With their families, in evening dress

OliviaJames

September 14, 2026Chicago, Illinois
Enter the grand foyer

The Portrait Salon

Meet us under the clock.

September 14, 2026 Chicago, Illinois

We met at the Green Mill on a Tuesday, both alone for the late set. Olivia had the good seat by the piano; James had the coat-check ticket she'd dropped by the door. Three numbers later we were sharing a table, and the band played us out at two.

Eight years on, our habits are set: meet under the clock at State and Washington, walk the winter lake, stay for the late set. James proposed on the Riverwalk under the Carbide & Carbon's gold crown. So we're marrying downtown, where our evenings end anyway.

Dress sharp, arrive on time, and stay for the band. That's the whole instruction.

The Concierge Register

Arrival, considered.

Venue

The Cortland

A 1929 tower on Michigan Avenue. Ceremony, dinner, and dancing all happen inside — the brass elevators run to the Rotunda all night.

8 S. Michigan Ave · elevators to 24View particulars ↗

Stay

The Drake

Our room block is held under Olivia & James through August 14 — ask the desk for the wedding rate.

15 min down Michigan AvenueDetails ↗

Stay

Hotel Julian

A smaller, quieter option across from Millennium Park, two blocks from the venue.

5 min walk to the venueDetails ↗

Travel

Getting there

Fly into O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW); both are about 30 minutes downtown by taxi or the L. Everything else that night is a short walk.

ORD · MDW

The Ballroom Directory

The evening, room by room.

  1. 01

    Ceremony

    The Cortland · The Rotunda

    Vows under the coffered dome as the lamps come up along Michigan Avenue. Seated by 4:30.

  2. 02

    Cocktail Hour

    The Silver Bar

    Champagne coupes, oysters, and a piano trio while we slip away for portraits.

  3. 03

    Dinner

    The Ballroom

    Round tables under the original chandeliers. Toasts between courses, please.

  4. 04

    Dancing

    The Ballroom Floor

    A ten-piece band until midnight, then records until they ask us to leave.

The Grand Stair

Every landing led us here.

The couple beneath the marquee lights
Green Mill, 2018
Two champagne coupes at the bar
The late set
Waiting under the clock on State Street
State & Washington
Evening on the Riverwalk
The night he asked
Laughing in a brass elevator
Going up
Coffee at the corner diner
Sunday, as always

The Display Salon

Gifts, if you wish.

Your presence is the part that matters.
  • 01

    Honeymoon fund

    An ocean crossing to Paris, no hurry at all — chip in for a cabin dinner, a nightcap, a show.

    Contribute ↗
  • 02

    The bar cart

    Coupes, a proper shaker, and the small brass things that make an apartment feel like a bar.

    View ↗
  • 03

    Sunday suppers

    We host on Sundays. Help us set a longer table.

    View ↗
  • 04

    Give to a cause

    In lieu of a gift, a donation to keep the old movie palaces lit means just as much.

    Contribute ↗

House Notes

Before the doors open.

What should I wear?

Black tie optional — dark suits and evening dresses are exactly right. Everything is indoors on marble, so wear the good shoes; September off the lake can be brisk between doors.

Can I bring a plus-one?

Your invitation names everyone we've saved a seat for. If you have a question about your party, write to us — we're glad to sort it out.

Are kids welcome?

We adore your children, but this is an adults-only evening — late hours, low light, and a loud band.

What's the plan for weather?

We're indoors from the first coupe to the last dance — rain off the lake changes nothing but the walk to the car.

When should I RSVP by?

Please reply by August 1, 2026 — it sets the seating chart, the menu counts, and the band's last set.

The Guest Ledger

The doors are open to you.

Kindly add your name to the register and leave the particulars with us.

Will you join us?
Food, stay, access