After a long night of partying, one last drink is rarely a wise idea. But for Alison Tierney, 29, and Kody Montgomery, 30, it made all the difference.
Five years ago, when their friend groups collided around 3 a.m. at The Barrelhouse Flat (2624 N. Lincoln), “I was headed home, but they convinced us to have one more drink,” says Tierney, who was in town for the weekend from Greenwich, Connecticut. She and Montgomery exchanged numbers and hit it off at brunch the next day. After a four-hour Skype call and a weekend together in New York City weeks later, they had both fallen fast.
Now both working in Chicago — she at Mesirow Financial and he at media communications agency OMD USA — they married at the Chicago Athletic Association (12 S. Michigan) April 28 and took advantage of the hotel’s various venues, hosting a bridal luncheon at rooftop restaurant Cindy’s and welcome drinks in the wood-paneled Drawing Room. “We loved the masculine style of it,” Tierney says. “It’s such a beautiful building.”
The couple wrote heartfelt letters to each other and read them privately before the ceremony; at the reception, they danced a choreographed waltz perfected during lessons at Ballroom Dance Chicago (4039B N. Ravenswood). Late-night burgers and fries from Shake Shack delivered to the dance floor were an appropriate finale. “When [Kody] came to visit me in New York, that was our first date,” Tierney says. “We went to Shake Shack and a comedy show.”
IT’S All IN THE DETAILS
Bride’s dress: Romona Keveza, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, 17W527 Roosevelt, Oakbrook Terrace; Bellabianca.com
Bride’s accessories: Nina pumps, 6pm.com; Ross-Simons pearl drop earrings, Ross-simons.com
Bride’s hair and makeup: Sonia Roselli Beauty, 7001 N. Glenwood; Soniaroselli.com
Groom’s attire: Nicholas Joseph Custom Tailors, 300 W. Grand; Customsuitsyou.com
Planner: Breanna Manzie, Shannon Gail; Shannongail.com
Invitations: J Papers, Greenwich, Connecticut; Jpapers.co
Cake: Red velvet with cream cheese frosting, Cake, 1635 W. Walnut; Cake-chicago.com
Entertainment: DJ Megan Taylor, Fig Media; Figweddings.net
Florist: White peonies and garden roses, ivy and thistle, Pollen, 2918 N. Milwaukee; Pollenfloraldesign.com
Rings: His Blue Nile, Bluenile.com; hers Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry, 1224 Chicago, Evanston, Christopherduquet.com
Photos by Cristina G Photography
Tags: 072918