Leanna & Austin: A Love Story to Savor at The Old Post Office
There is a profound beauty in witnessing a couple who truly understands that a marriage is woven from both the vibrant, milestone moments and the quiet, everyday routines. When I first read through Leanna and Austin’s responses to my couple’s questionnaire, I knew their ceremony was going to be something truly special. In my seven years as an officiant, theirs were arguably the most robust, thoughtful answers I have ever received—a beautiful testament to their deep commitment and alignment of values.
From Long Distance to Walking Down the Aisle
True love faces tests, and for Leanna and Austin, that test came in the form of geographical distance. They navigated four years of long-distance romance, spanning from Los Angeles to Chicago, and later, Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin. Rather than letting the miles diminish their bond, they leveraged that time to strengthen their communication, build absolute trust, and cultivate a deep appreciation for the time they did have together. It was during those long-distance years that they fell in love with Madison, eventually leading to a perfect proposal at a scenic Wisconsin state park.
The Blueprint for a Lifelong Partnership
On a gorgeous Saturday in September, family and friends gathered at the historic Old Post Office in downtown Chicago to witness these two incredible individuals unite their lives. From a covert college setup to conquering four years of long distance, Leanna and Austin’s journey to the altar is a masterclass in partnership, humor, and unwavering support.
During the message, we celebrated their unique balance. Leanna brings the necessary urgency and spontaneous exploration, while Austin grounds the relationship with his cool, calm, and collected demeanor. They even balance out their snack preferences—Austin loves the crunchy corner brownie pieces, while Leanna claims the soft middle sections.
Wisdom from the Aunts
Their aunts brought beautiful depth to the ceremony with two distinct readings. Aunt Katie shared the timeless words of Mark Twain’s “These I Can Promise,” reminding everyone of the power of a hand to hold through each tomorrow. Aunt Floria followed with Neil Gaiman’s modern masterpiece, “All I Know About Love,” which beautifully mirrors Leanna and Austin’s understanding that marriage isn’t about two broken halves becoming one, but rather two independent lights bringing each other safely home.
Congrats to almost 2 years of marriage, Leanna & Austin! I hope you’ve been able to keep adding to your recipe binder!
EVENT TEAM
Photographer: Nicodem Creative
Planner: LOLA Event Productions
Floral: Fleur
DJ: Elegant Sound & Lighting
Venue: The Old Post Office
Officiant: Zen Events
