Rhianna Banana

Chicago and wedding decisions

In August, Pierre and I spent a week in Chicago checking out wedding venues. Julia's mom Charlene hosted us and we had a wonderful time hanging out with her and visiting some beautiful spots in Chicago. The above photo is from the Morton Arboretum. The Arboretum was pricey and not very easy to get to, so we nixed that option fairly quickly.
We also checked out the Brookfield Zoo. That seemed fun and a good back up option. Here's a baboon playing with a smooshed plastic bottle.
Me posing in front of the Amphibian Ark and Year of the Frog poster at the Brookfield Zoo.
A photo of a lovely butterfly at the Morton Arboretum.
Bug sex!
Practice wedding shot from Promontory Point. Nice and cheesy!
Dorky kiss pose =)
We've decided to get married in Oak Park, one of the first suburbs just outside of the Chicago city limits. You can get there by two different L lines, which is very convenient, and it is close to both O'Hare and Midway. Here's a picture of the Oak Park library.
Pierre looking goofy. We were so excited about finding a venue that we spent the day cavorting amongst the flowers! Pierre is trying to express that sentiment here.
We want to get married at the 19th Century Club, which is located in the heart of Oak Park. It is right next to the Frank Lloyd Wright historic district and a few blocks from the Ernest Hemingway birthplace and museum. The Frank Lloyd Wright studio and home is a few blocks north of the Club, so our wedding guests can all make a trip up there if they want. Here's a picture of one of the houses in the Frank Lloyd Wright district.
An example of a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass window.
Crazy mass of ants on the sidewalk.
Another Frank Lloyd Wright home.
Across the street from the 19th Century Club is Austin Park. We were thinking we could have our wedding photos taken there.
An apartment birdhouse in Austin Park.
Bust of Frank Lloyd Wright on the corner of Austin Park.
Wildflower area in Austin Park.
Another shot of the Frank Lloyd Wright sculpture.
Me paying my respects to Mr. Wright. =)
Front driveway of the 19th Century Club.
Pathway in Austin Park.
Front entrance of the 19th Century Club.

Another shot of the front of the 19th Century Club. This is where our smart cars will pull up!
Parking garage located next to the 19th Century Club. We don't have to worry about parking!
Beautiful ballroom where we'll hold the reception and dance party!
Bring your dancing shoes =)
We also visited Millenium Park while we were in town. They were having a dance festival with free performances by some of the Chicago companyies. Here are some flamenco dancers.
The Crown fountain.
Some of the dancers did a contemporary routine in Wrigley Square. We enjoyed that piece, because they really utilized all the features of the space.
Cloud Gate, also known as "the Bean". Nice reflection of the Chicago skyline.
I took this picture for Jamie since it is of King Lear. That is Jamie's favorite Shakespeare play.
Pierre in front of a metal moose.
Shot of beachgoers on the Lake Michigan waterfront. We had lunch in the Signature Room at the John Hancock tower. We are thinking of going there for our rehearsal dinner.

The Gold Coast and waterfront. We are getting married in June 2009. Woohoo!

posted by Unknown @ Sunday, September 21, 2008