Saint Clement Church

Rehearsal

Galway Arms

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Salvatore's Wedding Venue

Cocktails and Passed Hors d'oeuvres

Dinner and Dancing

Spring

Our Wedding

HOW WE MET

Anthony and Michaela met through mutual friends at a cookout hosted at Anthony and his groomsman Steven Lanasky's home in Lincoln Park (shoutout Claire DiOrio!). While the only words that were spoken to Michaela by Anthony were, "Can I offer you a bratwurst?" they both felt an intuitive connection. A few hours later at the Hangge Uppe, they finally had the chance to talk (or flirt). During this conversation, a man approached Michaela asking if Anthony was her boyfriend. Before she had a chance to answer Anthony casually stated, "Actually she's my wife." That definitely got Michaela's attention and in an extraordinary turn, Anthony's words are coming true! After a few weeks, Michaela and Anthony started going on dates. After an assortment of dinners, cocktail hours, Lincoln Park picnics, and even a few concerts, Anthony asked Michaela to be his girlfriend one evening while at the Green Mill! Since then Michaela and Anthony have both grown significantly as individuals with the love and support of one another (and incredibly supportive friends and family). They have progressively shared more of their lives with one another in Chicago and with each of their families. Yet, they have still made time to explore the world together (Montreal, Japan, Mexico City) - enjoying great food and wine in the process.

THE PROPOSAL

As Michaela and Anthony were planning their trip to Japan for the spring of 2024 Michaela had presumed that Anthony would propose to her while they were abroad together, but Anthony wanted to surprise Michaela. He asked Michaela to marry him in the same part of town that they first met - Lincoln Park! In traditional fashion, Michaela was almost late to her own proposal, Anthony was waiting with flowers, wine, and a speech. Michaela through happy tears said yes! Following the proposal, Anthony took Michaela to a special omakase dinner to prepare them for Japan and in celebration of their engagement (and planned to have their engagement photos taken there).

OUR ENGAGEMENT

With the support of each of their friends and family members, Michaela and Anthony know that their marriage will bring forth even greater blessings. They look forward to the opportunity to celebrate with you in April!

Our Story

Engagement Pictures

Our engagement pictures were taken in Tokyo during our recent trip!

Through the Years

Photos

Elizabeth Holt

Cole Ramirez

Katie Holmstrom

Steve Lanasky

Abby Schroeder

Chris Prattos

Rachel Zimdars

Will Jackson

Brittany Jones

John Cresson

Kate Xia

Steven Higgins

Wedding Party

Q + A

We are so grateful that our family and friends are making the trip to Chicago to celebrate our wedding! Our wedding will be in Lincoln Park, which is a neighborhood on the north side of the city.   O'Hare International Airport is about 15 miles northwest of Lincoln Park.   Midway International Airport is about 15 miles southwest of Lincoln Park.   Both are equidistance to Lincoln Park, so choose whichever airport has better options from your departure location!   We have provided two preferred hotels with block rates. We recommend booking in advance as hotels can become booked quite quickly.   We suggest taking an Uber/Lyft to the church as it is located on a busy street with limited parking. If you prefer to drive, there is a small parking lot located across the church and there is valet at the reception for $30.

Please use the link provided to access the group discount. Book before March 7th to secure the room. https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIJL/G-HTRZ

Hotel Lincoln - JDV by Hyatt

ATTENTION! If you have previously booked the Ambassador you will need to do two things as the hotel changed management. 1. You will need to rebook through this link as the hotel changed management. https://app.mews.com/distributor/b1d95222-36c8-4cb2-9e05-b26600f750a4?mewsAvailabilityBlockId=c2a7306a-3d23-4694-af61-b2a70128596d&mewsStart=2025-04-03&mewsEnd=2025-04-071) 2. Please call Hyatt at this number to cancel previous booking: 1-888-848-9496 We are so sorry about the inconvenience!!

Ambassador Chicago

Travel

- Places / Activities of Interest -

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture from the best seat in the house—the river. Expert tour guides detail the 130 year long history behind the skyline, while bartenders and staff keep you comfortable and entertained. This comprehensive tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Experience one of MLB's most iconic stadiums!

Wrigley Field

Walk south along the lakefront path to experience fantastic views of the city!

Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N

- Food Options -

Mainstay for incredible French pastries and coffee not far from Hotel Lincoln.

La Fournette

Our favorite breakfast / brunch spot in Lincoln Park (we once had a 10 week streak). Michaela always gets the breakfast burrito; Anthony gets the classic breakfast with brisket corned beef hash.

Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner

Lincoln Park's Mediterranean food staple! Michaela and Anthony are regulars here. Whatever you order - you have to get the "garlic sauce" on the side.

Cedar Palace

Iconic neighborhood Italian restaurant with incredible service. Serving everything from black truffle risotto to grilled octopus.

Riccardo Enoteca

- Drinking Establishments -

Classic Irish pub (and Notre Dame bar) less than half a block from Salvatores. Features a dimly lit interior reminiscent of pubs across the Pond and large heated patio with TVs.

The Galway Arms

Classic Lincoln Park bar since 1933 - features a pool table and popcorn. About a 4 minute walk from Saint Clement's Church.

Burwood Tap

It's not a Wisco bar, but hey, they have good cheese curds and local brews! (Unfortunately, it's a Minnesota bar)

Michaela & Anthony

Michaela & Anthony

Registry

We're looking forward to celebrating with you on our big day. Having you attend our wedding is the greatest gift of all! If you feel inclined to give a gift, we have registered at the links attached on this page to help us enjoy our honeymoon and to outfit our home.