A Love Story Written in the Stacks: Yoon & Joseph’s Wedding at The Library at 190

Venue: The Library at 190
Design: Christine Janda Design and Events
Hair and Makeup: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists
Florist: Christine Janda Design and Events
Catering: Paramount Events
Entertainment: BeatMix Music
Videography: Revered Films
Stationary: LBrown Design and Paperie
Art: Rosemary Fanti

Yoon and Joseph’s June wedding in downtown Chicago was intimate, intentional, and layered with details that reflected their story. They exchanged vows at The Library at 190—a venue that symbolized where their love began. As PhD students at Florida State University, they spent countless hours studying side by side in the library, so it was a natural and poetic choice for their ceremony.

The day was filled with traditions that wove together heritage, family, and personal meaning. Joseph’s Celtic roots were honored through a handfasting ritual, while their parents offered blessings over the rings in a quiet, emotional moment. On their sweetheart table sat a pair of wooden Mandarin ducks, a Korean symbol of fidelity and lifelong partnership. To mark their own story, the couple sealed a bottle of wine from the year they met into a time capsule, promising to open it on their first anniversary. With these layers of tradition and intention, the ceremony truly felt like a storybook—made even more romantic by the strains of “Beauty and the Beast” played by a live violinist, a nod to falling in love among the stacks of books.

The reception carried that same warmth and connection, with long banquet tables encouraging conversation and community. Guests erupted with laughter during a playful SoMaek toast, a Korean tradition of mixing soju and beer that set the tone for the evening. The joy in the room mirrored the couple’s academic years, when late nights and shared tables created the foundation for their love.

One of the most memorable moments came during Yoon’s dance with her father. After years apart, they set aside nerves and emotion with a choreographed routine to a lively K-pop song. Practicing all week, they laughed through missteps and embraced the imperfections, delivering a performance that was both heartfelt and unforgettable. It was a perfect reflection of the day itself—personal, joyful, and real. Photographing their wedding was not just about documenting a celebration, but about capturing a love story rooted in culture, family, and the quiet magic of a library, destined to only grow richer with time.