“You are one of my nicest thoughts.” -Georgia O’Keeffe
This fine couple met at Boston University 11 years ago, and it was not a rapid courtship. In fact, it kinda took Jerel ages to realize that Margaret would be an excellent girl to date and he should totally ask her out. His first one-liner was not the most impressive (“so I hear you’re from Georgia, can I call you peach?”) but Margaret was forgiving and intrigued by the man beneath the goofy facade. Jerel’s genius plan was to do something he called “stealth dating,” he would invite her out on an unassuming group outing like a hockey game followed by ice skating, but for various reasons they would be the only ones that showed up. Luckily his tricky tactics lead to a blossoming relationship, and even a return trip to Boston University a couple of years later where he got down on one knee and asked the lovely Margaret to marry him.
Which brings us to this beyond-amazing wedding day wrapped in bright blue skies… a gorgeous day for a gorgeous pair. From Margaret’s awesome makeup (Sonia Roselli killed it!) to the couple’s first look by Lake Michigan, from the Rookery and it’s architectural glamour to their friend’s serenade for the first dance… smiles were wide and laughter was plentiful. This was a great day!
Jerel describes Margaret in 5 words: passionate, gorgeous, loving, intelligent, driven
Margaret describes Jerel in 5 words: smart, funny, giving, calming and nurturing
Amazing “Ombre” bouquets by Vail of Enna!
Congrats Margaret and Jerel, may your lives be filled with love and Pinkberry!!
Second Photographer: Jamie Hartley
Hair and makeup: Sonia Roselli
Florist: Vale of Enna
Ceremony location: The Rookery
Reception location: The Rookery
Event Planner: Sweetchic Events (for day of coordination)
Officiant: Rev. Phil Landers
Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design
Caterer: Blue Plate
Invitations/Stationary: Annie Skrmetti
Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Ultimate Bride
Accessories: Shoes – Jimmy Choo, Jewelry – Nadri
Suit/Men’s accessories: Groom’s Tuxedo – Ralph Lauren, Groomsmen – The Black Tux
DJ/Band: Ceremony – Artistrings, Reception – Toast & Jam
First Dance: Dancing Shoes by Green River Ordinance (performed by Adam Hadas and John Condakes)
Parent dances: Father/Daughter Dance – Brown Eyed Girl, Van Morrison; Mother/Son Dance – A Song For Mama, Boyz II Men
Q&A with the Bride and Groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
M+J: The most memorable moment of the day was our first dance. It was such a strange but wonderful feeling, knowing that everyone was watching us, yet feeling like we were in our own little bubble. And to make things even more special, we had some of our best friends sharing their talents by performing the song live.
What was your favorite detail?
M+J: The glow of the room. It must have been a combination of the interior of the Rookery, the gold decor, the mercury glass and the hundreds of candles, but the room literally glowed all evening. It was magical!
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
M+J: While not necessarily from the wedding day, we had an OMG moment at the rehearsal that turned out to be a funny story in the end. We took a cab downtown to the rehearsal and brought all of our wedding materials to hand off to our coordinator, including the escort cards, programs, menus, guest book, photos. You name it, it was in this bag. We accidentally left the bag in the trunk of the cab, which we didn’t realize until the driver had pulled away down LaSalle Street. Jerel took off like a shot and chased the taxi for several blocks at a full sprint in a suit and tie! Luckily, he caught up with the taxi at a red light and the day was saved.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
M+J: Just enjoy the day. All that time you spent planning is over in a matter of hours, so rather than stressing about every little detail on the day of, just enjoy it.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Nothing
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
M+J: Ritz Carlton Kapalua in Maui
A little history….
How did you meet? (How long have you known each other?)
We met in college through mutual friends and got to know each other better through our the a cappella community – we sang in different co-ed groups at Boston University. We were friends beginning of freshman year, but didn’t start dating until January of our senior year. We dated for almost six years and were engaged for almost two before we got married!
When did you know he/she was “the one”?
It was early on in our relationship when a health scare sent Margaret to the hospital and Jerel stayed by her side the entire time. As human beings, we care for each other and wish the best for each other, but there was just something different about that night. Jerel can’t really explain it except to say that he just wanted Margaret to be okay, and Margaret realized how much having him there made her feel at ease.
Describe the proposal.
We had just moved to Chicago from Boston that summer and were back east to celebrate New Years Eve with friends. On December 30, Jerel suggested that we spend a day back at BU, walking around campus and reminiscing. A huge snow storm the day before made for challenging weather, but after a walk around campus he dropped to one knee on Marsh Plaza and proposed. A photographer planted on the plaza caught the entire thing. After taking some time to warm up at our hotel and call our families to share the news, Jerel surprised Margaret with an engagement party with all their friends at their favorite college bar, Sunset Cantina.