let's celebrate
THE WEDDING DAY
AUGUST 31, 2024
5:30 IN THE EVENING
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
1000 LAKE COOK ROAD
GLENCOE, ILLINOIS 60022
let's get married
CEREMONY
AUGUST 31, 2024
5:30 PM ON THE ROSE TERRACE
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
Garden Formal Attire.
Color and florals are encouraged. For ladies wearing heels, a block heel or platform will allow you to roam the gardens with ease.
Shuttle transportation to and from the venue has been arranged for guests staying at the The Westin North Shore or The Westin River North. If you prefer to drive, you may arrive early to enjoy the gardens before making your way to the ceremony location. Seating will begin at 5:00 pm.
let's kick it off
COCKTAIL HOUR
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
ENGLISH WALLED GARDEN
Just steps away from the ceremony, join Emilie and Mitchell for passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in their favorite garden.
let's party
RECEPTION
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
McGINLEY PAVILION
Dinner and dancing will take place in the pavilion next to the English Walled Garden.
let's keep it going
AFTER PARTY
11:30 PM - 2:00 AM
SPARROW
If you wish to head downtown following the reception, shuttles will pick guests up from Chicago Botanic Garden and drop off at The Westin River North and Sparrow. You may choose to return to your hotel room or dance the night away with the newlyweds.
transportation details
THE WESTIN CHICAGO RIVER NORTH
320 NORTH DEARBORN STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60654
Shuttles will arrive at The Westin River North at 3:45 PM and depart for Chicago Botanic Garden promptly at 4:00 PM. Due to construction in the area, they will be parked on the west side of the hotel on Clark Street.
If you happen to miss the shuttle, Ubers and Lyfts are readily available in the area.
Shuttles back to The Westin River North and the After Party at Sparrow will depart Chicago Botanic Garden at 11:15 PM after the reception concludes at 11:00 PM.
THE WESTIN CHICAGO NORTH SHORE
601 NORTH MILWAUKEE AVENUE
WHEELING, ILLINOIS 60090
Shuttles will arrive at The Westin North Shore at 4:15 PM and depart for Chicago Botanic Garden promptly at 4:30 PM.
Shuttles back to The Westin North Shore will depart Chicago Botanic Garden at 9:30 PM, if needed, and 11:15 PM after the reception concludes at 11:00 PM.
FOR GUESTS WHO PREFER TO DRIVE
If you choose to drive yourself to the festivities, you may arrive at 4:00 PM to explore the gardens. For complimentary parking, please mention the Johnson/Lochen wedding at the gate. For ease, try to park in Lot 1 or 2. Signs inside the garden will direct you to the ceremony.
things to do
dine
GILT BAR
230 WEST KINZIE STREET
The location of Emilie and Mitchell's first date. Don't forget to visit the photo booth in the basement.
stroll
WEST LOOP
NEIGHBORHOOD
Full of shops, restaurants, bars, and dessert shops, it's the perfect neighborhood for exploring. Trivoli Tavern is a must if you like handmade pasta, chicken pot pie, and espresso martinis.
relax
OAK STREET BEACH
1000 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE
Just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, this is where Mitchell proposed to Emilie on July 14, 2023.
see the sights
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE RIVER CRUISE
112 EAST WACKER DRIVE
The best way to enjoy the stunning architecture of Chicago.
indulge
PIZZERIA PORTOFINO
317 NORTH CLARK STREET
Located on the Riverwalk, this restaurant and bar is in the same building as The Westin River North. Their reservations book up to 30 days out, but their pizza, pasta, and views of the river are worth a proactive reservation.
explore
CHICAGO RIVERWALK
LOCATED NEAR THE WESTIN RIVER NORTH
Emilie and Mitchell's favorite walk in the city. There are restaurants, bars, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
go cubs go
WRIGLEY FIELD
1060 WEST ADDISON STREET
Visit the historic Wrigley Field and explore the new developments that surround it. The Cubs are playing on Labor Day if you're interested in seeing a game.
see the art
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
111 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
Emilie's most-frequented museum in the city. Visit her favorite paintings by René Magritte, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock.
how we met
Emilie and Mitchell met at a wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on November 1, 2019. Mitchell was a groomsman and Emilie was there as a friend of the bride.
They first locked eyes at the swim-up pool bar. Emilie was under the impression that Mitchell had a girlfriend, so few words were exchanged. This information was later refuted and they both look back and remember an instant connection.
Things took a turn when they found themselves sharing a park bench while their friends canoodled in the corner at welcome drinks. They bantered back and forth until bar close, but ended the night with more questions than answers.
As the weekend came to an end no numbers were exchanged, but in the final hour, Emilie was alerted by the ping of an Instagram DM. Mitchell was at the airport and had responded to a picture of her still at the hotel pool.
The message was profound.
Two words that changed the course of their lives forever.
"Very jealous."
And the rest is history. History that includes two years of long-distance, dozens of flights between Chicago and Austin, one big move, and a lot of adventure.