Real Weddings: Ariel & Paul

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Not much would get past a forensic psychologist. By the very nature of the profession, it’s their job to snuff out any kind of intangible evidence in a criminal case. Paul was able to get his cleverly-crafted proposal plan past his then girlfriend and forensic psychologist, Ariel – and this made him a clear winner in her eyes. The two met four years prior on Ariel’s birthday while out at a late-night bar in Chicago. Ariel had recently moved to the city all the way from New Orleans, where she attended Loyola University New Orleans. Ever the extrovert, Paul, an accountant with a degree from University of Illinois, made a big impression on Ariel that night culminating in a request for a date. The pair found they shared a love for musicals and went out to see one as their first date. Paul, along with the help of the couple’s friends and family, particularly Ariel’s bestie, planned an engagement proposal that would have to be air-tight to get by Ariel’s keen senses. The plan involved everyone going out for Ariel’s best friend’s birthday, and to stay out into the wee-hours – something Ariel rarely did as an introvert. She psyched herself up all day in preparation to be out late, but around eleven, Paul insisted the pair end their fun and head home. His reason was they had an early morning introduction to some of his colleagues the next day. Frustrated, Ariel did not go easily, feeling she was letting her friend down and missing out. After much coaxing, and even her best friend urging her to go home, Paul convinced Ariel to get home and to wake early the next day to “meet” these imaginary colleagues of his. Amidst her still feeling upset about the prior evening, Ariel realized they were in Chicago’s infamous Millennium Park standing in the very spot where they became boyfriend and girlfriend, and Paul was down on one knee. Ariel’s forensic skills had yet to kick in, and she thought Paul was joking so she told him to get up off the ground. Suddenly, it all came together for her – this was real. After saying yes, Paul escorted his bride-to-be off to the restaurant where family and friends, who were in on the plan, were waiting to congratulate the couple. The couple wed in October of 2022 in Chicago, before 200 guests, and Paul’s cousin serving as the officiant. For the “something old,” Ariel was given her late grandmother’s watch as a surprise, by her mother. The duo threw a garden-inspired loft wedding ceremony and then had a rocking reception where the groom literally got on stage with the live band and jammed out on the drums with his former bandmate. There were also nods to Broadway throughout the wedding as an ode to the couple’s love for musicals. Everyone partied late into the night, and it was case closed.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: urban, garden, rustic

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Bridgeport Art Center

MENU: Appetizers began with empanadas, rolled tacos and crab cakes, then the entrees offered included a chimichurri steak and cheese-stuffed chicken with cilantro rice cakes; the late night snack was a taco bar

DESSERT: Blueberry cheesecake cake, and then a cookie table spread with PB&J-flavored cookies, cookie butter flavor, funfetti flavor, and a chocolate ganache favor cookie, apple pie cookies, strawberry shortcake cookies, brown butter roasted almond toffee cookies, a peanut butter chocolate chip covered cookie, crushed Oreos cookies; peanut butter chips and fudge cookie flavor

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Only Us” by Ben Platt and Laura Dreyfuss from the Dear Evan Hansen original Broadway cast recording

INSPIRATION: a romantic garden complete with chandeliers

SPECIAL FEATURES: Paul joined their live band onstage and played drums in a Red Hot Chili Peppers song cover with his former band mate and the guitarist; had a freight elevator entrance with a violinist and champagne bar inside; throughout the night there were little homages to their dog Penelope; a photo booth; Paul’s cousin served as the officiant

HONEYMOON: A mini-moon to New York City

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