Whispering Woods Events

The Night Before Party 

Wedding Day

Crystal Lake Country Club

Farewell brunch

PLEASE RSVP BY JULY 25TH

Our Wedding

Kathryn and Chris first met in October of 2019, when life was about to change in the most unexpected and beautiful way. What started as a simple meeting quickly turned into something neither of them could ignore. By November 15, 2019, they officially began their journey together—and from that moment on, their story truly began.Not long after they started dating, their relationship was put to the ultimate test of distance. Chris answered the call to serve in the U.S. Navy, while Kathryn pursued her dreams.For two years, their love stretched across miles, time zones, and countless video calls. They learned how to grow individually while holding tightly to each other, proving that real love isn’t limited by distance—it’s strengthened by it.Through every deployment, exam, late night, and early morning, they remained each other’s constant. The miles never dimmed their connection; instead, they built a foundation rooted in patience, trust, and unwavering support.In August 2025, after years of growth, sacrifice, and unforgettable memories, Chris asked Kathryn to spend forever with him—and without hesitation, she said “yes.” Their engagement marked the beginning of the next—and greatest—chapter of their lives.Now, surrounded by family and friends, they are so excited to celebrate the love that started in 2019, survived distance, and grew stronger with every passing year. Their forever is just beginning.

Endless Love Begins in 2019

Our Story

Photos

Jordan Hall

Gage Hogue

Emalee Smith

Zachary Nugent

Madison Nevler

Ben Leff

Aileen Dew

Dustin Mueller

Angela Lopez

Willy Wilcoxson

Wedding Party

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is the wedding taking place?Both our ceremony and reception will be held at Whispering Woods in Harvard, Illinois.What time should I arrive?The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to allow time for parking and seating.Is the ceremony and reception at the same location?Yes! Both the ceremony and reception will take place at Whispering Woods.What is the dress code?We invite guests to wear garden party attire. Please keep in mind that portions of the event may take place outdoors, so we recommend choosing comfortable footwear.Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?Our ceremony will be held outdoors, weather permitting. The reception will take place indoors.Can I bring a plus-one?Please refer to your invitation for the names of those included in your party.Are children invited?We kindly ask that only the children listed on your invitation attend. If needed please reach out to bride, groom or mother of bride. What time will the reception end?The reception will conclude at 11:00 p.m.Is parking available?Yes, complimentary parking is available at the venue.Will transportation be provided?Transportation will not be provided. We encourage guests to arrange rides in advance if needed.Where should I stay?A list of recommended hotels and accommodations can be found on our Travel page.What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?Please let us know of any dietary restrictions when you RSVP so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.Are the ceremony and reception unplugged?We kindly ask that guests silence their phones and refrain from taking photos during the ceremony so everyone can be fully present. We invite you to take and share photos throughout the reception.Will there be activities on Sunday?Yes! If you're still in town, please join us for a farewell brunch and a relaxed morning with family and friends. Additional details can be found on the Sunday Brunch page.Who should I contact if I have questions?Please reach out to the Mother of the Bride at 440-731-4983 with any questions.

Q + A

Featuring an indoor swimming pool, this Harvard, Illinois inn is a 30 minute drive from Lake Geneva. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. Offering a TV, rooms at Heritage Inn include a private bathroom and tea/coffee-making facilities. Rooms are styled with warm colors. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided at Inn Heritage. Guests are able to relax in the on-site sauna and fitness center. Dacy Airport is a 5 minute drive away. The beach at Lake Geneva is a 30 minute drive from Heritage Inn.

Baymont by Wyndham Harvard

Less than 15 minutes' walk from Geneva Lake this Fontana motel features a continental breakfast is served on weekend mornings. A TV with cable channels and free Wi-Fi are provided in every room. Rooms at Fontana Village Inn are furnished with work desks and coffee makers. Air-conditioning is also offered in every guest room. The Fontana Village Inn has a front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day and provides fax and copy service for guests. The entire hotel is nonsmoking. The 26-mile long Geneva Lake path is accessible right from Fontana Village Inn. Big Foot Country Club and Country Club Estates Golf Course are about a mile away. George Williams College is less than 10 minutes from the motel. George Williams College and Yerkes Observatory are less than 4 miles from the property.

Fontana Village Inn

Featuring a fitness center, Quality Inn & Suites Woodstock near Lake Geneva is located in Woodstock in the Illinois region, 14 miles from Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park and 22 miles from Black Point Historic Preserve. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business center. Arlington Park Racecourse is 28 miles from the hotel and Donley's Wild West Town is 13 miles away. The hotel offers an à la carte or continental breakfast. Santa's Village Azoosment Park is 19 miles from Quality Inn & Suites Woodstock near Lake Geneva, while Geneva Lake Museum of History is 22 miles from the property. Chicago Rockford International Airport is 40 miles away.

Quality Inn & Suites Woodstock near Lake Geneva

Located within 14 miles of Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park and 22 miles of Black Point Historic Preserve, Super 8 by Wyndham Woodstock has rooms in Woodstock. This 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The hotel has family rooms. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The reception at the hotel can provide tips on the area. Arlington Park Racecourse is 28 miles from Super 8 by Wyndham Woodstock, while Donley's Wild West Town is 12 miles from the property. Chicago Rockford International Airport is 40 miles away.

Super 8 by Wyndham Woodstock

Set on the calm shores of Lake Geneva, this full-service iconic resort features the full-service AVANI Spa and a marina with boat rentals. Free WiFi access and a choice of dining options are also available. A balcony or patio offers views from each lakehouse-styled room of The Abbey Resort. A flat-screen TV, coffee maker and fridge are also included. The Abbey Resort offers a variety of dining options. Overlooking the harbor, 240° West serves steaks, seafood and small plates with complimenting wine pairings. The Waterfront serves appetizers, sandwiches and BBQ along with a variety of beer and cocktails. Café Latte, Bar West and the Gazebo Grill are also open for dining. Guests of Abbey Resort can enjoy an adults-only pool facility, an arcade and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Fireside s’mores are made outside at any time of the year. Ice skating is offered to guests in the winter. The Geneva Lake Museum is 20 minutes from the resort. The Black Point Historic Preserve is 6 miles away.

Abbey Resort and Avani Spa

The Ridge Hotel features a restaurant fitness center a bar and shared lounge in Lake Geneva. With a garden the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi each with a private bathroom. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool indoor pool evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a coffee machine. At The Ridge Hotel rooms come with a desk and a flat-screen TV. At the accommodation guests are welcome to use a hot tub and a sauna. Guests at The Ridge Hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Lake Geneva like hiking. Williams Bay Beach is 1.6 miles from the hotel while Black Point Historic Preserve is 10 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport 50 miles from The Ridge Hotel.

Lodge Geneva National

Travel

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Registry

Pros Dish on What to Wear to a Wedding

40 Affordable Guest Dresses to Save Money

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What is the dress code?Our dress code is garden attire. We invite guests to wear semi-formal, polished outfits that are comfortable for an outdoor setting. Please NO JeansFor women, think sundresses, midi or maxi dresses, jumpsuits, or dressy separates paired with wedges, block heels, or flats. For men, lightweight suits, dress shirts with slacks, sport coats, or dressy button-downs are all great options.Please keep in mind that portions of our celebration will take place outdoors, so we recommend choosing comfortable footwear suitable for walking on grass or uneven surfaces.

Dress Code

chrisandkathryn.net

Kathryn & Christopher

Kathryn & Christopher

Dress Code

GARDEN ATTIRE

Ideas & Advice

Rent The Runway