Monticello, Illinois

romance storyteller

Jared & Gabe A Bold, Joy-Filled Wedding at The Venue CU

Jared & Gabe Bold Venue CU Wedding

On a warm early May afternoon in Champaign, Illinois, Jared & Gabe promised forever in a bold wedding celebration that was uniquely theirs—an event bursting with bold color, emotional surprises, and unforgettable personal touches. Held entirely at The Venue CU, their wedding day was not just a union of love, but a vibrant expression of who they are, surrounded by 85 of their closest friends and family, many of whom traveled from Detroit, where the grooms reside.

Floral Magic and Unforgettable Fashion

From the moment guests entered the space, Andrea from A. Hunt Design set the tone with truly jaw-dropping floral arrangements—including a hanging chandelier piece complete with twinkling lights. The palette of burgundy, burnt orange, navy blue, and purple painted the day in richness and warmth. Both Jared and Gabe wore statement floral pocket pieces that adorned nearly the entire left side of their coats, adding to the grandeur.

Jared’s custom coat, designed by Jillian Evennou, included a deeply personal touch: fabric for the lining that he fell in love with. This detail, while unseen to many until Jared would do a spin, was a reminder of the care and intention behind every decision the couple made. Their wedding party, dressed in classic black and stylish silhouettes, radiated personality and support for the grooms. The energy in the getting-ready suite was electric with anticipation, laughter, and joy as friends prepared for the day ahead.

An Emotive Ceremony and Interactive Experience

Opting not to see each other before the ceremony, Jared and Gabe exchanged vows in an intimate, 20-minute ceremony filled with genuine emotion. Officiated by Michael Champagne, the ceremony space was flooded with natural light, which bounced beautifully off the floral installations and the joyful faces of their guests. The couple’s decision to skip a receiving line made way for a more personal, relaxed transition into cocktail hour.

During this time, guests enjoyed signature drinks and passed appetizers while the space was magically flipped into a whimsical reception setting. A retro-inspired guest voicemail phone gave loved ones a nostalgic way to leave messages, while the photo booth became a hub of laughter and playful poses. In the lobby to welcome guests, a glowing mirror display bearing the couple’s names, and wedding hashtag offered a dramatic and heartfelt welcome into the evening’s next chapter.

A Reception Full of Surprises and Sentiment

The reception began with introductions and a warm welcome before Jared and Gabe shared their first dance. Guests settled into their seats as dinner service began, catered by Big Grove Tavern. As salads were served, heartfelt toasts echoed through the room, capturing stories of love, friendship, and resilience.

As the sun began to set, the reception festivities began. Salads were served during speeches before the plated meals were placed in front of the guests. With options such as Osso Bucco, Korean Salmon, or a Curry Pot with Tofu (vegan) and a choice of regular or loaded mashed potatoes, there wasn’t an empty belly by the end of dinner. I had the Osso Bucco with loaded mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans, and oh my gosh, it was divine!

The mother-son dances at this wedding wrecked me in the best way. Gabe danced with his mom to a song I’d never heard before—“If You Don’t Live Forever” by Ben Platt—and by the end of it, I was kneeling on the edge of the dance floor, full-on sobbing. The lyrics, the way they looked at each other… it was just beautiful. And as if that wasn’t emotional enough, Jared surprised his mom by choosing a song that his dad had composed decades ago—one he originally wrote to dance with his mother at his own wedding. Watching them dance to that piece of family history had everyone in the room in their feelings. You could feel the love and legacy in the air.

Jared definitely inherited his dad’s musical talent, and a bit later in the evening, he surprised Gabe with a live acoustic set. Jared serenaded his husband with a series of meaningful songs, each chosen for its significance in their love story. Gabe’s reaction—a mix of laughter and pure adoration—was a highlight of the night.

The magic continued with the debut of a same-day edit video from Jeremiah Cox of Parklife Films, giving everyone a chance to relive the ceremony and early events of the day. Applause broke out as guests were swept into the montage of beautiful moments captured only hours earlier. 

Desserts soon followed, with sweet creations from Sarah Bake’s Cakes and a selection of late-night treats to keep energy high. DJ Dan Church from Bugbee’s DJ Plus led a spirited group photo before opening the dance floor. The evening’s music, lights, and sheer joy built to a crescendo before the couple made their way to the after-party at Anthem.

A Day to Remember

Jared and Gabe’s wedding perfectly reflects who they are: intentional, expressive, and full of heart. Every surprise, every floral arrangement, every carefully chosen detail added up to a day that felt more like a symphony than a schedule—a flowing, joyful celebration of love.

Whether it was the rich color palette or the layered moments of emotion, the day was a reminder of the power of storytelling, of showing up fully, and of celebrating love in all its vibrant beauty. It was an honor to be the documentary historian for Jared and Gabe on their wedding day! 

With love and gratitude,

Lisa

Vendor Team That Made It All Happen:

Planning your own intentional, vibrant wedding in Illinois or beyond? I’d be honored to capture your day. Let’s connect! →  www.lisashreffler.com