Bridal Shower

Rehearsal Dinner

The Oakbrook Manor

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Winter

Our Wedding

From the moment I laid eyes on Tommy at that bar in January 2020, I knew there was something special about him. I remember seeing Tommy from across the room and feeling drawn to him. He was wearing his vineyard vines shirt and my friends and I were referring to him as “whale boy.” I mustered up the courage to approach him, asking for a simple glass of water, but little did I know that I talked myself into taking a tequila shot. And that was all somehow the start of something truly special. The early days of our relationship were marked by the challenges of the pandemic, but we embraced them with open hearts. Our "high-school" dates consisted of sneaking out for walks and late-night talks in our cars, breaking lockdown rules just to be together. Despite the obstacles, our love only grew stronger with each passing day.&nbsp; --------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the things that I treasure the most about Tommy is his incredible sense of humor. He always finds a way to make fun of me, but in the gentlest, most loving manner. Whether I’m crying over a cute puppy video or we just watched a tearjerker of a movie, he’s always there, being my shoulder to cry on. Then, just like that, he’ll crack a stupid joke, making me laugh through my tears. Tommy is so kind, hard-working, and patient. He brings me a sense of peace when I feel like nothing is going right. He is the most genuine person I know, and in turn it makes me my most authentic. We love each other unconditionally, and that helps us love ourselves too.&nbsp; --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rachel is one of the most charismatic, loving, and cuddly person I have ever met. Her loving smile and warm embrace make life easier for me daily. Knowing she is always at my side makes the hardest days seem manageable because I know I am never alone. She truly is my better half, my best friend, and my soul mate.&nbsp; --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As we look towards the future, our hopes and dreams are simple yet profound. We dream of creating a loving home filled with laughter and joy, and growing old together in love and happiness.&nbsp; To all of our wedding guests, we want to share a message of love and gratitude. We invite you to celebrate with us as we begin this new chapter of our lives together. Your love and support mean the world to us, and we are forever grateful to have you by our side. Love Always,Rachel and Tommy

Our Story

Photos

For our guests convenience, we have reserved a block of rooms at Four Points by Sheraton in Westchester. The discounted wedding rate is available for Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15. Please use the link below to book! <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1732019849382&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sliwinski-Franklin Hotel Block</a> Shuttle service will be available to take hotel guests to and from the wedding venue. Be sure to book your hotel room by January 24, 2025 in order to receive the discount.

Four Points by Sheraton

Accommodations

Officiant - Kevin PetrakParents of the Bride - Cindy Sliwinski &amp; Michael SliwinskiParents of the Groom - Angela &amp; Robert FranklinMaid of Honor - Mitzy PerezBest Man - Brian Franklin Best Man - Matthew FranklinBridesmaid - Grace SliwinskiBridesmaid - Maggie FranklinBridesmaid - Laura DonahueGroomsman - Michael SliwinskiUsher - ﻿Nicholas KaczmarekUsher -Nathan SchmidtUsher - Jordan MoyersUsher - Miguel “Nacho” Mora

Wedding Party

Q + A

Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?You may respond either online by going to the RSVP tab or by mailing in the RSVP card sent with the invitation. What date should I RSVP by?Please respond no later than January 11, 2025. Is there a hotel block?Yes, we have reserved a hotel block at the Four Points Sheraton in Westchester. Guests are able to book rooms for Friday and/or Saturday night. Please see our accommodations tab for a direct link to book and further information. Will there be a shuttle to and/or from the hotel?Yes, shuttle services are available to and from the venue. Exact times will be communicated closer to the wedding date. How should I get to the venue? Is there parking available at the venue?If you are choosing to drive, there is a free parking lot on site with ample parking! There is also a large drop-off area for those choosing to use a ride-share service.If you will be staying at the Four Points, shuttle services are arranged for transportation to and from the hotel. Times for the shuttle will be announced closer to our wedding date. What time should I arrive?The ceremony will begin prompty at 4:00PM. Please arrive 15-30 minutes early in order to find a seat and settle in! What if I cannot arrive in time for the ceremony?Your presence will be missed, but we would still love to have at the reception! Our cocktail hour will begin at 4:30, with dinner starting promptly at 5:30. Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?The ceremony will be held indoors. The reception will also take place indoors, but guests will to have access to the outside patio. What should I wear? Is there a dress code?We encourage guests to wear formal attire. We want you to look and feel your best! For our winter wedding we suggest midi or maxi length dresses, elegant separates, sport coats &amp; pants, or suits. Please avoid any and all shades of white. The wedding party will be wearing black dresses and suits. Will there be a coat check?Yes, coat check will be available upon entering the venue. Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?Photos and videos are absolutely welcomed! Please help us remember this special day by sending to us all the moments that you capture! We will have a shared digital photo album that we hope you will contribute to. What's on the menu?During cocktail hour, light appetizers will be served accompanied by an open bar. Following cocktail hour, a formal dinner will take place. Late night tacos will be served later in the night. What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?When you RSVP, please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them. Will there be an open bar?Of course! We will be offering a full bar, including beer, wine, seltzers, and liquor. Am I allowed to bring my children?We absolutely love your children, but due to space restrictions we can only accommodate guests formally indicated on the invitation. Am I allowed to bring a plus one?Due to space constraints, we can only accommodate named guests on the invitation. We appreciate your understanding. Is the venue wheelchair / ADA accessible?Yes! There are no stairs located at the venue. If you have any concerns or other necessary accommodations, please reach out. Who should I contact with other questions?Please reach out to us at rachelandtommy2025@gmail.com or 224-616-4094.

Rachel & Thomas

Rachel & Thomas

Photos