we can't wait to celebrate
saturday, april 10th
THE CEREMONY
saturday, april 10th
five o'clock in the evening
pazzo's
THE RECEPTION
following the ceremony there will be a cocktail hour
dinner and dancing
seven o'clock in the evening
while we love children, the wedding is child free
please RSVP by february 14th
Chanel & Darren
How we met
October 2019. Darren spotted Chanel across the Winter Garden at a University of Chicago Booth School of Business prospective student event and did what Darren does best: walked right up and started talking. Chanel's verdict? Nice enough, but she'd probably never see him again.
March 2020. Plot twist! They'd both gotten into Chicago Booth's Class of 2022. As Darren rallied the incoming class with virtual and small-group hangouts in the midst of the pandemic, he kept finding reasons to put Chanel in his groups or slide into her messages "just to chat." Darren seemed to become friends with the entire 600+ person class instantly, and Chanel figured he was a good person to keep up with. They began talking regularly.
July 2, 2020. Once Darren moved to Chicago, he invited Chanel out for drinks. They met at Parlor Pizza in the West Loop for what would become their first date, unbeknownst to Chanel. The conversation flowed easily, but she was still unsure whether this was a "more than friends" vibe. What followed was a long game of cat and mouse, as they began to develop feelings for each other.
August 2020. One evening, under the guise of celebrating his "friend" Chanel's new job offer, Darren showed up at the park near her apartment with champagne, fruit, and a speaker playing R&B. He then led her to the perfect spot in the park for a clear view of the skyline just as the sun set. They talked as if they'd known each other forever, long into the night, eventually spending hours walking along the lakefront all the way to the Riverwalk and into the West Loop.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Recommended Hotels
JW Marriott
151 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60606
Canopy by Hilton
28 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606
A Few of Our Favorite Places
We live in West Loop and spend most of our time there, here are some of our favorite things to do in the city.
Parlor Pizza West Loop
108 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607
Where it all began for us! Darren invited Chanel here for drinks on their first date back in 2020. Delicious pizza and appetizers, you can't really go wrong here.
Moneygun
660 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
One of our favorite speakeasy-style cocktail bars. If you're looking for a great drink in a cozy atmosphere with a good playlist, this is one of our go-to spots!
Trivoli Tavern
114 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607
We enjoy just about everything on the menu, and Chanel can't resist their espresso martini. If you're visiting during the week, their happy hour is worth checking out.
Gilt Bar
230 W. Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Part of the same restaurant family as Trivoli Tavern & Bavette's. This is one of our favorite restaurants in the city. We love the mussels, onion rings, caesar salad, burgers...honestly it's hard to order wrong.
The Hoxton, Chicago
200 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607
One of our favorite places to spend an evening. The rooftop restaurant and bar, Cabra, offers great views and a relaxed atmosphere. Cira in the lobby often has a lively crowd and DJ on weekends, while Lazy Bird downstairs features live music, cozy seating, and an extensive cocktail menu. We recommend making a reservation if you plan to visit Lazy Bird.
Fox Bar (Inside Soho House Chicago)
113 - 125 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607
Located inside Soho House, Fox Bar is one of our favorite spots for a laid-back drink and conversation. It's a great option whether you're a member or simply stopping by to enjoy the atmosphere.
The Lakefront Trail
In the early days of our relationship, we spent a lot of time biking this trail together. We love the incredible views of the city, and it has since become Chanel's favorite place for long runs.
Riverwalk
One of the best ways to experience the city. Grab a drink or a bite to eat while enjoying views of Chicago's architecture and the boats passing by on the river.
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
Even though we live here, we always learn something new on this tour. It's one of our favorite ways to experience the city and a great activity for visitors.
FAQ
What is the dress code?
Black tie/formal. We’d love to see guests in floor-length dresses and suits or tuxedos.
What time should I arrive for the ceremony?
The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00 PM. Please arrive by 4:45 PM to allow plenty of time to get seated.
When should I RSVP by?
Please RSVP by February 14, 2027. If we haven’t received your RSVP by then, we’ll assume you’re unable to attend.
Is parking available?
There is a paid parking lot next door to the venue. SpotHero and rideshare services like Uber are also great options for getting to and from downtown Chicago.
Can I bring a plus one?
Only guests whose invitation includes a plus one may bring a guest. We’re keeping our celebration intimate and appreciate your understanding.
Are children invited to the celebration?
We kindly ask that our wedding be an adults-only celebration. Thank you for understanding.
Can I take photos during the ceremony?
We’re having an unplugged ceremony and kindly ask that phones and cameras remain put away. We promise our photographer will capture all the special moments!
Help Us Start Forever
HONEYMOON REGISTRY
SPENNIE
