THE MEETING

Brian and Emily first met six years ago at Taylor University. Ironically, their older brothers were roommates in college and very close friends, giving them a casual way to meet and get to know each other. They became friends shortly after and had a few classes together.

The rest was history… although, we did not have History class together 🙂 

FIRST DATE  

Now this is an area of debate between my husband and I. Brian believes our first date was on my birthday in college when he took me to a movie. I believe our first date was attempting to make a Starbucks Refresher from scratch, which did not turn out well at all. We will let Starbucks do what they do best, but it was still a lot of fun!

THE MOMENT 

Hm, I don’t think there was a specific moment for me. Brian was such a constant support through our relationship and even when I would be uncertain or doubtful, he would reassure me that he was not going away. His confidence, love, and honesty was what drew me in and kept me here for five years and counting!

THE QUIRKS 

The quirkiest thing about Brian is that he LOVES his “old man” slippers. He had this pair of checkered slippers that he wears every night we sit on the couch, and I can’t get rid of them!

The quirkiest thing about Emily is that she has an unhealthy relationship with homemade popcorn.

THE PROPOSAL

The plan, as I learned much later on, was that he was going to take me to the Shedd Aquarium (my favorite place in Chicago) and have my family meet us there for the proposal. However, the day in question was in November with gale force wind and freezing rain! Not ideal… but Brian being the excitable and impatient person he is, was not waiting any longer. He took me to a local coffee shop and bookstore that we have gone to before and after we went for a walk…mind you, still freezing! He brought me to a park near my parent’s house and proposed in the middle of the park. It was cold, rainy, and imperfect in so many ways but that is what made it so sweet. We celebrated with my family the rest of the evening, inside thankfully, and began our wedding journey.

THE VENUE 

Exposed brick for starters! I was looking for something rustic and beautiful. The Haight, thankfully, had this and SO MUCH MORE. I loved the uniqueness of the space, the ability to hold so many of our loved ones, and the different rooms that met our needs perfectly. The Haight came highly recommended because of the beauty of the building and the helpfulness of the staff, so we knew it was the right place for us!

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THE WEDDING DAY 

My favorite part of our day was at the end of our wedding reception—some of our closest family and friends linked up and sang Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the top of their lungs. Brian and I were in the middle of the circle looking around laughing, singing, and just soaking up the last moments of that amazing day with the people we love.

THE DRESS 

I bought my dress at BHLDN in Chicago!

THE MARRIAGE 

I’m not sure marriage has changed our relationship as much as it has deepened what already existed. Life feels normal together and at this point, trying to think of what my life would look like now without him seems impossible! Our love has become more action forward in smaller ways that take on much deeper meaning (I never thought my love language could be coming home with the dishes done or laundry folded!).

THE ADVICE 

Enjoy this season of life; it’s a sweet one! Things will change, and planning will get stressful and it will go by so fast, but trust that it will all come together. Take time to savor being engaged to one another and at the end of it all, you will be spending your life with the person you love. It truly is a season of beautiful anticipation.

THE SHOUT OUTS 

Adams Photography captured our day so beautifully and made the day feel effortless. Their guidance and organization with our massive families made me feel so thankful. They are also the sweetest people! I also would like to shout out The Haight (of course!) and Beauty Luxe for my hair and makeup. Maria did AMAZING and seeing the natural beauty of my mom, bridesmaids, and myself shine through with fabulous hair and makeup just completed the day.

We feel so thankful for all the love and support from the vendors, friends, and family who made our day, truly, a day of celebration! We don’t plan on stopping he celebration any time soon!

THE VENDORS

PHOTOGRAPHER: ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY | VIDEOGRAPHER: MATT (AND GROOMSMEN)

FLORALS: DEB| CATERING: MY CHEF CATERING

CAKE & SWEETS: PATTI | MUSICIAN/DJ/: BACKTHIRD ENTERTAINMENT

ALCOHOL: THE HAIGHT | HAIR & MAKEUP: BEAUT LUXE SALON