Chateau Banquets

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

And that's how the story ends. Monica and Curtis sail off into the sunset.&nbsp;Oh wait, you might want to know how we got to happily ever after. 

 

Well....we met about 20 years ago through my cousin, Kashonna, who happens to be Monica’s best friend.&nbsp; Now when we met, the differences in age and life paths were quite different, so although I thought she was beautiful&hellip;.it was not the right time. Timing, was and is, a huge factor in the evolution of our relationship because although we have known each other many years, it was not until 2015 when Monica was looking to relocate from New York that we were together. 

 

When we initially met back in 1998-1999, Monica went away to school so I didn't see her much after I moved to Kingston. I was doing the bad boy thing anyway so I didn't think about her much. Here is what changed the game. When I did see her again, it was about 8 years later at my brother’s graduation in Baltimore.&nbsp; &nbsp;I had moved back to Chicago by then, but traveled back East to join in the festivities.&nbsp; Monica, being a long-time family friend, was there to celebrate with us as well.&nbsp; The family was at dinner when those old feelings sparked&hellip;must have been the shellfish because things got a bit weird. Monica was not so young anymore and I wondered if she had feelings for me as well?&nbsp; There were looks, smiles, and innuendos exchanged over the course of the night but yet again, the timing was not right. We left the family gathering as we had come, which is friends, but some mighty seeds had been planted.&nbsp; The chemistry between us was undeniable, but alas, we both had our separate lives to return to. 

 

Fast-forward to 2015 and Monica and I hadn’t spoken since Baltimore.&nbsp; However, with the fabulous invention of Facebook we got back in touch. &nbsp;As Monica was preparing to start a new life and relocate after the death of her husband, she contacted me for some insight about Chicago.&nbsp; If you know me, then you know I could not let the opportunity pass without asking her about those sparks we felt in Baltimore.&nbsp; Do you feel them too? Did we imagine them? Where did that come from? We still couldn't explain it but thought that it was something special. That conversation turned into one of many and because the timing was FINALLY right for us, we were able to let the feelings flow. We had the time and space to find out it was very much something special and so she decided to move and take a chance on me. This, my family and friends, is why you got the invite to celebrate our special relationship that has blossomed into marriage.

Who Would Have Thought....​

Our Story

Details

Photos

Christopher Townsend

Sharifa Carbon

Kashonna Murphy

Stanford Murray

Sharon Chung

Jarren Townsend

Diega Amador-Rowe

Gerald Hollowell

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Shuttle bus running from both O'hare and Midway airports to Highland, Indiana.&nbsp; The bus stop is located&nbsp;17 miles from all listed hotels in&nbsp;Merrillville, IN. These hotels are&nbsp;accessible by Uber or taxi cab from the bus stop.

Airport Super Saver

Airport shuttle&nbsp;provides door-to-door transport&nbsp;(vans available for big groups).&nbsp; Online reservations are not available.&nbsp;&nbsp;Please reserve car by phone prior to arrival to minimize wait time.

Airport Express

Red Roof Inn

Free full breakfast included with stay

Hampton Inn Merrillville

Shared-ride shuttle service provides door-to-door transport&nbsp;(vans available for large groups).

Airport Shuttle - Mozio

Free full breakfast with stay

Best Western Inn & Suites of Merrillville

Airport shuttle provides door-to-door transport (vans available for large groups). Online reservations are not available.&nbsp;Please reserve car by phone prior to arrival to minimize wait time.

Livery Taxi Cab Dispatch, LLC

Free continental breakfast available with stay

Quality Inn

Free continental&nbsp;breakfast included with stay

La Quinta Inn Merrillville

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Merrillville

Destiny's Cab & Taxi Service LLC

24hr City Cab

Travel

Explore 5 of Chicago’s premier attractions at a discounted price, and enjoy special privileges with either VIP access or Fast Pass admission for most attractions. This pass is perfect if you want to blow through the Windy City at your own pace.
Between visits, consider using your Chicago CityPASS for discounts at retail stores and other attractions. With validity for up to 9 days, there's plenty of time to see all that Chicago has to offer on your next trip.
Your CityPASS Includes
Shedd Aquarium - VIP ENTRY Skydeck Chicago - FAST PASS The Field Museum - VIP ENTRY
Museum of Science and Industry OR 360 CHICAGO - EXPRESS ENTRY Adler Planetarium - VIP ENTRY OR Art Institute of Chicago - FAST PASS

Chicago CityPASS: 5 Must-See Museums & Attractions

Take a breezy spin around the Windy City as you discover the parks, architecture, and jazzy atmosphere of Chicago on a double-decker bus. Get a lay of the land in this Midwest metropolis by bus, and hop on and off at landmarks like Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and the Willis Tower.
Climb aboard a spacious bus and begin your urban exploration. Take in the passing scenery of bold, modern architecture and soaring skyscrapers, and soak up vistas of its stunning waterfront developments and tranquil green parks.
Cruise through Grant Park, known as Chicago’s &quot;front yard,&quot; and hop off to stretch your legs in Millennium Park, a symbol of downtown's transformation into a 21st-century city. Head toward the famous shops of the Magnificent Mile and continue over the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue Bridge as you learn about the sights from an entertaining on-board guide.
Route stops include::
<ul>
<li>Fort Dearborn</li>
<li>The Wills Towers and Skydeck Chicago</li>
<li>Millennium Park &amp; Palmer House Hilton</li>
<li>Art Institute of Chicago</li>
<li>Adler Planetarium</li>
<li>Field Museum</li>
<li>Shedd Aquarium</li>
<li>The Water Tower</li>
<li>Hard Rock Cafe</li>
<li>Navy Pier</li>
</ul>

Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Let the Windy City carry you away as you explore Chicago top to bottom, scoping out the city's must-see parks, can't-miss lake views, and iconic architecture on this half-day tour. From the Loop to Lincoln Park, keep your camera at the ready—Chi-town's a charmer!
After being picked up from your hotel, begin your ride through the skyscrapers of the Loop. Watch for fly balls popping high over Wrigley Field, check out the Picasso sculpture in Richard J. Daley Square, and cross over the Chicago River on one of the city's iconic bridges.
Pass by major cultural institutions on both the North and South Side like the Chicago Symphony, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Art Institute of Chicago, renowned for its world-class collection of impressionist art. Get out and stretch your legs among the lagoons and flowers of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and take in sweeping views over Lake Michigan from Museum Campus.
Ride along almost the entire length of the scenic Outer Drive, enjoy a verdant respite in the urban oasis of Grant Park, and keep your eyes toward the sky as you admire the John Hancock Building, listening to the history behind State Street and the Magnificent Mile. As you cruise along Wacker Drive—the double-decker thoroughfare beneath the city—listen as your guide shares expert insight on the history and vibrant culture of this Midwestern metropolis.

Best of Chicago Tour

Dine like a rock star among pop, soul, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia like costumes and instruments from your favorite musicians at the Hard Rock Cafe. Skip the lines with priority seating and enjoy a classic meal and a dessert.
Don't wait for a seat—with priority access, you can zip past the crowds and cozy up to your table in no time. As you wait for your cheeseburger, pasta, grilled chicken sandwich, or salad, listen to the music playing over the speakers and peruse the wide variety of rock 'n' roll memorabilia.
After dessert, take another look around. View classic items on display, like a handwritten love poem from Charlie Parker to his wife, Chan, a Braille Pepsi commercial manuscript for Ray Charles, and a guitar of legendary Eric Clapton.
Sample menu includes:
<ul>
<li>Hard Rock Burger with seasoned fries</li>
<li>Hickory smokehouse sandwich with tender, hand-pulled smoked chicken with hickory barbecue sauce on toasted brioche</li>
<li>The Texan: your choice of hickory-smoked pulled pork or chicken with chipotle barbecue sauce, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, crispy fried jalapeños, and onions on toasted brioche</li>
<li>Chicken Caesar salad tossed with grilled chicken and parmesan cheese</li>
<li>Chef's dessert</li>
</ul>

Monica & Curtis