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Brooke & Neil

REAL WEDDINGS BY KIMPTON GRAY HOTEL

Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil

From 9 blocks to 9,000 miles

Brooke and Neil lived nine blocks apart from each other in Chicago when they met one autumn day. But what brought them together was discovering that they had each lined up separate trips to Italy. One month later, off they went to Florence — 9,000 miles roundtrip from Chicago — and amore took it from there.

Modern nostalgia

Neil, a finance and technology director, and Brooke, an area director for a clothing line, both grew up in the Chicago area, so the city was a natural choice for their wedding. As for Kimpton Gray Hotel, the couple appreciated the landmark architecture combined with unexpected, artful details. As a nostalgic coincidence, The Gray is located on the same street where the bride’s parents met for their first date 40-plus years ago.

Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil

“The Gray’s blend of history and modern touches make the hotel beautiful and unique.”

Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil
Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil

Winter, rooftops and Prosecco

Having chosen mid-January for their wedding, Brooke, Neil, family and friends stayed at The Gray the night before the big day. The hotel’s breathtaking marble staircase was selected for the bride and groom’s “first look,” and Neil and Brooke enjoyed that moment together. Flowers and candlelight warmed the ambience of the Adler Ballroom, where the pair said “I do.” The Gray’s Boleo rooftop restaurant hosted both cocktail hour and reception, where guests enjoyed Boleo’s cool Latin American vibe and the ever-flowing Prosecco — “a reminder of our time together in Italy,” says Brooke.

Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil
Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil

“The nice thing about a winter wedding is that all the candles made it feel very festive and cozy at the same time.”

Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil

First, but far from last

“We loved working with Kimpton Gray Hotel,” says Brooke. “Although we were going to be one of the first weddings at the hotel, they absolutely put our minds at ease. The staff was so accommodating and welcoming — they exceeded expectations.” We loved planning your big day with you, Brooke and Neil. Viva romanza.

Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil

“Boleo was an awesome vibe. We can’t wait to spend more time there, especially in warmer months.”

Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil
Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil
Gray Hotel Real Weddings Brooke and Neil