Some couples fall in love all at once. Others, like Annie and Corey, grow into it—season by season, year by year—until one day they look at each other and realize they’ve built an entire life side by side. Their June 2022 wedding ceremony at Cafe Brauer was a heartfelt reflection of that journey, rooted in […]

On a lovely evening in May 2024, Emily & Michael said “I do” high above Michigan Avenue at the iconic Chicago Athletic Association. Overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, the space offered a dramatic yet intimate backdrop — the kind that makes a wedding feel both timeless and unmistakably Chicago. As their officiant, standing with […]

Rebecca & John Paul’s love story began the way so many modern romances do—on an app. From the very first conversation, it was clear there was something special there. Their first date at Dollop Coffee turned into hours of easy conversation, so much so that John Paul completely missed watching a Chicago Blackhawks game (a […]

On a beautiful June day in 2023, Caroline and Ethan were married at The Ivy Room, surrounded by the people who know them best and love them most. As their officiant, I had the honor of standing beside them as they made one of life’s most meaningful promises—choosing each other, fully and forever. Their ceremony […]

When couples search for a wedding reading, they’re often looking for words that feel honest, grounded, and deeply human—something that reflects real love, not just idealized romance. An excerpt from “Wedding Song” by Naomi Long Madgett is a beautiful choice for couples who value authenticity and emotional depth in their ceremony. This poem doesn’t promise […]

Some weddings are beautiful. Some are joyful. And then there are the weddings that reach into your heart and stay there—ceremonies where love feels both inevitable and extraordinary. Barb & Troy’s Uptown Social wedding ceremony in Michigan City, Indiana was exactly that kind of day for me. As their officiant—and as Barb’s longtime friend—standing beside […]

Jill and Conor chose to be married at City Winery West Loop, a location that tied beautifully back to where it all began. Their first date took place at a cozy wine bar in Roscoe Village—a night filled with effortless conversation, laughter, and the spark that started everything. Standing together years later in a winery, […]

Choosing the perfect wedding ceremony reading can feel overwhelming—there are countless beautiful options, each with its own tone, style, and sentiment. But if you’re searching for something authentic, heartfelt, and deeply reflective of the journey you’ve already taken as a couple, “Union” by Robert Fulghum is a timeless favorite. “Union” Celebrates the Everyday [...]

On a gentle May afternoon in 2022, surrounded by the lush spring greens of the Morton Arboretum, Yulia and John were married in a ceremony that felt as natural and grounded as their love story itself. As their officiant, I had the joy of guiding their family and friends through a celebration that blended personal […]

There’s a certain honor in being asked to officiate any wedding — but when a talented Chicago wedding planner like Jordyn asks you to officiate her own ceremony, it’s an especially meaningful experience. Their September 2021 wedding at The Ivy Room was one I’ll never forget. The courtyard was bursting with floral and fun vibes […]

When choosing readings for your wedding ceremony, many couples look for words that capture the depth of their connection — something that feels intimate, sincere, and timeless. “Friend Poem” by Unknown Author is one of those rare pieces that speaks directly to the heart of what a lifelong partnership truly is: friendship. Why Couples Choose […]

Emily and Ethan’s story began in college at Purdue University, where they met through a business fraternity. What started as Ethan’s attempt to “wingman” for a friend quickly turned into something much more meaningful. After several not-so-coincidental meetups—where the supposed friend never seemed to show—Emily and Ethan realized they were really there for each other […]

Sara and Chris’ love story began at Michigan State University, where they first met through mutual friends. Fate—and a little New Year’s magic—brought them together again in 2014 when they both joined a group trip to celebrate in Michigan. Sara was living in Chicago, Chris in Michigan—but that didn’t stop their connection from sparking instantly. […]

Few poets have captured the mystery and magic of love as beautifully as Jalal-al-Din Rumi, the 13th-century Persian mystic whose words continue to inspire couples across centuries. Choosing Rumi’s Love Poem for a wedding ceremony is more than a nod to literary beauty — it’s a reflection of the deep, spiritual bond that defines true […]

Hanah & Josh celebrated their wedding in March 2022 at the elegant University Club of Chicago. Their ceremony beautifully reflected their personalities—equal parts heartfelt, faith-filled, and full of humor. How They Met: A Fate-Filled Halloween Their love story began in 2018 at a Halloween party that neither of them planned on attending. Hanah, dressed as […]

Anni & Timon’s story began in Düsseldorf, Germany, where both were invited to serve as jury members for one of the most prestigious student scholarships awarded by the German Federal Government and the President. Though they had each received the scholarship themselves years earlier—Anni while studying medicine in Aachen and Timon while studying law in […]

When planning a wedding ceremony that is not happening in a house of worship, scripture passages aren’t chosen lightly, or often. But for those who believe in God, they reflect the couple’s values, their faith, and the vision they hold for their marriage. One of the most meaningful and beloved choices is Colossians 3:12-17, a […]

On a crisp February day in 2022, Anna & Andy gathered with their closest family and friends to celebrate their wedding at the stunning University Club of Chicago. Their day was filled with elegance, joy, and an undeniable sense of togetherness — the kind of celebration that felt both extraordinary and deeply personal. An Unforgettable […]

Some love stories begin with a spark that never truly fades. For Bryttany and Johnnell, that spark was first lit in high school. Life took them on separate paths, but years later, social media gave them the perfect chance to reconnect. From there, their love grew not just in the big, sweeping moments, but in […]

There are some words that feel as if they’ve been waiting centuries for your wedding day. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 is one of them—an ode to love that refuses to bend, break, or fade. It speaks to the courage of two people standing before family and friends, vowing to weather every storm together. Read aloud in […]

In December 2020, amidst the quiet hush of winter and the echoes of a year that transformed the world, two people stood in their home and promised forever. Rebecca & Francesco’s wedding was not only a union of two hearts, but a celebration of resilience, alignment, and soulful connection—a reminder that even in chaos, love […]

In December of 2021, Kaitlin and Anshul gathered with their closest family and friends at Artifact Events in Chicago to celebrate something truly special — not just the beginning of their marriage, but the blending of two vibrant cultures, shared values, and a love story nearly six years in the making. A favorite moment in […]

Couples might be drawn to this quote from Ernest Hemingway because it captures a kind of love that feels deeply lived-in. It’s not about grand romantic gestures or dramatic declarations—it’s about the comfort and safety of home, found in another person. Hemingway speaks to the kind of bond where two people are profoundly attuned to […]

In the heart of downtown Chicago, beneath the stunning stained glass windows of The University Club, Caitlin & James celebrated the beginning of their next big journey—marriage. Their May 2019 wedding was filled with joy, elegance, and the kind of love that’s been built through years of exploration and shared experiences. Who knew that working […]

Kate and Matt’s wedding at The Arbory in September 2022 was the perfect celebration of a love story that bloomed from the ordinary into something extraordinary. From the serendipity of meeting on a dating app to traveling the world together and building a life full of plants, laughter, and love, their journey is a reminder […]

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 […]

Choosing readings for your ceremony is not something to take lightly. The readings can, and should, help tell your love story and your outlook for marriage. Be sure to take some time reviewing your options to find what encapsulates your story. This excerpt from The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach is a favorite of […]

Elizabeth & Ryan’s wedding day in October 2021 at the University Club of Chicago was more than just a celebration—it was the culmination of a deep and enduring love story that began in the most unexpected of places: a confirmation class at St. Margaret Mary. From those early days of youthful curiosity, their bond evolved […]

There are some love stories that feel like they were written for the screen—and Jill & Dave’s wedding day in September 2018 felt exactly like that. Set against the romantic backdrop of Galleria Marchetti in Chicago, their celebration was the perfect culmination of a love that had quietly been years in the making. Let’s rewind […]

Some weddings are unforgettable because of their view, their energy, or the little moments that make you smile days later. Rachel & Sean’s wedding at the Adler Planetarium in September 2018 had all of that—and more. With the best backdrop the city of Chicago has to offer and a ceremony filled with history, romance, and […]

Some of the greatest songwriters and musicians are also some of the greatest poets. Whether it’s song lyrics or written poetry, they can provide the written word to all of the emotions that we feel when we are in love with someone. This excerpt from Bob Marley is a great choice for couples that want […]

Some love stories begin with fireworks. Sara & Sam’s began with a simple “hi” in a dorm elevator at the University of Illinois—and from there, something beautiful unfolded. Their September 2020 wedding at The Ivy Room in downtown Chicago was a celebration of that story, set against one of the most stunning ceremony backdrops you […]

When I first met Susan & Joel, they told me something that stuck with me ever since: marriage, for them, was a matter of fact, not a matter of course. It wasn’t the beginning of a sentence, but the punctuation at the end of a beautiful one they’d already written together. Their October 2018 wedding […]

Who knew a shortage of women on a co-ed Chicago Sports & Social softball team would spark a love story that led to this unforgettable August day? Catherine & Stephen first connected over dugout conversations and post-game drinks. From joking about Hans and Franz to discovering the beauty in ordinary days together, their connection grew […]

This passage makes an ideal ceremony reading for couples that feel a soul-deep connection. It illuminates the idea that even in the next life, their souls (or atoms) will seek each other. This reading showcases the love story of a couple that is bigger than this lifetime. In addition, couples who want a reading that […]

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 […]

Amber & Emalee are adventurers at heart. From the moment they met on July 29, 2017, their love story has been one of exploration—both of the world and of each other. With a shared passion for travel, they set a goal to visit all 50 states before turning 30 and to experience a new country […]

Some love stories are years in the making, and Lexi & Nick’s journey to the altar is one of them. After a decade of building a strong foundation of friendship and love, they tied the knot in an unforgettable celebration at The Art Institute of Chicago in June 2018. Their ceremony on the Bluhm Family […]

Spending the time to thoughtfully plan your wedding ceremony helps to set the tone for your marriage. For the couple that wants to highlight their wedding as the beginning of a journey, I recommend “The Beauty of Love” by Anonymous. This passage beautifully contrasts young love with the enduring commitment of a lifelong partnership reminding […]

Christa & Stan’s relationship has always been defined by a shared love of travel. To them, every journey taken together is a gift—an adventure filled with discovery, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It was only fitting that their wedding day reflected this spirit, and as they stood before their loved ones at The Ivy Room in […]

Love stories are often filled with twists, turns, and unexpected moments of serendipity. For Julia & Nick, their journey began in Budapest, flourished through their shared love of mathematics, and culminated in a breathtaking (and windy) rooftop ceremony at The Robey Hotel in Chicago in June 2021. Like many couples navigating the uncertainties of the […]

On a warm June day in 2021, some of my family and friends gathered at a beautiful club in Maple Grove, MN, to celebrate the wedding of Bailee and Brian. This was a very special couple, as Bailee is my cousin and god-daughter. I have had the honor to watch her grow into an accomplished […]

To be honest, I’ve never equated weddings and Walt Whitman together. However, an excerpt from Song of the Open Road can resonate with a couple and their values. The poem embraces freedom and exploration. Again, not always words that one thinks of when a couple. But there is a freedom of being oneself in a […]

In July 2020, amidst the backdrop of an unprecedented global pandemic, Maie & Kaveh embarked on a lifelong journey together with a wedding as timeless as their love. Held at a private home in Chicago, their ceremony was a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of love. With safety and intimacy as guiding […]

June 2019 marked a beautiful milestone for Arielle & Ty, as they exchanged vows and began their journey as a married couple. The Ivy Room, nestled in the heart of Chicago, set the perfect stage for their heartfelt and joyous wedding. From their charming love story to the thoughtful details of their ceremony, every moment […]

Love, patience, and resilience were at the heart of Ross & Antwan’s stunning wedding celebration in May 2022. After 12 years together and a private ceremony during the pandemic, the couple finally had the opportunity to celebrate their union with family and friends at the breathtaking Chicago Illuminating Company. The silver lining of those years […]

There are two points in Roy Croft’s “Love Poem” that make it a great choice for a wedding ceremony. The poem beautifully captures how true love fosters personal growth and self-improvement. Lines such as “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you” highlight how […]

On a chilly February day in 2021, DeeDee & Jimmy brought warmth and joy to the Chicago History Museum as they celebrated their wedding amidst the challenges of COVID restrictions. Despite the circumstances, their ceremony was a testament to the power of love, creativity, and resilience. A Love That Transcends Time DeeDee & Jimmy’s journey […]

On a brisk October day in 2019, Jil & Derek celebrated their love in an outdoor ceremony at Artifact Events in Chicago. The historic venue, with its industrial charm and cozy ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for a wedding filled with meaningful traditions, heartfelt moments, and the warmth of lifelong love. A Love Rooted in […]

On a crisp September day in 2019, Julia & David celebrated their love in a ceremony as unique and heartfelt as their journey together. Surrounded by the modern elegance of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, the couple’s wedding was a testament to their deep connection, shared values, and the enduring support of […]

While I do love to provide a library of readings for my couples to choose from for their ceremony, I also love when their creativity shines and they bring forth a new reading to my collection. This short poem below from an Anonymous author is a beautiful expression of love – the give and take, […]

A staple venue in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago is the Bridgeport Art Center. It offers a number of unique outdoor & indoor spaces for couples to celebrate their wedding day. Kathryn & David chose the Skyline Loft to start the next chapter of their relationship together back in September 2019. Kathryn & David met […]

Located on Lake Street under the L, is Loft on Lake, a cozy, industrial event space that was the location of where Jill & Evan first met and chose to get married back in September 2019. I met Jill & Evan through Evan’s mother, Cher, who is the owner of Loft on Lake. I do […]

Rianne & Tyler were introduced to me by their Viceroy Chicago contact just a month before their wedding day. As was the case during 2020, wedding plans were modified, discussed, modified, and discussed at great length. Rianne and Tyler knew they wanted to move forward with their wedding, even if it had to be modified […]

I had the absolute honor of meeting Maya Angelou in college. Our performing arts committee worked alongside a few other organizations on campus to bring her in for a poetry reading. A definite highlight of my life. Her presence and the depth in which she felt and lived life continues to be an inspiration. I […]

If there is one place known for celebrations, that is New Orleans. A city quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the US. I was quite excited when Michelle & Brandon decided they wanted to celebrate their wedding in the place where the good times roll back in October of 2018. This was a […]

Nestled amidst the skyscrapers of Chicago is a hidden gem of an events location – The Ivy Room. From the blank space of the main room to the stunning courtyard and the exquisite food from Lettuce Entertain You, this is a wedding location not to be missed. This is where we gathered on a November […]

A unique warehouse turned event venue outside of Chicago – Brix on the Fox – is where Cassie & Randy chose to host their wedding celebration in October 2018. The chandeliers and abundance of greenery were a perfect contrast to the brick interior. This all combined to bring a level of elegance to this soiree! […]

The big celebration finally happened for Cindy & Billy in a winter fairytale wedding at Skyline Loft in January 2022. Rewind to when I first met these lovebirds, which was the end of 2020. Since we were in COVID protocols, we had our initial meeting via Zoom. From that first chat about how they met, […]

My main philosophy for helping couples create their wedding ceremony is to remind them to include people, readings, vows, and traditions that mean something to them and their relationship. After all, this is the first chapter of THEIR marriage and it should reflect them in every way. I provide a couple of different libraries of […]

A fun destination that my cousin Colin introduced me to is Creekside Farm Weddings & Events outside of the Twin Cities. The perfect barn aesthetic on a gorgeous property. Insert a stunning Fall in Minnesota and this was the dreamy location for he and Molly to be married back in October 2019. In fact, we […]

Chicago does not have a shortage of luxury locations for weddings, and the Four Seasons definitely makes the top three places in my opinion. There’s no other place that Julie & Nick could have celebrated their sensational celebration back in September 2019. As they told me from our first meeting, they met online and have […]

A little gem of a venue, with a bit of a Capone history, is the Chicago Illuminating Company in the South Loop neighborhood. It’s a favorite venue of mine for the outdoor space that is tented and the rehabbed indoor space with built in shelves and long bar. This was the idyllic location for Meredith […]

I love the many buildings in Chicago that have found new life as event spaces. Firehouse Chicago is one with a unique history. Formerly a firehouse station, this charming location boasts indoor and outdoor spaces for intimate gatherings. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to slide down a fire pole on their wedding day? […]

This post looks at Rainer Maria Rilke’s Thoughts on Love. I love the power of the opening lines of this wedding reading. Love is not easy – it’s not easy to open one’s heart, it’s not easy to choose your spouse every day. But it is a gift that has been entrusted to all of […]

Just a few blocks from where I live was a beloved nature-filled wedding venue in Chicago – The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. With so many unique indoor and outdoor areas, it was a perfect location for a summer soiree. (Sadly, the museum has remained closed to private events since the pandemic hit.) This is where […]

Chicago is home to many stunning venues,. But the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago is one in a million. I have seen so many different ways to highlight the space over the years. I absolutely love the vision Suran & BJ brought for their wedding day back in 2019. I met Suran […]

A gem in the southern part of the city is the Bridgeport Art Center. With its outdoor ceremony location and two reception areas, all in a warehouse style, it’s a fan favorite for many couples. This was the setting for Cydney & Peter’s swoon-worthy wedding in June of 2018. Many of you may know that […]

Every nook and cranny at the Chicago Botanic Garden offers a perfect, romantic location for couples to celebrate their love. It is a photographer’s playground! The English Walled Garden was the perfect setting for the wedding ceremony of Jenny & Kunal in May 2019, and the joining of their two families. From the first moment […]

This is one of my favorite readings of all time. In the present moment of a wedding day, when there are so many logistics and emotions, this blessing reminds a couple that they are entering into a marriage. One that will last many years. One that will have joys and sorrows. And the image of […]

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park is a beautiful structure with nods to Frank Lloyd Wright’s style of architecture. Many people who walk by may never know the many love stories that have been told at Café Brauer. It is an iconic location in Chicago and was the setting for Ashley & Shawn’s timeless […]

Head west from downtown on Lake Street and right under the El tracks, you will find yourself at Loft on Lake. It is one of the original loft venues for couples to tie the know and has lovely exposed brick walls and a skylight running down the middle of it. This was the setting for […]

Love is a powerful emotion. It can overtake us. It can overwhelm us. But there is something extraordinary that happens when you find your soul mate. This reading embodies soulmates. It’s finding your perfect complement…the person who brings out the best of you and knows your innermost desires. It’s not about losing yourself in the […]

The Chicago History Museum is one of my favorite wedding venues in Chicago. The black & white tiled floor, the chandelier, and the stained glass windows…just to name a few details. Simply divine! I was thrilled when the events team reached out to me during 2020 to ask me to be a part of their […]

The Ivy Room is a beautiful hidden gem in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. This modern oasis is tucked between buildings and embodies a history of artistic elegance. The shining star is the courtyard space where, when the weather is good, you can enjoy the stunning ivy-covered view hidden from the hustle and bustle of the […]

In certain stages of falling in love, it feels as though nothing will ever go wrong. You will always agree on things. You will love every quirky habit of the person you love. You will have no worries. But we all know that is just not reality. We’re perfectly imperfect, so we don’t always see […]

A silver lining of the past year’s pandemic was seeing event industry professionals reimagine their business offerings. One such planner was Carlene from Naturally Yours Events with her new format of Neighborhood Nuptials. She called me in May 2020 to let me know that she was going to offer an alternative to the courthouse for […]

The Rookery is a venue gem in Chicago’s Financial District. The building, originally completed in 1888, was designed by famous architectural partners Burnham and Root. Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the stunning two-story sky lit lobby in 1905. Breathtaking, right? The Rookery is a much sought-after wedding venue for couples. The stunning architecture and grand staircase […]

A number of couples that I work with have only known each other a short while before they get engaged. They have lived a life that explores their own identity and their dreams. They have had individual joys and sorrows that shape the person that they have become. When they choose to commit their lives […]

Let me share with you the time I was able to grant a wish for a winter wedding for the loveliest couple. For the past 10 years, I’ve closely followed the organization Wish Upon A Wedding. Their mission is to grant weddings and vow renewals to couples facing serious illness or life-altering health circumstances. It’s […]

Wedding day, oh happy day! Writing this entry in the month we celebrate love, I am reminded of my love affair with wedding planning. 15 years. Over 100 couples. Over 100 unique wedding days. I loved, I compromised, I cried (all happy tears). I learned, I listened, I was a guide and a leader, I […]

There are so many words to describe 2020. So many emotions to describe what I felt during the year that many of us had decided would be “the best one yet.” I can vividly remember celebrating with friends on New Year’s Eve and feeling all of the excitement for a new year and new decade. […]

Throughout an engagement, couples will continue to get advice on how to plan their wedding – who to invite, how much to spend, where to have the wedding, etc – but I think that some of the best advice comes from couples who have been married a long time. They have the experience to share […]

I’m continuing my praise for the team that helped put together an incredible photo shoot at the Chicago History Museum this Spring. They bring the magic to life and I was so impressed with their creativity and products to showcase a classic design. I had the pleasure of meeting Alexandra from Exquisite Designs seven years ago […]

In my preparation of launching Zen Events, I needed to produce some images to share with you here on my site and also on Instagram. I knew that I wanted to work with Jenn from Jennifer Kathryn Photography. She is a savvy business owner, ridiculously talented, and is a trusted friend. She and I had […]

I enjoy this ceremony reading at weddings because it speaks to our human nature and the reality of a relationship. We are all in constant motion and what happens to us, or our loved ones, throughout our life does affect the relationship we have with our spouse. I think it is important to recognize and […]

As an English Minor, I believe that one of the best ways you can express your love for each other during your wedding ceremony, is through the written word. I will be sharing a monthly feature of readings, poems, and excerpts that you can choose to incorporate into your wedding ceremony. I am drawn to […]

A dream turned into a goal and has now become reality. I have always loved a wedding ceremony…the excitement, the tradition, the commitment of two people. Over the past 13 years, I have seen every ceremony imaginable. But each one seems new and fresh to me, and that has been the impetus to launch Zen […]