Brooke and Neil lived nine blocks apart from each other in Chicago when they met one autumn day. But what brought them together was discovering that they had each lined up separate trips to Italy. One month later, off they went to Florence — 9,000 miles roundtrip from Chicago — and amore took it from there.
Neil, a finance and technology director, and Brooke, an area director for a clothing line, both grew up in the Chicago area, so the city was a natural choice for their wedding. As for Kimpton Gray Hotel, the couple appreciated the landmark architecture combined with unexpected, artful details. As a nostalgic coincidence, The Gray is located on the same street where the bride’s parents met for their first date 40-plus years ago.
Having chosen mid-January for their wedding, Brooke, Neil, family and friends stayed at The Gray the night before the big day. The hotel’s breathtaking marble staircase was selected for the bride and groom’s “first look,” and Neil and Brooke enjoyed that moment together. Flowers and candlelight warmed the ambience of the Adler Ballroom, where the pair said “I do.” The Gray’s Boleo rooftop restaurant hosted both cocktail hour and reception, where guests enjoyed Boleo’s cool Latin American vibe and the ever-flowing Prosecco — “a reminder of our time together in Italy,” says Brooke.
“We loved working with Kimpton Gray Hotel,” says Brooke. “Although we were going to be one of the first weddings at the hotel, they absolutely put our minds at ease. The staff was so accommodating and welcoming — they exceeded expectations.” We loved planning your big day with you, Brooke and Neil. Viva romanza.
