Alexis Kramer
Michael Anderson

Are getting married

on July 15, 2017 — Chicago, Illinois

Our Love Story

Alexis and Mike’s first known encounter happened in 2004. Alexis, a senior in high school and devoted Abercrombie and Fitch patron, was making a regular visit to Woodfield Mall when she spotted Mike. In only moose print shorts (which he often wears to this day) and gym shoes, Mike, an Abercrombie greeter, welcomed Alexis and her friends into their favorite store. “That Abercrombie Guy” was immediately a topic of conversation amongst the girls and his photo even made their 2005 calendar.

Fast forward to 2009 and Alexis’ first job out of college at Leyden High School. Again, Alexis spotted Mike and immediately did a double take. Could it be? Could “That Abercrombie Guy” now be “That Leyden Guy”? After further investigation, including digging out a copy of the 2005 calendar, it was confirmed.

While Mike was clearly already on Alexis’ radar, he was just getting wind of the new girl. Wanting to learn more, he tagged along to a happy hour for the employees of the Special Ed Department. There, the two immediately hit it off. Mike, impressed that Alexis too was a Blockbuster Card carrier and Alexis, excited to meet a fellow only child. Their relationship continued to grow over the next few months with Alexis supporting her student, Byran, in Mike’s freshman boys PE class. While that semester turned out to be the least productive of Mike's teaching career, it was the most productive in his personal life.

Later that year, grad school relocated Alexis to Orlando—the world’s greatest city. She and Mike made the most of the two year long-distance relationship, visiting each other during spring and summer breaks and long weekends off, planning uber touristy trips to any and every theme park. Mike knew Alexis was “the one” when he heard the sound of utter excitement in her voice as he called to let her know he had arrived for his first surprise visit. Alexis knew Mike was “the one” when he willingly volunteered to plan a trip to Orlando (hence the voice of excitement).

After seven short years, Mike finally proposed. Like with most good proposals, Plan A fell through. Mike seized the opportunity to capitalize on one of their favorite fall traditions, pumpkin carving, by replacing one pumpkin with a carving of “marry me.” She said, “Yes!” and they celebrated surrounded by family, indulging in another one of their favorites, eating pizza.

They are eagerly awaiting July 15th, looking forward to becoming Mr. and Mrs. and celebrating with those who have helped make this love story such a special one.

#coachsayslexgo

When & Where

Ceremony

St. Michael in Old Town
Parking available
Hotel shuttle provided

St. Michael in Old Town
1633 North Cleveland Avenue
3:00 pm

Reception

The Art Institute of Chicago
Modern Wing entrance
Complimentary valet parking available
Black tie optional

The Art Institute of Chicago
Modern Wing
159 East Monroe Street
6:00 pm

Accommodations

The Palmer House Hilton
Block rate $169 per night
Reserve online or call (877) 865-5321
Reserve by June 14th, 2017

The Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street

Transportation

Transportation is available to and from St. Michael, leaving The Palmer House at 2:15 p.m. and returning after the ceremony.
Transportation is also available to and from the reception at The Art Institute, leaving The Palmer House at 5:45 p.m. and returning every half hour beginning at 10:00 p.m.
Palmer House pickup will be on the Wabash side of the hotel.

Gift Registry

Bed Bath & Beyond logo-crate-and-barrel

The Groomsmen

Joey
Ray
Jac
Greg
Ryan
Dave
Tommy
Mikey

The Bridesmaids

Jessica
Melissa
Lauren
Kaitlyn
Audrey
Chelsea
Kat
Make sure you marry someone who laughs at the same things you do.
J.D. Salinger
You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
E.E. Cummings
We are all a little weird, and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.
Dr. Seuss
The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.
Audrey Hepburn
A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is a reality.
John Lennon