A November Wedding in Ping Tom Park: Christina & Andrew Say “I Do”

In the midst of a challenging year for weddings, Christina & Andrew celebrated their love with a beautiful outdoor ceremony in November 2020 at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. Their day was a perfect reflection of the quiet resilience, joy, and deep connection that defines their relationship—and it all began, of all places, in an Organic Chemistry class.

Meeting in a Pandemic, Planning with Neighborhood Nuptials

I first met Christina & Andrew through Neighborhood Nuptials, a pandemic-era wedding planning company that helped couples say “I do” safely and meaningfully during uncertain times. Like many 2020 couples, we connected over Zoom to start crafting their ceremony.

In the days leading up to their wedding, I unexpectedly came down with a cold and—out of an abundance of caution for the couple, their guests, and fellow vendors—I decided not to attend. I wasn’t able to get a COVID test in time and didn’t receive my (thankfully negative) results until after the big day. In my place, the wonderful Anita Vaughan stepped in as officiant, and I knew Christina & Andrew were in the best hands possible.

A Ceremony Full of Heart (and a Bunny Named Choco)

Their ceremony included the reading The Art of a Good Marriage by Wilfred Arlan Peterson, one of my favorite reflections on partnership. And from the script I wrote before stepping aside, I want to share a glimpse into their story:

“And who knew that O-Chem is where this love would start. I mean, from what I’ve been told, that class is not where one would think you could find love. Heartache, yes! But these two found love. From those first conversations in class and studying together, to road trips and traveling overseas, to the in-between and ordinary days of growing your love, to purchasing your pet bunny Choco, to Andrew sending Christina a Google invite for lunch that turned into a proposal on the Riverwalk—your love story has brought us to today and this moment.”

An Outdoor Wedding to Remember

Ping Tom Park’s sweeping views of the city skyline and river offered a stunning backdrop for this heartfelt and intimate ceremony. The autumn air may have been crisp, but Christina & Andrew’s warmth, humor, and devotion to one another made the entire day glow.

Their wedding is a beautiful reminder that love endures—and even thrives—in uncertain times. It adapts, it adjusts, and sometimes, it shows up in Organic Chemistry class when you least expect it.

Congrats on 4.5 years of wedded bliss, Christina & Andrew!

EVENT TEAM
Photographer: Anna Zajac Weddings
Planner: Neighborhood Nuptials
Floral: Becca Blue Flowers
Musicians & Videographer: Cage & Aquarium
Venue: Ping Tom Memorial Park
Officiant: Zen Events & Anita Weds