Yes! And you can download and order prints if you want! https://alicushingphotography.pic-time.com/-bethanyandmbswedding/gallery?inviteToken=AAAAAJAAAADM2aHUzMkJQQ4,
We are recommending the Hyatt Place-Wicker Park, and have a discount code for you to use if you book a room there. It is not a block of rooms, we have no minimum to reach so you are welcome to stay anywhere. However, all planned wedding activities take place in the Wicker Park, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and Avondale neighborhoods. We recommend you stay somewhere in one of those neighborhoods, or close to a Blue Line CTA stop. The Blue Line will also take you directly to and from O’Hare Airport. There is another hotel in Wicker Park, The Robey, which is a boutique hotel.
You are welcome to stay anywhere you choose, but we are recommending the Hyatt Place-Wicker Park hotel. We have a discount code you can use at booking. It is directly across the street from a great breakfast spot, but also breakfast is included with your stay. And there’s a great late night food spot on the caddy-corner. There are two grocery stores within walking distance. It is one block away from the bride’s Maid of Honor’s (Shana) house, so you would have support and a point of contact nearby. Shana and her husband (Charlie) also have an eleven-year-old son (Zachary), and all the kids might want to get together at some point. The venue is easy to get to and from this location, if you choose to stay downtown it will feel much farther. And if many people stay here, you can share rides. The Hyatt Place sits at an intersection with a major bus line going each direction, is walking distance from two Blue Line CTA stops, and is right next to a entrance/exit point from the expressway. The rehearsal dinner venue is just a few blocks away. The Wicker Park neighborhood is a happening place, with tons of bars, restaurants, and shopping that you can walk to. And we are providing transportation back to this hotel from the venue when the reception is over.
An age-old debate! For this purpose however, we say O’Hare, unless your flight is significantly cheaper to fly into Midway. Only because the Blue Line CTA takes you directly to and from the airport, and if you stay at the Hyatt Place-Wicker Park, there are two close Blue Line stops. Or if you stay in one of the recommended neighborhoods - Wicker Park, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Avondale - they are all on the Blue Line. If you do fly into Midway, you will take the Orange Line into the city and then transfer to the Blue Line, depending on where you’re staying. Or of course there are Uber/Lyft/taxis.
If you stay at the Hyatt Place-Wicker Park and only go to our wedding-related events and do things in the Wicker Park neighborhood, you will be able to walk or take public transportation to everything. If you want to adventure more or prefer to stay downtown, you’ll be able to take public transportation, or Uber/Lyft for convenience. It is not necessary to rent a car. Even though you can take a bus to the venue from the hotel, it should be less than $20 for an Uber ride. And we have a bus that seats 50 (so not just for wedding party) that will pick up from the venue and hour before the reception ends at midnight, and drop off at the hotel. And will pick up again at the end of the reception at 0100am, do a drop-off at the after party and then continue on to the hotel. Take note! When navigating Chicago, street direction - as in “[North/South/East/West] Streetname” - matters. The ‘zero’ point is Madison (E/W) and State (N/S). All wedding events take place on North and West streets.
The ceremony and reception are both taking place at Diamond Garden Banquet Hall, and the invitation is to both.
We are calling Bethany the bride and Mary Beth the bridegroom.
Tell us! We will accommodate it all. You should be able to select your restrictions when you RSVP. If you have any further questions or needs, let us know!
Cocktail attire.
The current forecast is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 48 degrees during the day, with sun or partly cloudy. Solid footwear and a good top layer are recommended. But it can be unexpectedly warm or cold in March, so check the forecast before you pack.
Holy Name Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church, and the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago. A world-famous Cathedral and landmark building, its rich history, beauty, and architecture are meant to inspire. Located at 730 N Wabash Ave. Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was founded by Irish immigrants on Easter morning in 1846. And having survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it is the oldest public building in the City of Chicago. Standing for 175 years old, the community vision for the future is, “Leading a movement of change within the Catholic church marked by radical inclusivity, exquisite worship, and transformative kinship.” Located at 700 W Adams St. The Fourth Presbyterian Church is the church to which the Chicago Whiteheads belong. Founded in 1871, the current Neo-Gothic structure was dedicated in 1914. Reflecting the inclusive love of God and affirming the worth of all, Fourth Presbyterian Church strives to be a welcoming, serving community. Located at 126 E Chestnut St.
1) Bring your ID everywhere. Chicago bar culture is accommodating, but not when you don’t have your ID. Doesn’t matter how old you are, or how old you look. Take your ID with you everywhere. 2) Marijuana can be legally purchased and carried in small amounts in Chicago. There is a dispensary not far from the Hyatt Place-Wicker Park hotel at 1308 W North Ave. Be advised you still can’t smoke in hotel rooms, or while driving. Let us know if you have any further questions.