What an unforgettable day we had celebrating Monica and Zack’s wedding! The festivities kicked off at the beautiful Madonna Della Strada Chapel for an intimate ceremony, followed by a lively reception at the Goose Island Barrel Warehouse. From the moment we arrived to set up, it was clear this was going to be a celebration to remember.

The couple chose our wedding base package, and DJ Shannon was ready to make their day extra special. The cocktail hour set the tone for the night with light and classic tunes that perfectly complemented the relaxed vibe. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed complimentary brewery tours, getting a unique peek at how Goose Island’s famous beers are made. It was a fantastic way to keep everyone entertained and engaged while the newlyweds finished their photos.

When Monica and Zack made their grand entrance, they did so to the upbeat and catchy “Makeba” by Ian Asher. This song choice was perfect for the couple, setting an exciting tone for the evening. As guests enjoyed a delicious dinner from Sweet Baby Ray’s Catering, heartfelt toasts were exchanged in honor of the couple among many sweet moments. Some special moments to call out include the traditional first dances. As Monica and Zack took to the dance floor to share their first dance, “Turning Page” by Sleeping At Last played in the background as they swayed in time. Their dance together was beautiful and intimate, setting the tone for a night filled with love. Next came the parent dances, with the father-daughter dance to “Father And Daughter” by Paul Simon and the mother-son dance to “In My Life” by The Beatles. Both of these dances brought tears to many eyes, showcasing the deep connections within their families.

Once these dances concluded, it was time to invite everyone to the dance floor to join in on the action! DJ Shannon kept the energy high throughout the night with a fantastic mix of electronic/dance music, pop punk (like emo night), Latin dance music, and 80s pop. The dance floor was alive with energy, and everyone was having an absolute blast. To honor Zack’s Polish heritage, DJ Shannon also played some traditional Polish songs that got everyone, especially the Polish family members, on the dance floor. This thoughtful touch blended cultures and created a joyous and inclusive celebration.

One of the most touching and fun parts of the night was the announcement of the late-night snack from Happy Camper. DJ Shannon shared the couple’s sweet story with all the guests: 5 years ago, Zack and Monica first met at the Happy Camper location in Old Town. Zack was a server there, and Monica was a frequent flyer. He gave her his number at the weekly Sunday Bingo event there and they started dating! Zack proposed to Monica outside of a castle in Krakow, Poland in Summer 2023, which was Zack’s first trip to Europe. Zack’s ancestors are also Polish, so it was a sweet location. This story not only added a personal touch to the evening, but also explained the significance of the delicious snacks from Happy Camper.

As the night wound down, DJ Shannon played “Ladyfingers” by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass as the last dance, a perfect ending to a perfect day. Monica and Zack, surrounded by their loved ones, shared a final dance that encapsulated the love, joy, and fun that had filled the evening.

Monica and Zack’s wedding was an absolute joy to be a part of. From the heartfelt ceremony to the vibrant reception, every moment was filled with love and laughter. We are so grateful they chose Paul Michaels Events to help make their big day unforgettable. Here’s to the happy couple – may your future be as bright and joyful as your wedding day!

Vendors we had the pleasure of working with:

Venue: Goose Island Barrel House
Caterer: Sweet Baby Ray’s Catering
Photo: Frankie Isabel Photography
Video: Barlow Media Group
Floral: Cou Cou Studios
Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s
Wedding Coordinator: Simplicitee