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Saturday August 20, 2022
Chicago, IL, USA
976 days 5 hrs 7 mins ago
Schedule
Story
The year was 2019 and dating apps are where all the hip young kids were meeting...and this was no different for us.
Many of you may think we met at the grocery store picking out produce or pumping iron in the gym, but the fact is we both 'swiped right' on Tinder with each other. For those of you who may not know the lingo, 'swiped right' means: you 'approved' of a person after reviewing their profile of just a few pictures and a short bio. Thus, we both 'matched' with each other and started chatting online. Obviously, it was more than just an approval, we had a strong connection with each other even when we started talking on the app.
This is where our story began. With 57 Million users on the Tinder Dating App what are the chances we would meet and have an amazing connection? We went on our first date at the Cherry Circle Room at the Chicago Athletic Association (our host hotel) and now fast forward 3+ years together, our relationship has blossomed into the best thing that has ever happened to us. We are now living in the West Loop of Chicago, with Mr. Butters (of course), and cannot wait for what the future has in store for us.
Additionally, our wedding date is very special because we are not only celebrating our marriage, but also BOTH of our parents' wedding anniversary on this day (what are the odds?). On August 20th, 2022, John and Karen Mora will be celebrating 40 years of marriage and Jeff and Natalia Smolilo will be celebrating 39 years. It's an honor to share this special day with our parents as newly weds -- we aspire to have just as strong of a marriage as they do.
We cannot wait for this day to join our families together and to celebrate with all of our loved ones! See you in Chicago.
Travel
Registry
Here is our wedding registry. Please note some large priced items are group purchase items.
Please ship all items to
Attn: Daniel Smolilo
929 W. Adams St. Chicago, IL. 60607
Select the item to view purchase options high value items can be purchased via group fund:
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP via Formal Invitation by July 29th.
Can I bring a date?
Please check your invite for your +1. The formal invite will identify if you have a +1.
Are kids welcome?
As much as we love your little ones, this event will be an adult only event. We will not be including children in the ceremony or reception.
What will the weather be like?
Welcome to the Windy City! The weather in Chicago during the summer can vary. During the day, the weather should be beautiful, averaging 70-81 degrees, but it is the 'Windy City' so prepare for the unplanned. The late night after party will have an outdoor area, so based on how cold or hot you run - a light jacket may be recommended.
Is there transportation being provided between reception and hotels?
Complementary transportation will be available from our blocked hotels to the church, our reception venue, and back to the hotels at the end of the evening.
Where should I park?
Chicago has many parking options. There will be parking available at the hotels (recommended), or you can park in garage or surface lots around the city.
Our recommendation is to leverage the transportation provided for the day of the wedding. But if you choose to drive to the church there is limited street parking available, please note permitted areas. At the Reception, there is open surface lots or parking garages near venue. Additionally, to find available parking please use the SpotHero' App, which will give you all of the parking lots available and their associated prices.
What should I wear?
This is a black tie optional event.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Yes, please let us know if special assistance is needed.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding ceremony and reception is indoors.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
No cellular devices or photos are permitted during the ceremony. Feel free to take photos with your cellphone during the reception.
What if I have a dietary restriction?
Please note any dietary restrictions on the back of the formal invitation. Please ensure you RSVP and note your food selection no later than July 29th.
Wedding Party
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle lauren-and-daniel-ckttb3hka000n068p3ovc98hp. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.