Chicago - Coastal Kelder

I have been all over the US this summer (Boston, Nashville, Miami, etc) and I was excited to continue that trend with a trip to Chicago for Kirstin’s wedding! Again, this was Hunter’s first time to the city, so we decided to fly up a day early so we could play tourist before the wedding activities began.

We headed straight to The Allegro when we got in on Thursday, [insert Hunter’s first “L” subway experience], got dressed and then went to Kirstin & Tim’s new studio for their welcome party. Their place is ADORABLE. It’s the perfect industrial, “we’re young and live in the city” type place for them with lots of exposed brick and awesome wood. It was also a perfect time for Hunter to meet the families and other friends / wedding party / high school friends.

Friday morning we got up fairly early and were off to play in the city. The goal was to act like tourists for a few hours before the Cubs game, so we headed to the Bean (or the giant chrome bean as Hunter calls it), walked around Michigan Ave, then rode up to Wrigleyville.

We grabbed some Old Style beer (a recommendation from a co-worker) and Chicago dogs to really enjoy the game. The funniest part was that we ended up sitting next to a couple from Greenville, SC who were on vacation — small world. We were able to spend 7 innings at the game before leaving to get ready for the Rehearsal.

Rehearsal dinner was at Ada Street, just down the road from the church, and it was AWESOME. The venue was so pretty (indoor / outdoor), the food was delicious, and the chefs even came out to socialize after the meal. Basically outstanding food, mixed with great speeches from the fathers and a room full of great people — we had a blast.

Saturday we got ready at Kirstin’s place and helped with last minute details. Unfortunately, it started storming (like black clouds, thunder and pouring kind of storming), but we lucked out and didn’t get wet on the short walk to the trolley and then into the church.

As expected, I cried as K walked down the aisle, especially after watching Tim’s reaction to seeing her for the first time.. After the ceremony, the wedding party hopped into the trolley and drove around Chicago taking pictures before arriving at the reception.

The reception was also very unique and so much fun at City Winery. They had a 6 piece band, complete with saxophone and trombone which played a wide selection of music, there was a big dance floor, and the short rib and quail were delightful.

Everything was perfectly Tim and Kirstin. I had a great time seeing some high school friends, Kirstin’s family, Tim’s friends and we all laughed and danced all night. The party even continued to a karaoke bar down the street…