We are excited to share our website with you! Here you will find our story and all of the details for the wedding. We are going the non-traditional route and will be sending formal invites via email so please check back here in the coming months. If there is anything we missed or additional info you need, please let us know (hit the contact button on the top right).
Their love story is an imperfectly romantic one, a testament to the importance of timing in life and how great things really are worth waiting for...
It all began almost twelve years ago when Shauna was studying abroad in Rome. When she wasn't "studying" or getting her daily gelato fix, her second home was a bar called La Botticella (aka Giovanni's). Sure enough, Joe (Chad's best man) found his second home with his friends at Giovanni's too while studying abroad with Iowa State. It wasn't long before their friends all ended up partying together resulting in one too many Roman nights with tequila boom booms (don't even ask). Eventually, Chad came to visit Joe for Thanksgiving break and a crazy night out (please let your imagination run wild on this one) led Shauna and Chad to their first make out (applause, please!). So the obvious question is, "what happened next?" Well, unfortunately nothing. A drunken night out in Rome was the end of it (for the time being).
After a stint in Colorado for Chad and DC for Shauna, fast forward to July 2013. They crossed paths at a party in Chicago but despite trying to make plans, their timing was still not quite right. Three years went by and sure enough, it was not until the summer of 2016 that their stars officially aligned. Chad and Shauna matched on a dating app (Bumble) and some super sweet text messages from Chad led to their first date (But Shauna might have been the one to actually ask Chad out first). Over some Italian cheese and canned wine in Millennium Park (the best combination for a good time), they knew something was different. It was as if they had waited eleven years to be in the right place at the right time in their lives to finally get together. Another bottle of wine later and a good night kiss, they were smitten. Within just two weeks of dating, Chad booked his ticket to join Shauna on an adventure in Sicily and so their story began (again). Within seven months of dating, Chad took Shauna back to Rome, back to where it all started and got down on one knee on a rooftop near Piazza Navona. And so the proposal went...
Chad: "Babe, we are going on an adventure!"
Shauna: "Babe, we are on an adventure, look at where we are?!"
Chad: "No, but I want to go on an adventure with you the rest of my life."
Cue the tears...
After an incredible week in Rome and Florence, Shauna and Chad returned to Chicago happily engaged and ready to start planning for January 20, 2018!
Shauna and Chad met for a concert at Millenium Park. Shauna came fully prepared with an Eataly spread while Chad kept it classy and brought canned wine. After the concert, they continued to hang out...with more wine, of course.
Just two weeks in to dating, Chad booked a ticket to join Shauna on a trip to Sicily. After a stressful start to the trip which included navigating the autostrada, jet lag and language barriers, they managed to have an amazing experience together (and this was only after dating for 2 months). Discovering they traveled well as a couple just affirmed they were meant to be together.
Chad planned an incredible proposal by taking Shauna back to her favorite place in the world and where they first met, Rome. On the second day of their trip, before heading out for a much needed espresso, they decided to make a stop on their hotel's rooftop to check out the view. Chad was hoping it would be the perfect place and time to get down on one knee and it was. After saying "yes!" and many happy tears later, they spent the day celebrating with wine and pizza.
They aren't sure of the exact date Chad officially moved in with Shauna because they have been basically inseparable since the start but Chad packed his bags and had his own closet starting in March 2017. Despite Shauna's piles of clothes and tendency to be a tad bit disorganized, Chad's OCD for organization is providing a nice balance to their lives. An added bonus is Chad's fabulous skills in the kitchen.
Shauna's older sister, best friend, and role model. Bonded in their love for Dave Matthews, they attended the University of San Diego together. Kelly has been an inspiration to Shauna since they were little girls, always nurturing and bringing the joy. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Will, and is mom to Charlotte and Jack.
Shauna's little sister, best friend, and confidante. She has a way of taking an ordinary day and making it extraordinary. Her energy and authentic love for life is contagious. Always an adventure with Cait. She lives and runs her company, CLouise PR, here in Chicago.
Best friends since high school. Brittany and Shauna have been having spontaneous dance parties since they first met. Not only does she have a "booty dance" that would rival Beyonce, but she also has one of the most amazing hearts of anyone Shauna knows, thoughtful and beautiful in every way. Britt lives in Lake Forest with her husband, Ryan.
Best friends since sophomore year in Mr. Burkhalter's class. Erica and Shauna spent their summers life guarding and coaching swim team. When she is not joining Shauna and Britt's dance parties, Erica is being an incredible mom and friend, always positive and loving. Erica and her husband, Collin, live in Minneapolis with their adorable son, Jack.
Best friends since 2007 in Congressman Kirk's office. Sarah and Shauna survived five years on Capitol Hill together. Sarah was always there for Shauna whether that was to be her partner in crime for a weekend in NYC or to blast Adele in her office when Congress had late night votes. Sarah is an incredible friend, authentic and devoted. She lives in DC with her husband, Pat, and their little man, Patrick.
Best friends since 2012. As we get older, it can be harder to make new and lasting friendships but Kate quickly became a close friend when Shauna moved back to Chicago. It's a super special thing when someone comes into your life at just the right time and makes a lasting impression. Kate lives in Denver with her fiance, Bobby, and pup, Chip.
Shauna and Chad's adorable nephew. Jack loves to cook, read stories, have St. Lucia dance parties, cheer on his Cubbies, and be a big brother to his little sister.
Shauna and Chad's sweet little niece. Charlotte loves to laugh, eat guacamole, keep a fast pace, and get hugs and kisses from her big brother.
Chad's partner in crime for the past 16 years (roommates, "brothers", travel buds, and punk rock companions). Joe played a pivotal role in Chad meeting Shauna, so make sure to give him a hug for Chad when you meet him. Joe lives in Chicago with his fiancé, Chloe.
Ray and Chad met in the dorms Freshman year, both seeking proper college parties. Ray has since moved to Minneapolis and while there have been many visits, let's show Ray a good time in Chicago in hopes he finally makes the move here.
Chad met Dan Freshman year in college thinking it was his first "normal" roommate, only to find out he was anything but. Despite that, they've spent the last decade and a half getting in to all kinds of shenanigans. Dan lives in Chicago and just completed his Graudate's Degree.
Chad and Nick met in college and have been "ninja" sidekicks ever since. Nick helped make Chad's transition to Chicago fun (and painless) showing him all the fun spots in Lakeview. Nick lives in LaGrange with his wife, Kristen, and adorable daughter, Natalie (plus a baby onboard).
Andy takes the honor of being the only non-college friend in the groom's party. Chad met Andy working at an agency and despite job changes on both sides, have stayed close ever since. Andy lives in Chicago with his wife, Andrea, and two Instagram-worthy dogs, River and Mesa.
We are looking forward to having friends and family together the night before the big day for a little pre-wedding celebration (cocktails and dessert).
8:30 PM CT
We are excited to have our wedding at Ovation in Chicago, not too far from Fulton Market. We know it will be a beautiful back drop for an intimate ceremony and an incredible space for a rockin' party. Bring your dancing shoes! For more information and to see a photo gallery, check out Ovation Chicago.
5:00 PM CT
We really want our out of town guests to see Chicago at its best (despite the January temps) so we have a room block at both The Langham and The Wyndham Grand on the river.
71 E Upper Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60601
(↓ Book room by 12/20)
Website
We are excited to create a home and family together and appreciate your help in getting us started. Whether it's helping us with our honeymoon fund or the wine glasses we hope to entertain you with, thank YOU. Let the countdown begin for January 20, 2018!
