Ugh this pandemic. We hope everyone is staying healthy and doing well! As you all know, we have had to postpone our wedding until Friday, 10/2/2020. We eloped in the mountains of Denver to celebrate our original date of 6/20/2020, but plan to hold a "vow renewal" ceremony in October for our guests. Governor Pritzker's guidelines for reopening have...ambitious standards for when groups of over 50 can gather. These are based on scientific standards, so while we don't love them, we understand. Based on this, we have had to drastically cut our guest list to under 50 people, which leaves very little room for guests other than our wedding party and immediate family. Updated invitations and notices have been sent out.
Luckily, our venue has a capacity of 300+, so our now limited guest list allows for social distancing/spacing with ease. Masks are required in Chicago, so make sure you have one at the venue - you will need to wear it when entering the venue, and while interacting with waitstaff/bartenders. Beyond that, we will leave your mask wearing up to you/your comfort level. Straws will be offered at the open bar, so people can drink while keeping their masks on if they desire. All food will be served seated, at tables (seating 6 people per table). Once food service is complete, guests can socialize in whatever ways they feel comfortable with. Desserts will be served in individual, pre-packaged containers. There will be no typical wedding cake, due to the safety concerns of cutting/serving a cake. There will be no designated dance floor, but there will still be a DJ. This allows for better spacing while enjoying the music! There will also be a deck of cards at each table.
We are SO appreciative of everyone who has gotten us a gift to celebrate our marriage! However, we will have no way to transport the gifts home from the venue, and are trying to reduce the amount of outside items being brought in that could transport germs. So, we are asking that any gifts be given before or after the wedding (or use the option on Zola where the bride/groom can select when to ship). Cards are always appreciated though!
There are a few options! Both apps are free and super easy to get set up - download them now and you can even schedule rides ahead of time so you're not fussing with your phone at the end of the night. Save a few cab company phone numbers ahead of time; while the venue is downtown, it's off the beaten path a bit and I wouldn't count on many cabs just passing by. Have the numbers handy to call when you're ready to leave, or call ahead of time and schedule a cab ride! Or, walk a block over to Halsted Street, which is busier and may have cabs. If you don't plan on taking advantage of the open bar, feel free to drive to/from the wedding! There's lots of free parking nearby.
We have some recommended hotels listed under the "Travel" page, but you are welcome to stay anywhere! We recommend Wicker Park, West Loop, River North, Gold Coast, or Lincoln Park for proximity to the venue. Between AirBnBs and the multitude of hotels, the city is your oyster! And you can always ask for our opinions :)