First Lady Ferry Terminal

WELCOME RECEPTION & RIVER DINNER CRUISE

The Kimpton Gray Hotel

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

All&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;day&nbsp;events&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;hosted&nbsp;at&nbsp;The&nbsp;Kimpton&nbsp;Gray&nbsp;Hotel,&nbsp;a&nbsp;historic&nbsp;4-star&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;located&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Chicago&nbsp;Loop&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;district.We&nbsp;encourage&nbsp;both&nbsp;our&nbsp;out-of-town&nbsp;and&nbsp;local&nbsp;guests&nbsp;to&nbsp;stay&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;hotel.

Kimpton Gray Hotel

We have reserved a special discounted room rate for our guests on Thursday and Friday nights. Use code "M55" to secure this rate. You can <a href="https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&amp;qSrt=sBR&amp;qIta=99801505&amp;icdv=99801505&amp;qSlH=ORDTG&amp;qCiD=24&amp;qCiMy=082026&amp;qCoD=26&amp;qCoMy=082026&amp;qGrpCd=M55&amp;qAAR=6CBARC&amp;qRtP=6CBARC&amp;setPMCookies=true&amp;qSHBrC=KI&amp;qDest=122%20W.%20Monroe%20Street,%20Chicago,%20IL,%20US&amp;showApp=true&amp;adjustMonth=false&amp;srb_u=1&amp;qRmFltr=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reserve a room on our room block at a discounted rate by clicking here</a>, clicking the "Website" button above or by calling (312) 750-9012.

If you don't see the room type you need, have a special situation or need additional days, please call the hotel and they can work with you directly to apply our special rate. For additional information about the hotel, <a href="https://www.grayhotelchicago.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">please check out their website</a>.

Alternative hotels

While we encourage all guests to stay at the Kimpton Gray, we recognize this may not be the best option for everyone. Here are some other hotels we recommend nearby:<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6QnxB4SLbxUb74B6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown-The Loop</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/i7cuDTkJKvBx4Pp26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">voco Chicago Downtown - Riverwalk by IHG</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAS6NFcFNTnApgcu5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holiday Inn – The Mart (Merchandise Mart)</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/SVmgknjq8WkPgJgb7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hilton Garden Inn – Chicago Central Loop</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/typW6HG3oDDadocr6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hampton Inn Majestic – Chicago Theatre District</a>

Hotel

6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026

All wedding guests are invited to a welcome reception river cruise on Thursday evening before our wedding day on Chicago's First Lady. Drinks and dinner will be served. This is a great opportunity for guests to meet and mingle before the big day.

WHEN AND WHEREThe cruise will depart on Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m. sharp and return at 8 p.m.. Please arrive between 5:30 – 5:45 p.m. for boarding. The cruise will board at the First Lady Ferry Terminal at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/9yYfWT89sHNs2QLo6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601</a> (located on the riverwalk).

ATTIRE<a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/smart-casual-dress-code-and-attire-guide?irclickid=Wf7UUpSKExycRYKx6Qy11VZvUkuz7B0GtXw-2w0&amp;utm_source=impact&amp;utm_medium=Skimbit%20Ltd.&amp;utm_campaign=theknot.com&amp;utm_content=1317543&amp;utm_term=10078&amp;irgwc=1&amp;afsrc=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The attire is smart casual</a>. Chicago weather this time of year is usually lovely, but consider light layers for after sunset.

TRANSPORTATIONThe First Lady Ferry Terminal is a 20-minute walk from the Kimpton Gray Hotel or a 10-minute cab/rideshare. Parking is available at 111 East Wacker Drive in the Illinois Center building (across the street from the ferry terminal).

Welcome event

5pm on Friday, September 25, 2026

Our wedding ceremony will start at 5pm CT on Friday, September 25, 2026. This will be followed by a cocktail hour, seated dinner and celebratory reception with drinks and dancing. All wedding day events will be at <a href="https://www.grayhotelchicago.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Kimpton Gray Hotel</a> in Chicago, Illinois. The dress code is cocktail attire. <a href="https://suitshop.com/blogs/news/what-is-cocktail-attire/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Here is a dress code guide</a>.

Travel to Chicago

All wedding events will occur in the city of Chicago. As the third largest city in the United States, there are many convenient travel options for those coming from out of town. We encourage all guests to arrive by Thursday afternoon to join us for <a href="https://www.theknot.com/us/kole-hainz-and-matthew-ryder-sep-2026/welcome-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a welcome reception at 6 p.m. the evening before our wedding day</a>. We are excited to share our city with you.

By Plane

Chicago is served by two international airports: Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). O'Hare is a major hub for both United and American Airlines. Midway is a major hub for Southwest Airlines. Both airports are accessible via metro train ("L" system). O'Hare is served by the Blue Line and Midway by the Orange Line. By train, travel between either airport and the hotel takes about 40 minutes. By car, travel between the hotel and both airports can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. The city has a <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/airports/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">helpful to guide to airport travel options here</a>.

By train

Amtrak offers frequent service to Chicago from over a dozen cities including higher-speed rail from St. Louis, Detroit, Milwaukee, Kansas City and Minneapolis. More <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/trains-to-chicago" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">information about Amtrak service to Chicago and booking options is available here</a>. All Amtrak trains arrive at Union Station which is <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/vyLgRCthoNprRqfL8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">just a few blocks from the hotel</a>.

by automobile

All wedding day events will occur at The Kimpton Gray Hotel <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kimpton+Gray+Hotel/@41.8846324,-87.6400018,14.47z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x880e2cbb8efe16b7:0x64c9695ff9d2b0b9!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d41.8807674!4d-87.631813!16s%2Fg%2F11clgnt067?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDExMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">in the Loop district of downtown Chicago</a>. The hotel is near interstates 55, 94, 90 and 290. The hotel offers parking for $64.00/day. There are alternative parking garages nearby which may have lower rates. <a href="https://spothero.com/destination/chicago/spothero-parking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The SpotHero app may help with finding other parking options.</a>

Travel Info

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

The Kimpton Gray address is <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/UQmsmgmgWcHjPYUT9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">122 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603</a>.

The River Dinner Cruise dock is located on the riverwalk at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/ontskuWfZMxx35FdA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601</a>.

<a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=2866X1544542&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.9.1&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theknot.com%2Fus%2Fkole-hainz-and-matthew-ryder-sep-2026%2Fdress-code&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fsuitshop.com%2Fblogs%2Fnews%2Fwhat-is-cocktail-attire%2F&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=360&amp;xuuid=95aa4d697ff7e38bd6b9a9df3ac07877&amp;xjsf=other_click__contextmenu%20%5B2%5D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Here is a guide to cocktail attire for the wedding event.</a><a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/smart-casual-dress-code-and-attire-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Here is a guide to smart casual for the welcome reception.</a>

<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/S6BinuXt9RzNyCCH9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">First Lady Ferry Terminal (112 E Wacker Dr) on Google Maps</a>

Q + A

Things to Do

Registry

Planning on extending your trip to see the city? We have suggestions!

We know many guests are traveling to Chicago and may want to extend their stay to explore the city. We are excited to share our city with you. There’s so much to see we can’t list everything, but below are a few favorite restaurants, attractions and places special to us that we hope make your trip memorable.

Downtown (The Loop, River North, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville, West Loop, South Loop)

This is the neighborhood where all our wedding celebration events will take place. If it's your first time in Chicago, this is the area home to many of the most iconic attractions, tallest buildings and the heart of the city. You'll see quite a bit during <a href="https://www.theknot.com/us/kole-hainz-and-matthew-ryder-sep-2026/welcome-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the welcome reception river cruise the evening before our wedding</a>, but here are some notable highlights: The Bean &amp; Millennium ParkOne of the most Broadway in Chicago Art Institute of ChicagoHome to one of our favorite paintings, At the Moulin Rouge by Toulouse-Lautrec, among many other famous works, this is one of the world's foremost art museums. You can easily do a Museum CampusShedd, Field and Adler Navy PierCan be crowded and touristy, but has stunning views of the city and we especially recommend this for families . With everything from the Chicago Children's Museum to to Bubba Gump's to a Michelin restaraunta, there's something for everyone. Restaurants &amp; Bars• La Grande Boucherie (• Cindy's Rooftop • That sushi place (nothing special, but a great standy)

Far North Side (Uptown, Andersonville, Rogers Park Edgewater)

This is the area where Kole and Matt live. Various boutique stores and antique shops in AndersonvilleAndersonville is Asia on ArgyleThis part of Uptown Montrose Beach, Montrose Dog Beach &amp; Montrose HarborSGAGSD Hollywood BeachGay Bars and restaurants• Piacere Mio Uptown• Hopleaf• Marty's Martini Bar• Wil's Martini Lounge• Nobody's Darling• The Reservoir (great• The Green Mill

Mid-North Side (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Boystown, Wrigleyville)

Kole and Matt WRIGLEY FIELDThe iconic home of the Chicago Cubs, one of baseball's most beloved and historic stadiums, dating back to 1914. The Cubs are away the weekend of our wedding, but the neighborhood is still worth checking out. Belmont Harbor &amp; the Lakefront TrailThis portion of Lincoln Park, a massive park that stretches for 7-miles along the north side lakefront of Chicago, is great for cycling, walking and enjoying views of the skyline and the water. It also features an AIDS memorial garden with a 30-foot Keith Haring statue. Lincoln Park ZooThis a free, world-class zoo right in the heart of the city. It's the second oldest museum in the United States and is especially known for its big cats, polar bears, penguin and monkeys. Boystown/North Halsted StreetOne of the first officially recognized LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in the US, lined with vibrant bars, restaurants and shops. Restaurants and Restaurants• Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine (sit-down Mexican fusion restaurant) • Chicago Bagel Authority (ridiculous steamed bagel sandwiches) • Le Petit Marcel (sit-down French bristro) • Wang's (cocktail bar and where Kole &amp; Matt went on their first date) • Barcocina (casual sit-down Mexican restaurant where Kole &amp; Matt first met!)

South Side (South Shore, Bronzeville, Hyde Park)

Museum of Science and IndustryThis is a really cool, interactive museum focused on technology. Great It's located in the South Shore neighborhood near The University of Chicago and the new Obama Presidential Library. White Sox (Rate Field / Comiskey Park)The White Sox are playing at home against the Rockies on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6:10 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 2:10 p.m.. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/tickets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tickets and more information are available here</a>. Barack Obama Presidential LibraryThis is brand new. Un. You and then take a trip to the Museum of Science

West Side (Logan Square, Wicker Park, Avondale, Pilsen)

If it's your first time in Chicago, this is the area home to many of the most iconic attractions, tallest buildings and the heart of the city. The 606 Bars andDorothy Museum of Contemporary Art Art Institute of Chicago Field Museum Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium The Bean

Kole & Matthew

Kole & Matthew

K&M

WELCOME RECEPTION & RIVER DINNER CRUISE

Wedding Day