Wedding Date: September 30th 2023

It’s no secret, I have a total crush on The Hewing Hotel and everything they’re doing there. So when I met Ali and Jon and they told me they were planning their entire wedding there, I was definitely over the moon and full of ideas. Located in one of my favorite parts of town and full of charm, I knew this day was going to be super fun.

On the morning of their wedding, we started the day at The Hewing and I met up with Jon and his guys first. When I entered the room they were all talking and laughing while they enjoyed a drink. They were busy putting their finishing touches together and Jon was excitedly talking about their first look. I quickly picked up that this was a room full of pilots who were well traveled and loved to explore. It was fun exchanging travel stories and hearing about their adventures but always knowing there’s no place like home. I left them to share one more toast together while I visited Ali and her ladies. She was looking regal as she warmly greeted me and I could tell she was incredibly excited as well. We paid a quick visit to the rooftop to take a breath of the city air before getting in the car to travel to their ceremony site where she would finally get to see Jon.

I had never visited the church before but suddenly the neighborhood started looking awfully familiar and before I knew it we were passing my house! St Thomas the Apostle is a gorgeous church with towering ceilings and old world architecture. Ali and I walked through the quiet halls and then she looked outside to see Jon waiting underneath a covered walkway lined with pillars. They threw their arms around each other, happy to once again be together.

Time passed in the blink of an eye and before we knew it, the ceremony was ready to begin. The guests took their seats and Ali walked arm in arm with her father toward Jon who was happily waiting at the end of the aisle. Sun poured in through the tall windows and filled the space with warmth and emphasized the joy that was being shared. After they were pronounced husband and wife, all of the guests lined the walkway so they could send them off with a round of applause.

We all hopped in the car for a quick drive back to The Hewing Hotel where their guests were enjoying the space. Lounging in the bar area, playing pool, and chatting in the lounge, everyone was happy and content while we went back to the cozy alley with their wedding party. The alley was lit with warm, twinkling lights and the sun shone in between the buildings giving light to the plants and greenery hanging in the windows. Back inside, the room looked gorgeous and the guests cheered as the couple entered. The entire space was sparkling and filled with interesting people. I knew I had stepped into quite the party and was so grateful for the conversations I shared with them and their guests. After they shared their first dance and the sun had set, we went up to the rooftop where the city skyline was shining just for them. They warmed their hands by the firepit while we watched the last traces of light turn to inky dark that was illuminated by the glowing buildings off in the distance. It was romantic and peaceful and they looked at one another and knew today was perfect.

Vendors: The Hewing Hotel (venue and catering), St Thomas the Apostle (ceremony), Marah Cole Designs (florist), Copper Hen (dessert), Watters (dress designer), Wedding Shoppe (dress shop), Milbern Clothing (suit), Roxee Salon (hair and makeup), Midwest Sound (dj and photo booth)