THE MEETING
Megan & Cesar met for the first time in December of 2013 when Megan became a receptionist at the same massage studio where Cesar was (and still is) a massage therapist. During that first year they remained friends and dated other people. Eventually, those relationships came to an end and Megan and Cesar started hanging out more and more outside of work.
One night at work, Cesar and I were talking about life, and that was the moment it all started. We both realized that we really liked one another. We had the same views on life… and the world.
THE FIRST DATE
Our first date was at Hooters! And a movie afterward. It was perfect.
THE MOMENT
It was always an unspoken thing. We always wanted and knew we were going to get married. There was nothing scary about getting married at all. Everything happened naturally and all at the right time.
THE QUIRKS
Honestly, we’re both super weird and quirky. Our favorite thing about one another is our sense of humor. The best part of our days together is laughing for hours about the dumbest things. There’s nothing more refreshing than being able to be your true, authentic self with someone.
THE PROPOSAL
I had been sick in bed ALL day when Cesar texted me that he was on his way home from work and that he wanted to show me a video game he just bought. I was thinking in my bed, “Ugh, that’s the last thing I want to do.” But when he got home, I let him show me his video game because I know that stuff makes him happy. He sat in bed next to me, opened up the video game, and a ring was inside! I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better proposal. I may have been sick, no makeup on, nowhere near ready for cute engagement pics, but that’s when you know it’s real. He loves me for me. And I love him for him.
THE VENUE
I came across The Haight online, I think on the Wedding Wire app. Both Cesar and I had never heard of The Haight and had no connection to the Elgin area. I checked it out one day after work and fell in love instantly. It was only the second venue I had looked at, but I knew right away that The Haight HAD to be the venue Cesar and I got married in. There was just something about it. Once Cesar saw it, he fell in love with it, too. The vibe of The Haight reflects the vibe of our relationship. Just super cool, unique, and chill. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.
THE WEDDING DAY
The whole day was amazing, and we enjoyed every minute, but our favorite part was going to Danny’s Pizza next door after the reception. It was a small group of our friends and our family who went. It was so chill and the best way to end the best day of our lives.
THE SONG
We don’t share a song, but music has always played a huge role in our relationship. Over the years, we’ve both introduced one another to music we are sure neither of us would have ever listened to otherwise.
THE ATTIRE
Cesar and his groomsmen rented their tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse. Cesar says the whole experience was super easy! My bridesmaids’ dresses are all from David’s Bridal. I picked the color I wanted, and my bridesmaids picked whatever style they wanted. I wanted them to feel comfortable! I got my wedding dress from BHLDN located downtown to Chicago. BHLDN was actually the first place I went in my search for a wedding dress. I went with my mom, so the experience was super intimate. I tried on a few dresses, but no luck. Then I tried on a long sleeve, vintage looking dress, and it was perfect in every way! I always wanted a long sleeve wedding dress just like my mom and both my grandmas, and I am so happy that dream came true.
THE MARRIAGE
Day to day life hasn’t changed, but we both agree that we have a deeper love for one another that is difficult to explain on paper. At the end of the day, we’re partners through thick and thin, regardless of a marriage certificate, but marrying one another on November 3, 2019 was definitely the icing on the cake.
THE ADVICE
There’s no script for your
wedding day. There are no rules. It’s YOUR day. Do whatever YOU want to do, no matter what. If you’re going to spend the entire time planning out or worrying too much about what other people want, then what is the point? Of course, you might get overwhelmed at times, but don’t let those times overshadow the joy. Enjoy every minute of the planning, and of course, enjoy every minute of your wedding day. It goes by faster than you think.
THE SHOUT OUTS
All of our vendors were incredible! All of them! But a special shout out to our photographer, Ashley Galminas. She is amazing. She made us feel comfortable, and for two socially awkward people, that’s hard to do. Another special shout out to Sarah and Karly from SLT Makeup Artistry. Sarah seriously makes you feel like you’re a million bucks and Karly did the most amazing job on my braid and made my vision come true! AND a super special shout out to Brett, our coordinator, and the rest of the staff at The Haight. If it wasn’t for all of them, the day wouldn’t have turned out as perfect as it did!
THE VENDORS
PHOTOGRAPHER: ASHLEY GALMINAS PHOTOGRAPHY
FLORALS: EVENTS BY TOWN & COUNTRY GARDENS | CATERING: CUISINE AMERICA
CAKE & SWEETS: CRAFT DONUTS + COFFEE
MUSICIAN/DJ: SOUNDS ABOUND
ALCOHOL: THE HAIGHT | ICE CREAM CART: COOK’S ICE CREAM
HAIR & MAKEUP: SLT MAKEUP + ARTISTRY | RENTALS: JESSICA DRAPER CALLIGRAPHY