Ariel + Mike by Urška and Domen - Together Journal

We leaned into a mood that felt warm, romantic, and deeply personal.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re a couple who share a deep love for adventure, connection, and quality time—whether we’re thousands of miles from home or curled up on the couch with coffee and a good book. Based in Chicago, we soak up every moment we get to explore our city—taking long walks along the lakefront, discovering new brunch spots, or diving into a game night challenge together.

Travel is a huge part of our relationship. From skiing in the French Alps to wandering through the magical Christmas markets in Belgium, we’re always chasing new experiences and immersing ourselves in different cultures. Mike is an airline pilot, which means he’s away from home often, but it’s also allowed us to travel in unique ways and deepen our appreciation for time together. Communication is key for us—FaceTime has become our go-to for staying connected and close, even when apart.

We don’t live near family, but they remain central to our lives. We make it a priority to visit whenever possible or stay connected through virtual catch-ups. We also share a love for yoga, music, and going to concerts—anything that allows us to be present and enjoy the moment together.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We actually met in a very modern way—on Bumble! It was January of 2022, and after just a few days of chatting back and forth, we decided to meet up for a boozy brunch on January 15th. From the moment we sat down, the conversation just flowed effortlessly, and there was an instant sense of comfort between us.

Ariel’s first impression was how handsome Mike was—but beyond that, it was his ability to communicate so openly that stood out. He was a great listener and showed such genuine interest in getting to know her. She remembers thinking how refreshing and rare that felt.

From Mike’s perspective, he’d say he was immediately struck by how cute Ariel was, but what really stood out was her independence and professional drive. He was genuinely impressed and felt drawn to her confidence and warmth.

That first brunch date set the tone for everything that’s followed—it was fun, meaningful, and full of laughter. We both walked away knowing it was something special.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

This is such a fun question because we each had our “this is it” moment pretty early on—and they’re so perfectly us.

Ariel will tell you she knew from the very first date. After brunch, we ended up back at Mike’s apartment watching college basketball with his roommate. Mike offered her pizza, but it was covered in mushrooms—Ariel’s ultimate food enemy—so she politely declined. A few minutes later, he handed her a few slices, warm and mushroom-free. He had picked every single one off just so she could enjoy a slice. That small but thoughtful gesture said everything about the kind of partner he’d be: attentive, kind, and genuinely caring.

Mike would say his moment came two months in during our first international trip together to Barcelona over Easter. We got stuck in a two-hour-long customs line, but instead of getting stressed, we shared AirPods, danced to music, and laughed the whole way through. It was chaotic, but it was fun—and it showed just how easy and joyful life felt together, even in the most inconvenient moments.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

When we chose to have a small wedding with just our mothers present, we were intentional about creating an experience that felt intimate, elegant, and truly “us.” While the guest list was minimal, we were clear from the beginning—this wasn’t an elopement, this was our wedding day, and we wanted every detail to reflect the beauty and sincerity of our love.

We leaned into a mood that felt warm, romantic, and deeply personal. With the help of our incredibly talented planner, Sabrina, we crafted a style that was both vibrant and fresh, while still honoring the significance of the day. Her mood board perfectly captured what we had envisioned, and it made the styling decisions feel effortless.

Florals played a special role in setting the tone. Rather than a traditional arch, we opted for a ground-up semi-circle arrangement—something that felt symbolic of our relationship. Our love grew from the ground up, and this floral design represented that journey and the infinite room we have to grow together. It was a beautiful, symbolic detail that made our ceremony space feel grounded in love and full of intention.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

For us, the standout styling element was hands-down the florals paired with the stunning setting of our venue, Relais Villa Vittoria. The natural beauty of Lake Como already feels like something out of a dream, with its serene waters and dramatic mountain backdrop—but the florals brought an added layer of magic to the day.

Even Mike, who’s not usually one to comment on flowers, was completely taken aback. The arrangements were breathtaking—the colors, the textures, and the way each bloom was placed with such intention. They didn’t compete with the view; instead, they complemented it perfectly, enhancing the ambiance without overwhelming it. It felt like everything was in harmony—our love, the setting, and the celebration.

We never imagined we’d be getting married on Lake Como, but once we arrived, we knew there was no more fitting place. The venue struck that perfect balance of elegance and intimacy, and combined with the thoughtful styling, it created a feeling that was both romantic and unforgettable. It truly exceeded every expectation.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

You might laugh, but truly—our favorite part of the planning process was choosing the right planner. Planning a wedding internationally in Italy, we knew we needed someone who not only understood the intricacies of the destination but also had trusted relationships with local vendors. Our planner was a total game-changer. She coordinated everything—florals, beauty, vendor negotiations—and created an experience that felt seamless and joyful from start to finish. We can’t imagine having done it without her.

One major piece of advice for couples starting their planning journey: hire people you trust and lean on them. Let the professionals do what they do best so you can actually enjoy the process. We were intentional about avoiding decision fatigue and being present in every moment. That’s how it should be—it’s your day, after all.

Also, don’t be afraid to go against the grain. We only invited our mothers, which wasn’t the most popular decision, but it was perfect for us. Your wedding should reflect your love story, not anyone else’s expectations.

And a final shoutout to our photographers—they truly elevated our experience. From pre-wedding prep to capturing every moment with ease, they made the day feel effortless and unforgettable. We credit so much of our day to the expertise that Urska and Domen lent to us, and we are in awe at the photos we received!

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

Our wedding day outfits were not just about looking our best—they were deeply personal and full of meaning. For Ariel, choosing a Muse by Berta gown was one of the easiest (and most exciting!) decisions. She wanted something elegant, sophisticated, and just a touch sexy—and Berta gowns capture that balance perfectly. What made it even more special was that the dress ended up being completely different from what she had originally envisioned, yet it felt so right. Finding it was a moment of pure joy.

We also wanted to make sure Mike had something just as special. On a pre-wedding trip to Italy, we had the incredible experience of having a custom tuxedo made for him in Milan—a brilliant recommendation from our planner. The craftsmanship was stunning, but what made it truly unique were the personal touches: a custom lining that symbolized our shared love of travel and our initials stitched under the collar. It’s a timeless piece that Mike hopes to one day pass down.

To complete our looks, we each wore meaningful bracelets—Ariel’s made of pearls from her great-grandmother, and Mike’s a gold chain passed down from his late grandfather. Those small details made the day feel even more connected and special.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Can we say all of it? Honestly, every detail felt important to us—but if we had to choose, the wedding film stands out as something we’re especially grateful we invested in. Funny enough, we weren’t initially sold on having a videographer. It all came together pretty close to the wedding date, and it was challenging to find someone whose style matched the more intimate, non-traditional vibe we were going for. Then, by what felt like fate, Ariel came across Olivia’s work on our venue’s Instagram. When she reached out, Olivia was literally filming a wedding at our venue at that exact moment. It was meant to be.

The result was more than we ever could’ve imagined. Watching our film and hearing our vows again brings back every feeling from that day—it’s a gift we’ll cherish for a lifetime.

The second standout was our photographers, Urska and Domen. They were a dream. Beyond being incredibly talented, they made us feel at ease, seen, and celebrated. The photos are stunning, but it’s the emotion and story they captured that moves us most. We’ve never felt more beautiful, and every time we look at our gallery, we’re transported right back to those magical moments. Their artistry was everything we hoped for—and more.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Absolutely—one moment stands out that still makes us laugh every time we think about it! We had planned a special boat ride on the lake as part of our wedding day. While we initially took some time alone on the water to soak it all in and capture photos, we didn’t want our mothers to miss out on the experience. So, we went back to pick them up.

That’s when things got interesting. The water was a little choppy, and the dock wasn’t the most stable setup. Getting them onto the boat was a bit of a balancing act, but we managed it (with only mild stress!). The real comedy happened when it was time to get them back off the boat. Neither of our moms would claim to be the most agile—and the scene that unfolded was unforgettable. Ariel watched as her new husband had both hands firmly on her mom’s backside, trying to lift her to safety, while his own mom was on all fours, crawling her way onto the dock.

It was pure chaos in the moment—but by dinner, we were all in stitches. It ended up being one of our favorite memories from the day!