Aaron & Colette
Shupert Wedding
Reception
After Party
Our Story
Aaron and Colette
I want to share a bit about how Aaron and I came to be. Our story actually started almost 50 years ago when Big Al introduced Aaron’s parents while Monica was working with him at the Long Branch.
Many years later, history repeated itself when I was working for Big Al at the Blue Toad and he introduced me to Aaron. While there was an immediate spark, the timing wasn't quite right.
Eventually, I reached out to Aaron to see if he wanted to go to a Kernels baseball game. We began hanging out, and when the pandemic hit, we spent even more time together and officially started dating. I eventually moved into Aaron’s house in the middle of February while he was out of town—quite the surprise!
Since then, we have found that we balance each other perfectly. His analytical mind and my "wild florist" brain pair together wonderfully.
Hotel Blocks
Eurostars Magnificent Mile Hotel
(This is the hotel the wedding is at)
660 N. State
Chicago, IL, 60654
(312)-202-6000
Promo Code - SHUPERT
Apply in promo code.
Guests have up to 30 days Prior to wedding to book hotel block.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
(1 block from venue)
600 N State St
Chicago, IL 60654
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
(2 blocks from venue)
10 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-0000
Travel
Getting There
Our wedding will be in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, near 2 W. Erie St., Chicago, IL 60654. Whether you're driving from Iowa or flying in, here's everything you need to know.
Driving from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The drive from Cedar Rapids to the River North area of Chicago is approximately 270 miles and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours under normal conditions. With August weekend traffic near Chicago, budget closer to 4 to 4.5 hours to be safe.
The most common route is to take I-380 South to I-80 East, then pick up I-88 East (the Reagan Memorial Tollway) toward Chicago, connecting to I-290 East into the city.
Tolls to Know About
You will hit tolls on I-88 (Reagan Memorial Tollway) as you approach Chicago. Illinois toll roads are entirely cashless — there are no cash lanes. If you have an I-PASS or E-ZPass transponder, tolls will be about half price. Without one, your license plate will be photographed and a bill mailed to you at double the transponder rate.
Total tolls for the route typically run around $4–$8 with I-PASS, or roughly double without one.
You can pay missed tolls online at illinoistollway.com within 14 days to avoid additional fees.
Parking
Street parking in River North can be tough. Most hotels in the area offer valet or garage parking. There are also several public parking garages nearby — expect to pay $30–$50 for event parking in the neighborhood.
Flying In
Chicago has two major airports, both with good options for getting to River North.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) — about 17 miles northwest
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): About 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, typically $35–$50 (surge pricing can push it higher during peak times)
Taxi: Similar travel time, roughly $45–$55 plus tip
CTA Blue Line Train: The most affordable option at $5 per ride. Board the Blue Line right at O'Hare and ride it to the Grand station — about 40–45 minutes. From Grand station, the venue area is a short walk or quick rideshare. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
Midway International Airport (MDW) — about 11 miles southwest
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): About 20–30 minutes, typically $25–$40
Taxi: Similar time, around $30–$40 plus tip
CTA Orange Line Train: Take the Orange Line from Midway to the Loop (about 20–25 minutes), then transfer to the Red Line northbound and get off at Grand — one more stop. Total train time is about 30–35 minutes. A single ride is $5, and a transfer is included.
Pro Tips for Flyers
O'Hare is the larger airport with more flight options, but Midway is closer to downtown and often has cheaper fares on Southwest.
If you're arriving during Friday rush hour, the train can actually be faster than a car since it avoids expressway traffic entirely.
Rideshare pickup areas at both airports are clearly marked — just follow the signs after baggage claim.
General Tips
The venue area in River North is very walkable, with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife within a few blocks.
The CTA "L" trains are a great way to get around the city without needing a car.
August in Chicago is warm — expect temperatures in the 80s, so dress accordingly for any outdoor time.
We can't wait to see you there!
Dress Code
COCKTAIL
Ideas & Advice
Rent The Runway
Rent the Runway has thousands of premium styles for every RSVP. Save hundreds on your wedding outfit (and a free backup size) along with all your accessories.
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Things to Do
Things to Do in Chicago
Joining us in the Windy City for our wedding on August 15, 2026? Here are some of our favorite ways to make the most of your visit.
Explore the City
Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk — grab a drink and enjoy the views
Wander through Millennium Park and snap a photo at Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean")
Catch the skyline from Navy Pier or take an architecture boat tour on the river
Walk the Magnificent Mile for world-class shopping and people-watching
Food & Drink
Try Chicago-style deep dish pizza at Uno's, Lou Malnati's or Giordano's
Grab an Italian beef sandwich — it's a must
Explore the restaurant scene in Fulton Market or Wicker Park
Cool off with a craft cocktail at one of the city's rooftop bars
Arts & Culture
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago — one of the best art museums in the world
Catch a show at Second City, the birthplace of improv comedy
Explore the Museum of Science and Industry or the Field Museum
Stroll through the galleries in the West Loop
Outdoors
Spend a morning at North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach along Lake Michigan
Bike or walk the Lakefront Trail for stunning lake and skyline views
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo — it's free and a great time for all ages
Enjoy the summer weather with a picnic in Grant Park
For Sports Fans
Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field — August is prime baseball season
Check out a White Sox game on the South Side
Tour Soldier Field or the United Center if you're into football or basketball history
Getting Around
The CTA "L" trains and buses make it easy to get around without a car
Rideshare apps are widely available
Many neighborhoods are very walkable, so bring comfortable shoes
We can't wait to celebrate with you — and we hope you'll take some time to fall in love with Chicago too.
Photos
Q + A
Can I stay longer than 1 night?
Hotel links are set for the 15th, but you can back out of that into staying longer, still using promo code SHUPERT for Eurostars.
Can I bring Kids?
While we love your little ones, we’ve chosen to make our wedding an adult celebration.