A Love Story Years in the Making at Loft Lucia: Michelle & Kevin
Some love stories begin in unexpected places—a chance encounter, a swipe on an app, a mutual friend’s introduction. But for Michelle & Kevin, their love story started all the way back in fifth grade. Yes, FIFTH GRADE. As Michelle put it, they’ve been together ever since, through thick and thin, bad hair days and good hair days, vacations, graduations, and long-distance. Their bond has stood the test of time, growing stronger with every chapter of their lives.
A Loft Lucia Celebration with Their Favorite Pup
Fast forward to August 2018, and Michelle & Kevin were ready to make it official with a stunning wedding at Loft Lucia, one of Chicago’s most gorgeous rooftop venues. And of course, no wedding of theirs would be complete without their beloved dog, Nike, who had the very important role of ringbearer. Dressed to impress, Nike trotted down the aisle like a seasoned pro, stealing the show and melting hearts along the way.



Two Strong Individuals, One Beautiful Partnership
In welcoming guests to the ceremony, I shared a passage from Henry David Thoreau:
Two sturdy oaks I mean, which side by side,
Withstand the winter’s storm,
And spite of wind and tide,
Grow up the meadow’s pride,
For both are strong
Above they barely touch, but undermined
Down to their deepest source,
Admiring you shall find
Their roots are intertwined
Insep’rably.
It was the perfect reflection of Michelle & Kevin—two strong, independent people who have been intertwined from their core since childhood. Their love has grown deep and steadfast, standing resilient through life’s seasons.
A Wine Ceremony with a Personal Touch
As if their love story wasn’t already movie-worthy, Michelle & Kevin chose to include a unique wine ceremony, blending their favorite wines from Sonoma—a nod to the place where Kevin proposed. I introduced the moment like this:
Tonight, Michelle and Kevin wanted to perform a gesture of unity as a newly married couple. And this might be the highlight of the ceremony for Kevin. Some say that wine is the center of happiness—we drink it during a nice dinner, it is always at the table for a family celebration, and it relaxes us. What better way than to blend their favorite wines and each take a sip to solidify that they are united in marriage.
Kevin’s preference? The bold, rich notes of a red wine. Michelle’s? The light, crisp notes of a white wine (plus, let’s be honest—no one wants to risk spilling red wine on a stunning wedding dress). Just like their favorite wines, Michelle & Kevin are strong and unique as individuals. But when blended together, they create something even more beautiful—a perfect harmony and partnership.



A Special Honor to Officiate
Michelle, being in the Chicago events industry at the time, knew exactly what she wanted when it came to planning the wedding with Jennifer from Detaljer Events. It was an absolute honor to officiate for a colleague, someone who has dedicated so much of her career to making others’ events unforgettable. And on this perfect August day, surrounded by loved ones, Michelle & Kevin celebrated a love that has quite literally been decades in the making.
Michelle & Kevin – I hope the last 6+ years have been filled with love, laughter, and great bottles of wine together & shared with those you love.
EVENT TEAM
Photographer: Jennifer Kathryn Photography
Planner: Detaljer Events
Floral: Exquisite Designs
Musicians: DJ Matt Roan
Venue: Loft Lucia
Officiant: Zen Events