When living in a big city you tend to seek out a comfortable place, your “home away from home.” My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Tonya years ago at the very quaint Websters Wine Bar, followed by our favorite Bluebird in Bucktown. When she (and Jamie and Johnny) opened up Rootstock in Humboldt it was the perfect fit, a cozy room with delicious food (until 1am!) and an awesome wine list. The kind of place where it takes a good 10-20 minutes to find your way to a table after saying hi and exchanging hugs with all the familiar faces. We have known Tonya long enough to see her general positive attitude and spring in her step shift to practically floating on air and wearing a smile that won’t quit. And that change happened when she fell in love with Nik…
Fast forward to an unseasonably cold day in June, their nearest and dearest wrapped in blankets but beyond happy to witness the union of these two lovebirds. It was a celebration that will always be remembered, the party continued well after the last drop of Txakoli in the Porrons scattered around the tables. We chased the sun until it set for good beyond the ivy covered walls, we dined family style at beautiful long tables, and then the wine-fueled dancing kept us warm as DJ Tess spun the tunes. There was so much joy shared by everyone that day, truly an amazing start to a lifelong celebration!
Photographers: Bethany Fritz and Madison Vlasic
Getting ready location: The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
Ceremony+Reception location: 63rd Street Beach House, 6301 S. Lakeshore Dr
Hair / makeup: Jennifer Beyers
Florist: Field and Florist
Wedding Officiant: Marianne Fink
Event planner: Desiree Fuzak
Caterer: Katie Wyer
Dress: Vera Wang
Accessories: Wedding bands by Steve Quick Jewelers
DJ/Band: DJ Tess
First dance song: “This Magic Moment” by Lou Reed
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
The Wind! Just kidding, my most memorable moment I believe was Nik putting his jacket on me during the ceremony.
What was your favorite detail?
Favorite detail was everyone beaming with joy and drinking and dancing all night!
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
When my maid of honor told me that the entire reception plans have changed due to hurricane strength winds and that everything was going to be fine.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Be happy no matter what happens on your wedding day! Take things that would normally make you crazy or impatient and turn it into unstoppable love and strength in your relationship.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
No. Absolutely nothing…except for leaving my favorite aviators in the limo. I miss them dearly.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Paris and Sicily
A little history…
How did you meet? (How long have you known each other?)
We went to high school briefly together. He says I bullied him, but it’s just a weird fantasy he has I guess. We later knew each other through a mutual friend and ended up falling in love when Nik moved to Chicago several years ago. When he arrived to the city we were both going through break ups, but we quickly found much “comfort” in each others arms. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love and realize that we want to be together for the rest of our lives. Best friends, lovers and partners in this crazy beautiful life!
When did you know he/she was “the one”?
I knew Nik was the one when we moved in together and for months consistently he put me first, always considerate of my feelings, ready to do dishes before me, an overall perfect man to be with, day and night…especially night.
Describe the proposal.
We made a picnic basket with sardines, cheese and wine and rode to Lake Michigan to watch boats and get some sun. It was the day after Labor Day and the weather was perfect. He was sitting next to me on a blanket, I had just taken a big bite of sardine on cracker, when I looked to my left he had the ring box open with the most beautiful diamond ring sparkling in the sun. He looks me in the eye while I chew the sardines one more time and swallow them as is, he says “Tonya will you marry me?” My eyes fill up so quickly with tears of joy and complete surprise, an immediate YES, oh my god YES fell from my lips. It was perfect in everyway, he was so nervous and precious I will never forget that moment.