Brendan Locke
Chyei Vinluan
Brendan Locke
Chyei Vinluan
September 26, 2026
Our First Date
We first matched on Bumble in October 2021 while both living in the Greater Boston Area. Our first date was on October 15, 2021, at Yard House in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Chyei thought the date would last just a couple of hours, but we ended up talking for four! Our waitress was new, mixed up our drinks, and forgot about us a few times — but we didn’t mind. We spent the time talking about the Cubs and Phillies, and Chyei even taught Brendan that calamari is squid, not octopus.
Our Adventures Together
Since that first night, we’ve shared countless adventures — visiting both Disneyland and Disney World, catching any Chicago vs. Philadelphia game, seeing bands and standup comedians live, and even learning how to make rugs and ceramic bowls. In July 2023, we moved to Chicago and soon after adopted our golden retriever, Nala, who quickly became the heart of our little family. These days, life includes plenty of belly rubs, walks around the West Loop, early morning wake-up calls, and the occasional (okay, not-so-occasional) vet visit — along with our favorite date-night staples: hot pot, lobster rolls, boba, spring rolls, Papa John’s pizza, musubi, ice cream, and cookie dough.
The Proposal
Brendan proposed on September 9, 2025, in Santorini, Greece. Before the trip, Chyei told Brendan she expected him to propose. Brendan took the hint and hired a photographer to take us on a photo tour around Santorini. Earlier that day, she came back to the hotel room after a massage, and Brendan suggested a walk around the hotel. She said no. Back in the room, after a quick stop in the bathroom, Chyei walked out to find Brendan on one knee with a diamond ring in hand. Thinking he was practicing, she asked if he was serious — and he was. Right there in our hotel room, instead of the walk he suggested, Brendan asked Chyei to marry him, and she said yes!
Schedule
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Wedding
5:30 pm
190 S La Salle St, 40th, Chicago, IL 60603
The Unplugged Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception will all take place at the Library.
We kindly ask guests to wear Formal Attire: Ankle- or Floor-Length Dresses and Tuxedos or Dark Suits with a Tie. Traditional Filipino wedding guest attire is welcome (e.g., barongs, Filipinianas). No specific color palette - just not bright colors or long White dresses.
Travel
Travel Note
Chicago Airports
Chicago has two airports. O'Hare International Airport is located on the city's Northwest Side and approximately 17 miles from the Loop. Midway International Airport is located on the city's Southwest Side and approximately 12 miles from the Loop business.
Hotel
The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection
Use the link below to reserve rooms at the LaSalle Chicago for a discounted rate by September 5, 2026.
Hotel
Kimpton Gray Hotel by IHG
Use the link below to reserve rooms at the Kimpton Gray Hotel by August 26, 2026. Please note that the fee is waived.
Registry
Gallery
Things To Do
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
A Chicago favorite that's not deep dish pizza. Get the chocolate cake or the chocolate cake shake - the shake has a whole slice of chocolate cake!
Au Cheval
This place is known for its burgers! Au Cheval does not take reservations and wait time can be up to 3 hours on the weekends. If you don't want to wait but still want to try the burger, go to Small Cheval.
Small Cheval- Riverside
Just the burgers and fries from Au Cheval!
Sawada Coffee
We don't drink coffee but this is a Locke family favorite!
Matcha Cita
Chyei's favorite is the Iced Purple Haze - an ube lavendar matcha latte!
High Five Ramen
Brendan's favorite ramen place is located under Sawada Coffee and Green Street Meats (BBQ also good). Limited seating and no reservations but their pork belly is smoked like a brisket!
Bar Siena
Great for pasta and pizza! Also, Nala's favorite restaurant - she enjoys the doggie steak here.
McDonald's
This is the McDonald's that is located in their Global Headquarters. They have a rotating global menu. And yes, sometimes their McFlurry machine doesn't work.
Time Out Market Chicago
Great for large groups of people! Food options include cupcakes, boba, dumplings, Ethiopian food, and shawarma.
Chicago French Market
Another food hall that includes Filipino food, boba, and Vietnamese food.
Chicago Riverwalk - West End
Walk down the riverwalk towards Lake Michigan! On the way, you'll pass bars and cafes.
Cloud Gate
AKA the Bean!
The Art Institute of Chicago
Chyei's favorite museum!
Willis Tower
***The Sears Tower also has a food court which includes Do-Rite Donuts. Also, there's the Skydeck to get 360 views of the city.
Puttery
Two mini golf courses with food and drinks!
Emporium Arcade Bar
A beercade with our favorite game: NBA hoops!
Electric Shuffle Chicago
Shuffleboard with food and drinks!
FAQs
Question
What is an unplugged ceremony?
Answer
An unplugged ceremony means that there are no phones or cameras out during the wedding to encourage guests to be present and fully immerse themselves in the ceremony.
Question
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony starts at 5:30 pm. We ask that guests start arriving at 5:00 pm and be in their seats by 5:15 pm.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
We ask that guests wear Formal Attire: Ankle- or Floor-Length Dresses and Tuxedos or Dark Suits with a Tie. Traditional Filipino wedding guest attire is welcome (e.g., barongs, Filipinianas). No specific color palette - just not bright colors or long White dresses. Brendan would be especially happy if guests wore Midnight Green.
Question
What are your wedding colors?
Answer
Black, white, and shades of cream. Bridesmaids will be wearing Black dresses.
Question
If I did want to wear traditional Filipino wedding guest attire, where should I look?
Answer
Here are a few websites: https://themestizo.com, https://mestizafilipina.co/, https://www.kulturafilipino.com/
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
We kindly ask that you only bring a guest if they are included on your invitation. Due to limited seating, we are only able to accommodate those listed.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
We kindly ask that you only bring your little one if they are included on your invitation. Due to limited seating, we are only able to accommodate those listed.
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
Yes, we have a hotel block at the LaSalle Chicago and the Kimpton Gray Hotel - both hotels are less than a 2-minute walk from the wedding venue. Please look under the Travel heading for more information.
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
There is no on-site parking at the Library. We encourage using Uber or Lyft to get to the venue if you are not staying at a nearby hotel.