An Intimate and Meaningful Wedding in Chicago

Let’s start with the basics : how did you meet?

We've known each other for three years. Juan Carlos and I met while working together at a museum, being a part of the same company, our roles (he is a chef, and I am in marketing) intersected and we got to know each other on a professional level. We had a mutual respect for each others creativity, work ethic, and we bonded over the desire to keep our work life separate from our personal life--neither of us were interested in engaging in the classic hospitality culture. Fairly early on, I was drawn to him and I knew I wanted him in my life, even if it was just as friends. Juan Carlos on the other hand had no interest in being my friend and was vocal that he didn't need more friends. Quite frankly, I was stunned, and slightly offended-- I was a cool girl and a REALLY great friend-- how could he not want to be best friends?! A set of challenging circumstances joined us together, and we quickly became inseparable. We managed to keep our relationship off the radar during the time that we worked together -- and stunned our coworkers when they learned, (after he had left for another job) that we had been dating and were getting married.

When did you just ‘know’?

When we first started dating, we made a list of 100 things we wanted to do together; this was everything from parades, to jump houses, stand-up paddle boarding and traveling. Our travel list included visiting Juan Carlos' extended family in Cuitzeo, a small town North of Michoacán; he says that when he saw me with his family, embracing his culture, he knew he would marry me. For me, I had been taken with him early on, his character and quiet spirit was extremely attractive to me, but on a trip to California, we were watching movies in the park and we had a sweet moment where he responded to an insecurity of mine, I felt completely loved, accepted, and comfortable (something I hadn't felt before)-- at this point we hadn't exchanged the "I Love You" -- but I had an overwhelming rush of feelings right then, I knew I was madly in love with him and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

How did he propose? 

Our extensive list of 100 things included some travels which included London and Paris. I am a Francophile and Parisian at heart-- and the first night we were in our Paris apartment, after an evening of dinner and exploring the city, Juan Carlos asked me to spend the rest of my life with him -- it couldn't have been more romantic or perfect. Only our parents knew, he asked my dad and mom if he could marry me before we left-- and we were able to spend our entire vacation celebrating our love.

What do you think you will remember about your wedding 50 years from now? 

The moment our families surrounded and laid hands on us and prayed a prayer of blessing on our marriage.

Our ride from the church to our reception in our family friends Packard.

When we cook dinner together, we love to open wine and dance to some of our favorite songs, so being able to celebrate and dance in front of our family to our fav song Louis Armstrong, La Vie En Rose was very special.

Our wedding was intentionally simple, the most important element was to have our families present and joined together. We were both so incredibly overwhelmed by the love and support of everyone there-- it was a beautiful night and we will never forget the love and support we felt from our family and friends.

There were so many elements that were very special!! My niece Audrey made the pillow for our rings. My dear friend Lacy sang a song she wrote when I walked down the aisle. Our friends drove us from the church to the reception in their vintage Packard and our reception was at the restaurant of a family friend that I had worked for as a kid.

Advice? 

A lot of married friends recommended pre-marital counseling, and we truly enjoyed the process; our pastor challenged us to think about the culture of our marriage and intentionally develop what we wanted that to be. We have appreciated the exercises that have given us both insight to each others childhoods, family dynamics, and who we are as individuals. There is a power with having an objective third party give insight, advice, and encouragement; we want to continue to pour into our marriage by reading books together and see the importance in having a community.

Vendors:

Photographer: Kelbert McFarland

Florist: Homewood Florist

Reception: Balagio Mokena

Cake: Molly's Cupcakes