Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Simonelli! Katie and Joe’s rustic bohemian wedding in Northwest Illinois was a beautiful celebration that brought these two lovebirds together. With such an incredible chemistry, you might think that Katie and Joe fell in the first moment they laid eyes on each other. Although it wasn’t love at first sight, this couple’s story is incredibly sweet and (spoiler alert) got them to the alter to say “I do”!

Katie and Joe have actually known each other since high school, but Katie says she didn’t really like him then. Why? She has no clue! However, things changed when Katie was in college. She moved home to go to community college for a year, and she and Joe had mutual friends. The two started talking, mainly via a group chat with all of their friends. Eventually, though, their chats became just the two of them. Joe asked Katie on a date to California Pizza Kitchen, and they started dating shortly after that. Katie still laughs about how she didn’t like him when she was younger because they are so perfect together that it is so confusing to her now. Don’t you just love how love works in its mysterious ways? So glad that Katie came around to her guy and that they are now on their journey to happily ever after!

Fun Love

As a couple, Katie and Joe are pretty goofy, but also very shy. Joe loves his lady’s personality and how goofy she is. It is so great to find a person you are completely comfortable with and can be yourself around! These sweethearts are incredibly supportive of one another. Katie says that Joe always supports her decisions and wants here to be the best she can be. He goes out of his way to do things for his girl, and Katie is grateful for his support. *Swoon*

Katie and Joe absolutely love spending as much time together as they can, whether it’s trying new restaurants, grabbing an evening McFlurry, spending time with family, or cooking together. Joe enjoys finding cool recipes and perfecting them. For a while, the two were on a ravioli kick, and they would make homemade ravioli all the time until they had perfected it. Now, they churn out ravioli like it is no big deal – which their families love! You know what they say…a couple who cooks together, stays together. Okay, maybe that’s not the real saying, but it should be!

Rustic Bohemian Wedding

On May 18, 2019, Katie and Joe shared a first look prior to their church ceremony, which was full of sweet emotion and bright smiles. When they looked at each other, it was as though they were the only two in the world. Their radiance and excitement stayed with the couple all throughout their rustic bohemian wedding ceremony at Saint Francis Xavier Church.

Little personal touches added to the magic of the day. Katie wrapped a part of her grandmother’s wedding dress around her bouquet along with a photo her grandparents when they first started dating. She also had a piece of one her dad’s blue dress shirts sewn into her wedding dress. On the other hand, Joe included his family in his attire as well. He had a charm pinned to the inside of his suit jacket that contained a photo of his grandparents on their wedding day. It was so sweet of the bride and groom to include their grandparents in their special day in such a significant and beautiful way!

The reception at the Hyatt Lodge was the perfect way to continue their wedding celebration. From the emotional speeches, cutting the cake, and dancing the night away, it was truly a night Katie and Joe will remember for the rest of their lives. Wishing them all the happiness as they embark on their next great adventure together!

To see other stunning Illinois weddings, check out Bailie and Logan’s Classic Wedding or Lindsay and Randy’s Beautiful Wedding.

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Stasia K. Event Curators

Florist: Catherine’s Garden

Band/DJ: DJs for You

Cake Artist: Lezza

Makeup/Hair Artist: Beaute Luxe Salon