Maggiano's Little Italy Chicago

Rehearsal Dinner

Maggiano's Little Italy

Welcome Party

The Blackstone

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Ceremony

Farewell Brunch

Our Wedding

As the familiar saying goes, the third time is the charm...our story dates back to 2022. Alex came across the profile on a dating site of a beautiful girl named Sarah, who seemed too good to be true. He messaged her but unfortunately did not hear back. A few months later, in October, Alex saw Sarah's familiar face and profile on another dating website and messaged her again. To Alex's luck, Sarah responded, and after a few messages back and forth, Alex found out Sarah had never logged in to the first website. She never saw his original message. Sarah informed Alex she did not even realize that her profile on the first site was still active. After exchanging a few messages, a plan for a first date was in motion, but life events got in the way, and ultimately, it was determined the timing wasn't right. Sarah was afraid Alex would be upset, but he responded with understanding and compassion. Alex hoped they could reconnect in the future. Fast-forward to March 2023. After taking a dating break, Alex rejoined the same dating site and saw that Sarah was active again. Alex messaged Sarah, hoping that the timing was now right. When Sarah saw Alex's message, she was so excited and happy to have the chance to reconnect. To his delight, Sarah messaged him back, and a first date was set. Sarah likes to believe that the world works in a way and sends signs. Sarah and Alex's first date was at a coffee shop called Elaine's. Alex told Sarah that Elaine was his grandmother's name, his favorite person of all time. Sarah, sitting in her thoughts, wondered, is this a sign? She shared with Alex that she was named after her great-grandfather Alexander, her grandfather's dad, who was also one of her favorite people in the world. Not only that, but her other grandfather's middle name was Alex. Was it too much of a coincidence that their first date had a connection to Alex's grandmother and that two men Sarah loved dearly had a connection to the name Alex? Signs aside, Sarah realized that Alex was different. Dating Alex was easy. All Sarah wanted to do was to be with Alex. And all Alex wanted to do was be with Sarah. Sarah realized she was falling in love and wanted to be with this person for the rest of her life. She realized she had found the lid to her pot, her cheerleader, and her best friend. Alex knew, too, that he finally found the woman he was searching for—the woman he wanted to marry. Fast forward to August 2024, at a birthday party Sarah threw in Alex's honor, Alex asked Sarah if she would marry him. Without hesitating, Sarah said, "Of course!" To Sarah's surprise, the proposals were not finished. He also got down on one knee and proposed to Finley, Sarah's dog, with an engagement ring toy. When Sarah asked what gave him the idea, he said, "You told me you were a package deal. It is me and Finley. So if I am going to ask the woman I love to marry me, it is only fitting that I ask Finley to be my buddy forever." Sarah and Alex cannot wait to be surrounded by their loved ones and celebrate their love for each other. The saying goes the third time is a charm...a saying that will forever have special meaning for Sarah and Alex.

Our Story 

Photos

Sarah and Kaite met during nursing school through a mutual classmate. Sarah blurted out, "I like you. Let's be friends!" Surprisingly, this did not scare Kaite away, and their friendship blossomed. It has been filled with late-night study sessions, seeing theater in Chicago, and fun girl nights (plus Finley). Sarah feels honored to call Kaite one of her best friends and maid of honor.

Kaite DeLuca

Aaron and Alex have been friends for over 8 years. First meeting at a poker night hosted by fellow groomsman Matt Schuster. Since then, their friendship has been filled with game nights, dinners, movies, shared pain in sports fandom, and lots and lots of laughter. Alex is excited to celebrate Aaron’s wedding next year and proud to have Aaron serve as best man.

Aaron Tarragano

Sarah and Zoe met in Swarthmore PA, a week before their first day of 8th grade/9th grade.  After talking, they realized they both went to the same small elementary school in Washington DC. Yet their paths did not cross until they were in their teens. One of Sarah’s favorite memories is riding the bus with Zoe everyday to school; Sarah is excited to have Zoe ride with her as a bridesmaid on Sarah’s wedding day.

Zoe Berman

Jason and Alex have been friends for 15 years. They met while working at the same accounting firm. What started as a workplace friendship has grown in to a close friendship filled with conversations where they can discuss anything from sports to music to news of the day to family.  Jason was a rock for Alex during his dating journey and Alex is so happy to have Jason serve as a groomsman on Alex’s wedding day.

Jason Hudoba

When Sarah was in high school, her mom placed an ad in the local newspaper seeking a college student to house-sit and care for their dogs while they were out of town. Zamia responded to the ad, and ever since, she has played a significant role in Sarah's life. At 14 years old, Sarah viewed Zamia as a role model, and that admiration continues today. Sarah sees Zamia as a big sister and is thrilled to have her by her side.

Zamia Diaz

Wes and Alex met at their first post college accounting job over 15 years ago. In those 15 years they built a friendship on a love of sports, ability to have deep philosophical discussions, and a dream to conquer Mario 64. From their days laughing in a shared office to today, Alex knows he’s got an amazing friend in Wes and one he is overjoyed to have as a groomsman.

Wes Moran

Jose was one of Sarah’s first friends in nursing school, and he quickly became her rock. Whenever Sarah doubted her ability to succeed, Jose was always there to encourage her, expressing his belief that she could do it. Some of Sarah’s favorite memories include going to the movies together and exploring Chicago’s vibrant foodie scene. Over time, Jose has become like Sarah's big brother, and she is excited to have him by her side.

Jose Herrera

Matt and Alex first met over 8 years ago at a JUF function. Since that time their friendship has gone from poker nights and movies to Alex signing the ketubah at Matt’s wedding. Alex knows he’s can always rely on Matt when needed and is ecstatic to have Matt as a groomsman.

Matt Schuster

Melissa was one of the first people Alex introduced Sarah to from his friend group. It's hard to believe that Sarah and Melissa only met two years ago; it feels like they have known each other for years. Over the past two years, they have taken spin classes together, enjoyed many brunch dates, and exchanged numerous photos of their beloved pups (shoutout to Jasmine!). Sarah and Melissa had an instant connection—something Sarah hopes everyone can experience with a friend. She is thrilled to have Melissa as a bridesmaid.

Melissa Ulman

Jason and Alex met at the same poker night Matt Schuster hosted and have been friends ever since. Jason and his wife, bridesmaid Melissa, were the first friends Alex introduced to Sarah.  Alex and Jason share a passion for excel and a love of dogs.  Jason gave Alex the honor of naming him a groomsman in Jason and Melissa’s wedding and Alex is proud to return the same honor for Jason.

Jason Ulman

Finley has been the light in Sarah’s life for the past four years. He has provided lots of cuddles, laughter and smiles with his tail that never stops. Alex and Finley have become best buds. Sarah loves watching them play hide-and-go-seek and playing tag around the kitchen island. There are not enough words to describe how excited Sarah is for Alex to become Finley’s Dad.

Finley 

Wedding Party

Please make reservations by September 19th.

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

Please make reservations by September 18th.

Hilton Chicago

Both Chicago O'Hare and Chicago Midway are convenient destinations for those flying in for the wedding. We recommend utilizing rideshares or taxis for transportation between the airport and hotel.

Air Travel

The Blackstone offers valet parking at $35 for event or $82 for overnight. We recommend reserving parking through Spot Hero. There are several parking lots/garages within a couple of blocks of the Blackstone that will offer reduced rates. The Hilton Chicago has a parking garage conveniently located across the street from the Blackstone.

Parking

Travel

Chicago's free zoo. Sarah and Alex's first date included a walk through the zoo.

Sarah & Alex

Sarah & Alex

Q + A

Are there room blocks for hotel reservations?

What is the wedding's dress code?

Can we bring our children?

What will the weather be like?

Where are you registered?

How do I communicate food allergies and/or dietary restrictions?

What is parking availability?