 months in advance, so Feb 1st would be when you can start booking them for August 2019.

Details

Kayleen Gregus

Brian McNally

Sam Anderson

Jack Swift

Alyssa Gilleland

Dan Peters

Matt Murphy

Sarah Swanson

Laura Schroeder

Kevin Gregus

Danny Gregus

Tricia Hespen

Emerson Schroeder

Owen Hespen

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

There will be a block of rooms reserved under Gregus/Cunniffe wedding block for August 3rd.&nbsp; The rate is $199 per night.&nbsp; You can add on Friday 8/2 or Sunday 8/4 for the same rate if you would like. Contact Ian or Meghan with questions or a need for us to block more rooms.Booking Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=CP&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=chish&checkInDate=03&checkInMonthYear=072019&checkOutDate=04&checkOutMonthYear=072019&rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=g2c&viewfullsite=true" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path%3Dasearch%26brandCode%3DCP%26localeCode%3Den%26regionCode%3D1%26hotelCode%3Dchish%26checkInDate%3D03%26checkInMonthYear%3D072019%26checkOutDate%3D04%26checkOutMonthYear%3D072019%26rateCode%3D6CBARC%26_PMID%3D99801505%26GPC%3Dg2c%26viewfullsite%3Dtrue&source=gmail&ust=1550355924697000&usg=AFQjCNEGcWDRoiMrKsvYNnZTStfeybKV9g">Gregus-Cunniffe Wedding</a>

Cutoff date: 7/10/19

Please mention Group Code: G2C&nbsp;when making reservations



Reservations must be made online or by phone: 312.829.5000

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop

A large parking lot is located on Oakdale Avenue and a smaller lot is located on Southport Avenue.&nbsp;Cars CANNOT be left here over night- they will get&nbsp;towed. Street parking and other pay parking options are available throughout the neighborhood. Be sure to read posted street signage.

Parking at St. Alponsus Church

This a reasonable, fun way to stay in one the trendy Chicago neighborhoods and experience the non-touristy parts of the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;See Airbnb tips in the details tab on our webiste.

Airbnb

Please avoid parking in the lot out front of the space.&nbsp; There is limited street parking surrounding The Hive.&nbsp; Be sure check signs when you park to avoid getting a parking ticket.&nbsp; If you are worried about finding street parking, see Spot Hero to reserve a spot prior to the reception.

Parking at The Hive on Hubbard

This is a great way to find cheap parking in the city to avoid hotel parking fees.&nbsp; Search by address and the site will let you book a spot nearby!

Spot Hero

This is a really cute Bed &&nbsp;Breakfast that is 2 blocks from our apartment.&nbsp; It is right in the heart of Wicker Park and near plenty of public transit.&nbsp; If you stay here, let us know because we have lots of favorite places near by!

Wicker Park Inn

A trendy hotel in the heart of Wicker Park with a stunning view of the skyline and Milwaukee Ave.&nbsp;The Robey captures the storied spirit of Chicago: a bustling, ever-changing, big-shouldered town.&nbsp; Two other awesome features include a Cabana Club with pool and Cafe Robey both with great views.

The Robey

Divvy is a fun way to get around Chicago, especially in the summer.&nbsp; It costs just $3 per ride for 30 minutes.&nbsp; You can also get a full day pass for just $15.&nbsp; Check out their website for more information.

Divvy Bike Share

The CTA in Chicago is very convenient and easy to use to get "downtown" from any neighborhood.&nbsp; The "L" is our subway system that travels both above and below ground level.&nbsp; You can purchase a single ride ticket or a Ventra card with money on it to pay for your rides by scanning your card when you enter each station.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)

Travel

Here are some of our favorites for each meal of the day including the neighborhood in which it is located.&nbsp; Reach out to us for more!

Brunch







S&G's Restaurant (Lakeview-across the street from St.Al's),&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Batter & Berries (Lakeview),&nbsp;Panes Bread Cafe (Lakeview),&nbsp;Kanela (Wicker Park),&nbsp;Flo (West Town),&nbsp;Portillo's (River North),&nbsp;Pop's Beef (Palos Heights), Smoke Daddy (Wicker Park), Eataly (The Loop), WHISK (Ukrainian Village)

Dinner







Pequod's Pizza (Lincoln Park),&nbsp;Sushi Taku (Wicker Park),&nbsp;Sapori Tratoria (Lincoln Park),&nbsp;Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill (Ukrainian Village), Tai Nang (West Town)







Drinks







Side Street Saloon (Lakeview - one block from St. Al's),&nbsp;Rainbo Room (Ukrainian Village),&nbsp;Kerryman Irish Bar (River North),&nbsp;Alive One (Lincoln Park),&nbsp;Sheffield's (Lakeview),&nbsp;Phyllis's Musical Inn (Wicker Park),&nbsp;Nick's Beer Garden (Wicker Park)







Breweries







Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago (Pilsen),&nbsp;Revolution Brewing - Brewery & Taproom (Avondale),&nbsp;Half Acre (Lincoln Square)

Our Favorite Chicago Estabishments

Chicago River Boat Tour:&nbsp; If you want a great Chicago experience and would like to see the cool Architecture, this is a really fun way to do it!&nbsp; There a bunch of companies down on the River Walk or out at Navy Pier.&nbsp; Our favorite is Wendella Boat Tours at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wendellaboats.com/">https://www.wendellaboats.com/</a>

Chicago River Walk: This a fun and ever expanding part of Chicago that is extra pretty in the summer.&nbsp; Lots of fun spots to stop for a drink along the river.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagoriverwalk.us/">https://www.chicagoriverwalk.u...</a>



Millennium Park



Wicker Park Farmers Market:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wickerparkbucktown.com/farmersmarket/farmers-market/">http://www.wickerparkbucktown....</a>North Avenue BeachLakeshore Bike Path (rent Divvy Bikes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.divvybikes.com/">https://www.divvybikes.com/</a>)Lincoln Park Zoo (FREE!)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/">https://www.lpzoo.org/</a>Art Institute of Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://www.artic.edu/">https://www.artic.edu/</a>Field Museum&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/">https://www.fieldmuseum.org/</a>Steppenwolf Theater&nbsp;<a href="https://www.steppenwolf.org/">https://www.steppenwolf.org/</a>

Meghan & Ian