Chicago Minimony - Ultimate Cubs Fans
When you see the details in this minimony (yep, mini ceremony) you will see why Leslie and Ashley are ultimate Cubs fans. I mean, these two live in Tennessee but are season ticket holders and fly in to watch them play in Chicago, can you say d-e-d-i-c-a-t-i-o-n? This played a huge part in their decision to elope to 1060 W Addison St. They could not get into the stadium due to COVID, but The Zachary Hotel was the perfect spot with Wrigley Field as the backdrop and only steps away.
How they met: Leslie and Ashley met in a very unconventional way for some but for them, it was only natural. Leslie is the founder of the amazing Tennessee Dachshund Rescue (TBR) and Ashley was a volunteer/foster. They rescued together and the rest is history!
Please scroll and look at all of the love these two put into their day and have for each other. Make sure to read all the way to the bottom for all of the amazing vendors that made this day possible.
Leslie has always been an Etsy fan so her, Ashley, and the pup’s details, aside from their shoes and formal attire, are all from amazing Etsy shops (linked below). I don’t think anyone can deny these two thought of everything! I personally love Ashley’s Vans and Leslie’s baseball hair pins.
We cannot forget about the true stars of the show though in their little bow ties that held the rings. Absolutely adorable! When I tell you these two have a heart for rescue, it is an understatement. Just ask them how many dogs they currently have/foster, absolute pup-lovers!
This ceremony site y’all. A baseball-lovers delight in the Windy City. We had the cars swishing past, the occasional honk, Wrigley Field as a gorgeous backdrop, and of course Ryan Reynolds. Funny story.
Side Note: Leslie’s brother added an extra note for Hotel Zachary that he would like a framed photo of Ryan, for no real reason other to see if they would. He said he totally forgot that he even made the note and when he got to his room, CHIMICHANGA! There he was in all of this golden-framed glory. I mean, could Hotel Zachary be any more awesome!? I am a huge Ryan Reynolds fan so this made me a little more happy than others to see him sitting in the chairs with their friends and family, ha!
Please look at all of the love in these pictures! Keep scrolling for the amazing surprise that happened during the vows.
Okay, so the sweetest vows were recited and then, at the end of Leslie’s vows she said she hoped Ashley would forgive her for caving and adopting their foster Butters.
Leslie had Butters flown in with another guest and hidden until that exact moment of the day. There were a few times when it was almost given away, but we were able to pull it off. You can see how genuinely surprised and moved Ashley was which made it my favorite part of the entire day!
Did I mention they love the Cubs? How amazing is it that they got their names put up on the marquee?!
We were able to have a break in other tourist all around us and snap some of these adorable photos. I am all about inclusivity and it made my heart smile to hear all of the congratulatory remarks and smiles from people walking by when we all screamed, “That’s us!” as we pointed to the sign. So much love in Chicago.
I am also in obsessed with Leslie’s braided blue hair! It really shows in these photos. <3
After we got a few of these priceless photos, we popped back up to the festivities and to grab a taco and a slice of the Chicago-style deep dish. I have to admit I didn’t know the toppings were what makes the pizza so thick. I thought it was a lot of bread…wrong! It was delicious, 10/10, would eat again.
Delicious food should always be followed by cake! How gorgeous was their cake with the Cubs colors and kissing doxys on top?! Very on brand!
The last part of our adventure, now that friends were talked to, our belly was full and sweet tooth was under control was to frolic around Wrigley Field and take the “L” into the city.
I cannot thank Leslie and Ashley enough for their friendship, trusting me to capture their love story and for all the good they do in the world for the dogs of Tennessee.
Vendor Team
Photographer - ee photography Venue - Hotel Zachary • Dress - Watters • Cake - Amy Beck Cake Design • Hair & Makeup - Hair Squared // thehairpair • Rings -Jewelry by Garo • Catering - Four Stars • Shoes - Converse + Vans
