On a clear, crisp (though surprisingly not very windy!) spring day in Chicago, IL, with four loved ones present, we exchanged vows in The Drawing Room of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel after nearly ten years of commitment to each other. The day was nothing short of joyful, calm, and wholly centered on being present with each other: exactly how we had hoped it to feel and very much in line with what we value. Why Chicago, you may ask (or have already asked!)? We knew we wanted something simple and intimate, but without any places in Washington particularly special to us, there were no clear standout venues. With plans already developing to visit Chicago for our first time in early spring, it felt very "us" to round out our travel to a city known for its incredible food and rich history with our small big day. The details beyond that came together organically: we found the perfect photographer, he suggested we consider venues a bit more unique than our originally planned City Hall nuptials, we contacted our stunning hotel about options for elopements, and the vision came to life. For two people who had never really envisioned a wedding day, it evolved into a celebration of love that dreams are made of.