Some love stories start with a spark.
Theresa and Joel’s started with a setting change on Hinge. At the end of September 2020, Theresa’s best friend convinced her to lower her target age by just one year. Joel became the very first match after that adjustment. Between busy schedules and COVID restrictions, they spent weeks texting before meeting in person. When they finally did, it felt easy. Natural. Unforced. Like two people who already knew how to exist comfortably together. They made it official on December 9, 2020. Five years later, they stood hand in hand at their beautiful wedding at the InterContinental Chicago.
“This is the guy Theresa is going to marry.”
About an hour before their first date, Theresa’s best friend sent a screenshot of Joel’s Hinge profile to their group chat with a bold prediction. Theresa laughed it off. It was “just another first date.”
Five dates later, Joel asked her to be his girlfriend. The group chat prophecy aged very well.
From the beginning, their connection felt aligned. Same values, sense of humor, and approach to life. Their families blended effortlessly. Conversations, even the hard ones, were met with honesty and respect. It never felt performative. It felt like a best friendship that happened to fall in love.
They both quietly knew. This was it.
The Proposal at Olive Park
On January 4, 2025, one of the coldest days of the year, Joel executed a plan that involved Theresa’s siblings, an “around the world” food and drink crawl, and a completely unsuspecting walk along the lakefront.
They ended at Navy Pier, then wandered toward Milton Lee Olive Park so Theresa could “show” her sister’s boyfriend the view. It all felt normal. Casual. Innocent.
Until Joel got down on one knee.
Theresa was so shocked she narrated the moment out loud. After saying yes, she immediately looked for her older sister, confused why she wasn’t there. Seconds later, her sister popped out from the bushes with a camera.
When they returned home, both families were waiting to celebrate.
A Ballroom That Holds History
Theresa always knew where she wanted her reception. The Grand Ballroom at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is where her parents celebrated their wedding 34 years earlier.
Joel visited three venues with her. The moment he stepped into this one, he didn’t need to see another.
The 200-year-old Baccarat chandelier.
Thirty-seven hand-painted murals.
Gold-leaf moldings.
A scale that feels cinematic before a single candle is lit.
Cocktail hour took place on the terrace overlooking the ballroom. Guests watched from above before Theresa and Joel made their grand entrance down the dual staircases, a moment that felt straight out of a film.
Derrick and the team at Taylor & Co. Design elevated the space without overpowering it. The florals flowed from the church to the bouquets to the reception seamlessly, honoring the room’s natural beauty while adding layers of personality.
Disco Balls, Golf Tees, and a Seating Chart Guests Took Home
One of the most personal design elements was the seating chart.
Each guest’s name card was attached to a mini disco ball ornament, a nod to Theresa. Golf tees were woven into the display to represent Joel. Guests removed their ornament as they found their seat and took it home as a keepsake.
Disco balls carried onto the dance floor, and the rotating, spinning lights were a complete surprise to Theresa. Seeing them in motion brought the room to life in a way she never expected.
The Cake Table That Framed the Entire Room
Theresa still talks about the cake table.
Not just the cake, but how the styling of the table captured the grandeur of the ballroom behind it. Tables, linens, décor, murals, and chandelier all framed in one image. It became one of her favorite photos from the night because it holds the entire atmosphere in a single frame.
Favorite Moments from the Day
Getting ready in her childhood home with her bridesmaids.
Walking down the aisle in the church where she grew up.
Seeing Joel smiling at the end of the aisle.
They chose not to do a first look. Their first moment seeing each other was during the ceremony, and the emotion in that eye contact is something they will never forget.
Then there was the veil.
At one point downtown, the Chicago wind nearly sent Theresa’s veil straight into the river. Joel and the groomsmen sprinted after it. A tree miraculously caught it mid-air. What could have been a disaster became a favorite memory.
Walking into the Grand Ballroom for the first time took her breath away.
And, of course, marrying her best friend with minimal nerves and complete peace.
The Photo Team That Showed Up No Matter What
Their lead photographer, Lauren Ashley Studios, arrived with a sprained ankle from earlier that week. Scooter. Leg crutch. Extra photographer. Unmatched positivity.
Theresa and Joel watched Lauren hop through the day to capture every moment without missing a beat. That level of commitment allowed them to relax fully, knowing they were in the best hands.
The candid reactions, the tiny details, the emotional in-between moments, nothing was missed. Looking through their gallery felt like stepping back into the day.
The Nerves That Never Needed to Be There
Theresa’s biggest fear was timing. Transportation. Getting downtown before sunset. Whether everything would flow.
In reality, everything ran early.
They captured family photos, church portraits, sunset city shots, and even pivoted locations when needed. Careful planning, a strong timeline, and a trusted vendor team made the day feel effortless.
Advice for Future Couples
Plan your wedding around the natural flow of the day.
Trust your gut when choosing vendors.
Prioritize your top three things.
Speak up when something matters to you.
Do not create expectations so high you forget to enjoy it.
The right team will carry the weight so you can stay present.
A Honeymoon of Contrast and Calm
Theresa and Joel spent 20 days on their honeymoon. Ten days in Fiji. Ten days in Japan.
Fiji allowed them to slow down after the whirlwind of wedding planning. Time at a resort and time on a boat gave them space to decompress and be fully present with each other.
Japan brought energy back in. Exploring a new culture together felt like the perfect bridge back to real life in a big city.
Two completely different destinations. One unforgettable start to their marriage.
What They’re Most Excited About
Living everyday life together.
This is their first time sharing a home. Building routines. Navigating challenges. Learning how to exist as a team in both big moments and quiet ones.
They already know how to communicate. They already know how to show up for each other.
Now, they get to do it side by side, every single day.
We Would Love to be Your Wedding Photographer
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
