Quartino Ristorante

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Ceremony

RPM Events

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story technically begins at Windy City Smokeout in July 2021… or so Mark likes to claim. Sami, however, may have forgotten meeting him that first time! Fast forward almost a year and a half, and fate stepped in when both joined a co-ed kickball team, the Kickelbacks. That team brought them closer together and eventually led to Mark being invited to Sami’s Christmas party in December 2022. One thing led to another, and the very next day they spontaneously bought tickets to a Chicago Bears game with best friends, Paul &amp; Syd. After an unforgettable Sunday, the two broke off from the group and ended up at Butch McGuire’s — their favorite bar in the world, and now a staple in their story. It was there, over a few Guinnesses, that Mark officially asked Sami to be his girlfriend. After a few wonderful years of dating, on May 10, 2025, Mark proposed to Sami along the Chicago lakefront — one of their favorite places to walk together and take in the city skyline. Our story has always been shaped by the love and support of our friends and family, and we feel so lucky to have come full circle — now celebrating this next chapter surrounded by all of our favorite people on our wedding day.

Our Story

Photos

Nicole Gillespie

Taylor Wilkens

Sydney Walter

Olivia Brenner

Katie Carlson

Kerry Steed

Madeline Thomalla

Coco Tzakis

Eleanor Burriss

Rachel Vitello

Ali Kolb

Thomas Vitello

Matt Johnson

Andrew Zaleski

Mike Powers

Chris Monti

Mike Cullinan

Brennan Quackenbush

Austin Wilkens

Patrick Gillespie

Joe Beja

Wedding Party

The Westin Chicago River North

Hyatt Place Chicago/River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Travel

A must-do to learn the city’s history from the water.

Architecture River Tour

Walk, jog, or bike with skyline and lake views.

Lakefront Trail

Snap a classic photo and stroll the gardens.

Millennium Park & The Bean

&nbsp;Ride the Centennial Wheel and enjoy lakefront views.

Navy Pier

Perfect for a scenic walk, with restaurants and bars along the water.

Chicago Riverwalk

Home to Sue, the world’s most complete T. rex.

Field Museum

&nbsp;Legendary comedy shows.

The Second City

Try Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pequod’s for the real deal.

Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago has some of the best rooftop views in the country — perfect for cocktails with the skyline as your backdrop. A few favorites: Cindy’s – Overlooks Millennium Park and Lake Michigan with a relaxed, airy vibe.Trump Terrace – Sophisticated setting with sweeping river and skyline views.LondonHouse – A classic rooftop right on the Chicago River with panoramic city views.

Rooftop Bars

Chicago’s food scene is unbeatable — here are some favorite spots to check out while you’re in town: Gibsons Steakhouse – A legendary Chicago institution for big steaks and classic sides.RPM Seafood – Upscale dining on the riverfront with incredible seafood towers and views.Au Cheval – Home to the burger that’s often called the best in America.Rose Mary – A West Loop favorite serving a mix of Italian comfort food and Mediterranean flavors.Sushi-San – Fresh sushi with a modern, lively vibe (don’t miss the hand rolls).Monteverde – Warm and inviting Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and fresh flavors.Lyra – A stylish Greek restaurant with shareable plates and a vibrant atmosphere.

Our Favorite Restaurants 

Things to Do

Registry

If your name is on the invitation and included when you RSVP, then you’re all set! Otherwise, we’re keeping our wedding an intimate celebration with close friends and family. We truly appreciate your understanding!

Can I bring a guest?

We love your little ones! For this celebration, we’ve chosen to make our wedding and reception an adult-only event. We hope you’ll take this evening as a chance for a special date night!

Are Kids Invited?

We kindly request black-tie preferred attire. For gentlemen, this usually means a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie. For ladies, a long gown or an elegant cocktail dress is perfect. Think classic, sophisticated, and ready to dance the night away!

What is the dress code?

Yes! We've reserved rooms at a few hotel options. You can book with our special rate using the links on our "Travel" page.

Is there a hotel block?

No - Transportation from the church to RPM Events will not be provided, but there are plenty of great spots nearby to enjoy a drink in the meantime! Right down the street from the church, you can check out Homeslice, Glascott’s, Kincade's, J9, or Marquee Lounge. If you’d like to stay closer to the reception, try Siena Tavern, Bub City, Parlor Pizza (River North), Pizza Portofino, or The Smith — all perfect for a pre-reception toast. Don’t worry about getting around — Ubers and Lyfts are abundantly available throughout the city, making it easy to travel safely and comfortably.

Sami & Mark

Sami & Mark

Photos