We will be having a ceremony on the cruise, but intend to share pics/video from that experience, and maybe even do a vow reprisal in Shreveport. This isn't your traditional "wedding" and all three events are equally important to us along this journey.
We will not have a hotel block, but there are a plethera of local and national hotels in Shreveport and in Bossier City which would be no more than 10-15 minute driving distance for our event. In addition, Shreveport has a number of casinos which would provide for good hotel deals.
We will not have a hotel block, but obviously Chicago is flush with hotels. If you have never been to Chicago, we encourage you to check out the city while you are here! We live about 50 minutes west of downtown, and the lake is 45 minutes north of us. And, while you are here ALWAYS look at the time, not the miles to determine travel distance. Miles mean nothing here.