“Hey honey, want to go for a run”? Most people’s reactions would probably be, “uh, no”.
But Nadia, who enjoyed long-distance running with her boyfriend Brian, would have said yes on any other day. But on this day, Nadia just wasn’t feeling it. She had a headache, or at least she said she did. “One morning, he suggested we go for a run on the lakefront because we hadn’t done that in a while, but I tried to make excuses,” she said.
Once Brian finally dragged a reluctant Nadia out to the lakefront she put up a bit more of a fight. “Then I tried to say that we shouldn’t park at Navy Pier because it was too expensive,” she continued.
Nadia and Brian met while attending the University of Illinois in Champaign. They had mutual friends and boasted a friendship of their own, until they both realized they wanted more. After he graduated, Brian faithfully waited for Nadia to finish college and the two of them then moved to the Chicago area.
Soon the couple kindled a passion for running and even participated in 2 of the Chicago marathons together. Running was “their thing”, a common bond they shared, a way to keep motivated and help each other push the pavement through the sometimes grueling terrain.
Brian finally got Nadia to Navy Pier, and after four years of dating, and a run that must have lasted an eternity to him, Brian got down on one knee and proposed.
“Even though I tried to ruin the plan he had all morning long, it turned out perfect!” said Nadia. “He was carrying the ring the entire time in his pocket, which makes sense now because he seemed like a nervous wreck the entire run”.
After a year-long engagement, the two were married at St. Giles Catholic Church in Oak Park, Illinois. Melding an Irish background with an Italian background means there was no shortage of food or drinks or people.
The reception was held at the Marriott in Burr Ridge, they provided the food and open bar for the evening. “We chose 4 butler passed appetizers, salad and Mediterranean chicken or crab encrusted tilapia to choose as an entree.” And of course there was the cake; a work of art that delighted both chocoholics and vanilla devotees.
There was also a cannoli filled groom’s cake which was styled to look like The Chief, the mascot of the school where Brian and Nadia met.
The festivities flowed into the night and so did the drinks, dining and dancing, “Our band was amazing and I don’t think anyone ever sat down once the music started,” said Nadia.
Bella Bleu thinks this couple’s story, from the pavement to the alter, is amazing too and we wish them a lifetime of running together. Thanks for sharing your awesome wedding with us!
Vendor Credit:
Floral/Decor: The Meetinghouse Companies
Photography: Promax Productions (Michael Saukstelis)
Transportation: Rental Charter Bus – Windy City Limo
Reception Band: Peter Hennes Orchestra
Bride’s Dress : Anne Barge
Bridesmaid Dresses: B1
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse