Bri + Ryan’s River Room at Burning Bush Brewery Wedding was a day that was a long time coming. The wedding date celebrated their 10 year anniversary to the DAY when they met at a bar in Wrigleyville.

Their Story

The couple met on May 30, 2015 at Deuces (long gone, but forever in our hearts). This is a Clark Street love story brought together by Mother Nature and mutual friends. Bri was on a Wrigley rooftop and Ryan was on a dirty barstool. Heavy rain postponed the game and ultimately led one to the other. However, it wasn’t until months later when they would meet again. Fast forward to their first date, ironically at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. Bri might tell you that Ryan would not stop talking. Ryan might tell you that he knew this could be something special when Bri loaded up her hot dog with matching condiments. The Cubs lost, but the night produced a different winning result. Over the next decade they hit many milestones, but none bigger than adopting their little foster fail Harlow. There is nothing that Bri and Ryan love more than their dog. Their engagement was a pretty huge milestone too! On July 2 2022, Ryan subtly guided Bri to a flower-marked spot staged by a photographer tucked away in the bushes. Even though Ryan’s diversion was obvious, she played along. Swallowed up by the city skyline, Ryan dropped to one knee and proposed. Wedding planning may have taken just a *few* years, but it was all worth it.

Getting Ready, First Look + Portraits

Bri got ready at the Guesthouse Hotel while Ryan got ready at their apartment. It quickly became clear that the groom’s main love language is gifts. He not only got each of his groomsmen something personalized, but he also did the same for his soon-to-be wife. One of the surprises included photos of late grandparents and a recreation of an old note. Once all the boys were ready, they traveled to the Guesthouse Hotel for the couple’s first look in the Library. Bri + Ryan exchanged personal vows that had all of us tearing up! To Ryan’s surprise, Bri gifted him with a copy of the Cubs ticket from the day that they met 10 years ago. We took some portraits at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary (where Ryan proposed) before heading to the venue.

River Room at Burning Bush Brewery Wedding

Once the ceremony concluded, guests enjoyed cocktail hour next to the river. Apparently Bri’s dad had handed out some $2 bills to family and friends and told them to give it to the couple, but only if they told them a wedding-related pun. Before guests went inside, the couple shared their first dance on the balcony. Their loved ones then welcomed them into the main reception area for speeches. As the servers began to bring out the pizzas, the DJ played “That’s Amoré” and everyone sang along! A few special dances opened up the party to folks who were READY to hit the dance floor. Bri + Ryan did a T shirt toss and brought out disco helmets to make the night extra fun. I gotta say, no one throws a wedding like these two. I feel like the River Room at Burning Bush Brewery will never be the same after that night!

Venue: River Room at Burning Bush Brewery / Getting Ready Hotel: The Guesthouse Hotel / Planner: Ohana Events / Hair: Hair by Valerie Burquin / Makeup: Joey Claeyssen / Dress: Rhyland Lang Bridal / Tuxedo: Formally Modern Tuxedo / DJ: Best Life Entertainment / Violinist: Rachael Miller / Saxophonist: Tommy Bradford / Desserts: Barry Sweets / Candy: Palmer Candy / Cannabis Bar: High Minded Events