Pride and Joy: Kathleen and Gabrielle’s Vibrant Southside Beach Wedding
From the bright colors inspired by the pride flag to the yard games enjoyed during cocktail hour, Kathleen and Gabrielle’s wedding day was a celebration of joy, love, and pride. Hosted at Chicago Park District’s 63rd Street Beach House, the couple created a vibrant event that perfectly reflected their personalities and love story.
Kathleen and Gabrielle’s relationship is the epitome of modern romance. They first crossed paths on Tinder, but it wasn’t until they bumped into each other at a rugby match—playing for rival Chicago teams—that sparks truly flew. It was love at first tackle! Their relationship blossomed through shared adventures, challenges, and travel, with each finding a best friend and champion in the other.
Choosing the 63rd Street Beach House as their wedding venue was a sentimental decision for Kathleen and Gabrielle, rooted in their shared love for Chicago’s Southside. Having spent much of their relationship exploring the hidden gems of this vibrant part of the city, they wanted their special day to showcase the neighborhoods that had nurtured their love. The moment they toured the beach house on a perfect summer afternoon, they knew it was the one. The gentle lake breeze, the joyful sounds of children playing in the water, and the stunning, classic Chicago architecture made it an obvious choice. For them, it was about celebrating the beauty and vibrancy of Chicago – especially the often-overlooked areas south of the Loop – and sharing that with their loved ones.
As an interracial couple, it was important to unite their cultural traditions at the wedding just as they had in their relationship. Kathleen integrated her mother’s wedding veil into the hems and collar of her dress shirt, adding a touch of family history and sentimentality. At the end of the ceremony, Gabrielle insisted on putting a modern spin on the tradition of jumping the broom, incorporating a spiritually inspired blessing and rainbow-colored confetti poppers.
After a heartfelt ceremony, guests retreated to the courtyard for cocktails while Kathleen and Gabrielle snuck away for intimate sunset portraits by the beach. Guests found their seats by selecting jersey tokens from a rugby field poster, a playful nod to the couple’s shared sporty pastime. To add a personal touch of fun, Kathleen and Gabrielle surprised their guests with custom hats featuring their wedding logo and playful sayings. The night reached its peak with a dynamic drag performance by Fonda Koxx, followed by a spirited group rendition of the viral dance “Swag/Surf.”
As the sun set over the city, joyous toasts filled the evening air, and guests dined under the warm glow of the setting sun. Kathleen and Gabrielle’s celebration was truly a vibrant reflection of their love story, a day filled with joy, inclusivity, and a deep appreciation for the community and city that shaped their life together.
Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER Flikk Thornton
VENUE Chicago Park District – 63rd Street Beach
FLORAL A Pretty Flower
PLANNER FRWD Style Weddings and Events
HAIR Akina Williams with Tone Multi-Cultural Hair Gallery
MAKEUP Chizoba Okeke
KATHLEEN’S SUIT Suitsupply
GABRIELLE’S GOWN Mira Couture
CATERING Amazing Edibles
CAKE Alliance Bakery
ENTERTAINMENT DJ BLK Soldier
LIVE MUSIC Gabriel Datcu
DRAG ARTIST Fonda Koxx
