FAQs

Question

Masks? COVID? Vaccines?

Answer

We kindly request (well, Nicki is not so kind about it) that our guests/vendors respect the vaccination rule. If you are unable to be vaccinated, there are people we NEED to protect, so you are asked to mask up for the event. While the wedding ceremony and reception are outdoors, guests may have to prove vaccination. We really want an open bar, packed dance floor, lots of hugs, and to let loose with our loved ones, so let’s all work together! The Welcome Event is held indoors, so we ask that you bring your vaccination card for verification and wear a mask. Cook County has an adult vaccination rate of 74% by population, with a low level of community transmission (3.1% positivity rate). Vaccinated case rate is 0.004% by population, and 0.08% of those vaccinated. There are free testing sites located throughout Chicago or you may purchase an at-home rapid test at Walgreens/CVS for $23. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions.

Question

Are children invited to the wedding?

Answer

While we love all of our family and friends’ kids, this is an ADULT only event. We are at capacity limit to include our adult guests. We genuinely appreciate you making arrangements to leave the kids and babies at home or with a sitter so that you can enjoy a night out and celebrate with us! For those of you traveling with children, we will do our best to help you find a sitter here in Chicago.

Question

What do we wear?

Answer

Dress code is formal, or "Black Tie Optional". Chicago has crazy weather, so it could be anywhere between 60 and 90 degrees in September- please see updated forecast below. For now let’s just say, “not a white dress”. Additionally, since the ceremony and reception are outdoors, please wear sunglasses if you need them and avoid stilettos in the grass (just looking out for you all!). UPDATE 8/31: forecast for wedding day is a high of 75F, low of 68F, and cloudy.

Question

What’s the parking situation?

Answer

There is limited street parking available in the area and there is a small attended parking lot at the venue, located at 1819 S. Wabash (open 3-4pm and again 9-1030pm), but we HIGHLY recommend an Uber/Lyft due to the open bar. We have a shuttle that will take everyone back to the Hilton after the reception for some after partying, so don’t worry about getting back!

Question

I look great tonight and want to post pictures ASAP. What’s your hashtag?

Answer

Please note: we are having an UNPLUGGED ceremony. We politely request that NO phones/cameras/iPads/etc. be used during the ceremony. We are paying a photographer a lot of money to do that job. We love you all and know that no one wants to be “that guy” holding up their phone during the ceremony or posting ceremony pics before the couple does. Thank you! After the ceremony, let loose! Our hashtag is #nickianderic2021 and we welcome all the tags and moments you all are able catch for us!

Question

The ceremony and reception are in two different places, so how do we get there?

Answer

Walk! The two locations literally share an outer courtyard wall, so it’ll be super easy. The ceremony will be in the center of the park, by the fountain. So, you can get there by entering through the Indiana entrance or the Prairie entrance (which is how we will get to and from the Glessner House). We just ask that you get there before the ceremony starts!

Question

What about transportation to/from the wedding?

Answer

We have a shuttle scheduled for return transport after the wedding to the hotel block at 9:45 (last call) and 10:30pm, so we recommend allowing plenty of time to Uber or taxi to the ceremony, which starts promptly at 4. Give yourself extra time since it’s a very busy weekend and we don’t want you to be late and miss the ceremony!

Question

We flew in and didn’t rent a car, how do we get around?

Answer

The L is Chicago’s subway system and can take you most places throughout the city. There are also buses, Uber/lyft, city rentable bikes, and electric scooters (please be careful on these). If you need help or directions, let us know!

Question

Where’s the Bean? I need to take an obligatory “bean” picture to show I went to Chicago.

Answer

First of all, its name is Cloud Gate. Secondly, it is on the west side of Millennium Park, directly North of the Art Institute, just off of Michigan Ave. If you are staying in the hotel block, head across the street (towards the lake) to Grant Park and start walking north along Michigan Ave.- you’ll eventually see it on your right. While you’re at it, the gardens next to the Art Institute and Millenium Park offer some excellent Chicago photo ops!

Question

How did you meet?

Answer

Like any good fairytale, we both swiped right. Then Nicki badgered Eric into a date, and ran across the country immediately afterward. Luckily, he chased her.

Question

Nicki is taking Eric, but is she taking his last name?

Answer

Nope! Nicki will remain Nicole Kikendall after the wedding and appreciates being addressed as such. Or, just Nicki as usual. Likewise, Eric appreciates being addressed as Dr. Kikendall’s husband.

Question

Why are you two so darn awesome?

Answer

We bring it out in each other.