FAQs
Question
About the Neighborhood: Lakeview East
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Welcome to Lakeview East! Just a few blocks from Wrigley Field, the neighborhood is lively and full of charm. Enjoy delicious local dining at spots like Uncommon Ground and Wilde Bar & Restaurant. Explore unique shops along Broadway and Clark Street, and relax by Lake Michigan at Belmont Harbor. Getting around is easy with nearby "L" train stations and bus routes. Whether you’re catching a Cubs game or enjoying the local scene, we can’t wait for you to experience Lakeview East!
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About Our Church: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
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We are excited to celebrate our wedding at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, a church that embraces and accepts all. This beautiful and historic church, located in the heart of Chicago, has been a cherished part of the neighborhood since its founding in 1886 as the mother parish for English-speaking Catholic congregations. Known for its stunning architecture and warm community atmosphere, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is committed to faith, family, and welcoming everyone, particularly supporting the LGBTQ+ community since 1971. The church hosts AGLOChicago, which provides a space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to gather for Mass and community events. We invite you to join us in this sacred space as we exchange our vows and begin our journey together!
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Dress code and Examples
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Spring Formal / Black Tie Optional: We’d love for our guests to dress in elegant, festive attire that complements the beauty of a spring celebration. For women, that means long dresses in happy colors—florals and patterns are welcome, but think more formal than a sundress. Men should wear a tuxedo or a formal suit in black or a stylish color. For inspiration, take a look here: http://bit.ly/3Fzc1tz
Question
Why is this in Chicago?
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Trevor and Julie are excited to celebrate their love in the vibrant city they’ve called home for the past three years. Julie moved here to launch her advertising career, thriving as a Senior Content Creator with Kraft Heinz, while Trevor joined her in 2022 to start his insurance career as an independent agent. Chicago isn’t just a city for them; it’s where they feel truly alive. The energy of the nightlife, the charm of walkable neighborhoods, and the breathtaking shores of Lake Michigan create a sense of belonging that resonates deeply with their hearts. By choosing Chicago for their wedding, they want to share their love for this incredible city with all of you. With family and friends traveling from around the globe to join them, it’s the perfect place to come together and celebrate.
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How do I get to Chicago?
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If you are flying, the venue/ceremony and highlighted hotels are about an hour from O'Hare airport. You'll want to Uber to your lodging accommodations. For train-goers, Union Station is right downtown. If staying in a hotel downtown, you could walk to your hotel or take an Uber. Otherwise, take an Uber to one of the highlighted hotels that are just a couple miles north. For those driving, most of the area hotels have parking. Our church and venue have free parking!
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How will I get to the Church and the reception?
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If you’re staying in one of our highlighted hotels, you are within walking distance of the church. If you are lodging farther away, the Church does have onsite parking for the duration of the ceremony. Mass concludes at 2:45 and we will celebrate at Sarabande with a cocktail hour and reception beginning at 5:30pm. The venue is located 3 miles west of the Church. While Sarabande has parking, we encourage guests to rideshare/Uber to the reception to fully enjoy the celebration without worrying about transportation after drinking!
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What should I do between the ceremony and cocktail hour?
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Between the ceremony and cocktail hour, you’re welcome to head back to your hotel if you’re staying nearby or stop by one of our favorite spots on the way to the venue. We’ll be sharing a list of recommendations in our Things to Do tab, which will be updated closer to the day! Since there’s a big Cubs game that day, we don’t recommend venturing too far off the path—our venue is in Roscoe Village, about three miles west, but with city traffic, it can take longer than expected.
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Who is invited? Can I bring a guest?
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Only those named on the envelope are invited. Thanks for understanding!
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Can I bring my kids?
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We love your little ones, but this is an adults-only event. Only those addressed on the invite are included. Thanks for understanding!
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How do I order a gift?
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Just click on the registry tab and find an item you'd like, then select whether you want it shipped to us or you. Take note of your order number to make sure the item is secured and marked purchased, thank you for your generosity — we are very grateful!
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Can I send a gift if I’m not able to come?
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Absolutely! Your generosity is greatly appreciated, even if you can't attend.
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Are cash gifts appreciated?
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Yes, we’ve set up funds in the registry and would be grateful for cash gifts as well, thank you!