Wedding | Rachel & John

33 minutes ago
4 min read

Tell us a little about yourselves!

John and I first met as freshmen in high school, where a mutual crush sparked almost immediately. As a shy teenager, I was drawn to John’s curiosity and easy laughter, something that made every class we shared feel a little more electric, a little more special. Despite our connection, our flirtation never extended beyond the classroom. Junior year, John asked me to homecoming, a moment that felt significant even then, but I unfortunately had to decline, already having a date.

In college, John and I quietly kept tabs on one another through social media, occasionally checking in through DMs. Nearly ten years after high school, John was still on my mind, the crush very much alive. Though he was living in Oregon, I felt compelled to reach out once more. Moments later I received an enthusiastic, warm reply followed by the question, “Are you single?”.

We began dating long-distance, our visits serving as windows into the lives we had built apart and the future taking shape between us. A year later, John returned to Chicago, where we made a studio apartment our first home. A year after that, we were engaged.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We went back and forth between having a big wedding or eloping, torn between celebration and intimacy. In the end, we chose something that felt distinctly us: a courthouse ceremony followed by an intimate reception with our closest friends and family. At the recommendation of our photographer, we found – and fell in love with – the Tortoise Supper Club, a swanky yet cozy jazz club in the heart of downtown Chicago.

How many guests did you have?

Our immediate family accompanied us at our courthouse ceremony. We were then joined by close friends for the reception, bringing our total guest count to 31.

What was your budget?

Our budget was $20,000, which included everything from wedding bands and attire to florals and food.

Tell us about your outfits.

I ordered several dress options to my local Nordstrom and brought home two Acler gowns to consider. One was sleeker, more understated; the other more dynamic, elevated. Initially, I gravitated toward the simpler silhouette, thinking it more appropriate for a courthouse ceremony. But over time, I thought about how well the architecture of the second dress would compliment the backdrop of the city, the Art Institute of Chicago. In the end, the choice felt instinctive – and it’s one I would make again without hesitation.

John was drawn to the idea of a subtly green suit paired with a patterned tie, something that felt classic yet reflective of his personal style. We found the perfect pieces at Suitsupply and Ralph Lauren, respectively. He finished the look with meaningful details: his late father’s guardian angel pin and a photo of the two of them, rendered in felt, sewn onto the back of his tie.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

Our priority was honouring our families, living and lost, as well as the core friends that have brought continuity into our varied lives. Though John and I are no longer religious, we wanted our ceremony to maintain the depth of symbolism, the sense of ritual, and common good that love brings to its community.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

We wanted the macrocosm of our relationship reflected in the microcosm of our day. When John moved from Oregon to Chicago, so much of our love was built by (re)learning the city together. Chicago shaped our relationship, so it shaped the celebration –The Art Institute, the Chicago Athletic Association, the Chicago River. Chicago, Chicago, Chicago.

At our reception dinner, we prioritized a sense of warmth and intimacy. From a thoughtful seating chart to a favorite record reimagined as a guestbook. Passing around a Polaroid camera capturing candid moments to the songs of our upbringing. Not to mention my parents’ wedding cake topper, a quiet nod to legacy.

Any tips for couples getting married?

John: Communicate to share the load, be honest about finances from the start, and when things go sideways (because they will), remember that both the wedding and the marriage are a team effort. The day is meaningful, but the life you’re building together matters more. And if there’s one place to linger, it’s the vows. We read them first thing in the morning over coffee. They grounded the day and reminded us what the celebration was really about.

Rachel: Wedding planning is full of expectations, traditions, and competing opinions. To stay grounded when decision fatigue inevitably set in, I made a short list of values to guide my choices: reduce, reuse, recycle; cultivate connection and love; and always consider two more affordable alternatives before committing to a big-ticket item.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Alicia Tova and Tova Studios are masterful; we adore you!

Photographer: Tova Studios @alishatova | Flora: Strewn Chicago @strewnchicago | Ceremony Location: Chicago Courthouse | Reception Location: The Red Room at the Tortoise Supper Club @tortoisesupper