Questions

If you have any questions about locations/costs/hotels/cabs/directions/attire/timing

please email all questions to Jeff at --
jschwister@gmail.com

Gift Registry

  • Just Added! = REI

If you have purchased a gift that is not on the registry, please ship it to

Jon & Sharon Bayer
Attn: Jeff & Lisa
823 Jenkisson Ave
Lake Bluff, IL 60044

Hotels

Hotels

The Park View Inn (located right across the street from the reception) is not an option. It opens October 15. Sigh.
Hopefully you can stay with friends or family to cut down on costs, as most nice hotels are over $200 on the weekends in Chicago.

Options for inexpensive hotels
(all hotels listed are in the city)
Days Inn located in Lincoln Park -
It's located approximately one mile northwest from A New Leaf on Clark. Though I believe the only rooms available are with 1 double bed.
The Inn at Lincoln Park - right next to the Days Inn
Best Western Chicago
The Red Roof Inn

Howard Johnson

Other options --
Belden-Stratford - It's the closest to A New Leaf and does have weekend specials listed on their Web site, but space is limited.
The Ruby Room - close to the rehearsal dinner/drinks Friday night/the Sunday brunch and not too far from the wedding. This Bed & Breakfast has VERY limited space, and is something different than the typical hotel (2 night stay required).

Map

Click this link below to view a map of the area with specific locations bookmarked.

MAP FOR THE SCHWISTER/BAYER WEDDING

(simply click on any of the markers to view information about that location)

Friday Night - CHANGE OF PLANS

CHANGE OF PLANS ...

Friday, 9/28, hopefully everyone can meet up after the rehearsal dinner.

Location: ZKFood
Time: 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Address: 1633 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL (just north of the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection)

The owners of the restaurant decided they won't be reopening, and we are now allowed to just stay put and have everyone join us.

This is odd, but it's a BYOB, so bring a 6-pack or bottle of wine (much cheaper than dropping $6 a drink at the bar next door). Please keep in mind you don't need to bring tons of alcohol because we are only going to be there for about 2.5 hours. For those attending the rehearsal dinner, there will be time for a couple of us to make a run to the store as well.

The closest place to purchase something to drink is at 7-11 located at
1508 N. DAMEN (just south of ZKFood).

There are three reasons we are staying put at ZKFood ...
1. It will be a lot more quiet than the bar next door.
2. There will be no smoke (still legal in Chicago).
3. KARAOKE. Yes, that's right, Bridget from Bucktown Pub will be bringing karaoke. Brendan, I've already reserved you the first spot.

So again, we really hope to see everyone at 9 p.m. on Friday.

Dinner options for Friday night that are a very close walk to ZKFood ...

Silver Cloud - amazing food, try the stuffed turkey sandwich. $$
Northside Bar & Grill - good bar food and a huge outdoor area. $$
Bin Wine Cafe - wine flights and great food. $$$
Francesca's Forno - Italian, Lisa hears good things. $$$

Transportation

Don't rent a car. It's not worth it.
One of the reasons we chose a downtown wedding was to avoid the hassle/cost of car rental.

If you are flying into O'Hare* -- Follow the signs to the CTA (the "L") and it will take you to the Blue Line (your only option). $1.75 per ride, $.25 for transfer. If you are staying downtown at the Fairfield Inn or another downtown hotel, exit the L at Clark/Lake and take a cab to your hotel.
*If you are flying out of O'Hare and planning on attending the Sunday Brunch, the blue line is located close to the apartment. The total trip would be slightly under an hour to get from the apartment to the airport check-in.

If you are flying into Midway* -- Follow the signs to the CTA (the "L") and it will take you to the Orange Line (your only option). $1.75 per ride, $.25 for transfer. If you are staying downtown at the Fairfield Inn or another downtown hotel, exit the L at Clark/Lake and take a cab to your hotel.
*If you are flying out of Midway and planning on attending the Sunday Brunch, you would take the blue line, transfer to the orange line at clark/lake and it will take you directly to Midway. The total trip would be slightly over an hour.

Cabs - All cab rides should be under $10 based on the locations we have chosen. From the L to the hotel should be under $5. Taking a cab from either airport to the downtown area will typically run $40 per person.

Parking - If you are driving to the wedding, parking overnight at downtown hotels can run $40 a day. Consider other options.

Any Questions - If you aren't used to Chicago, driving/public transportation can seem overwhelming, please feel free to email Jeff with any and all questions related to figuring out your way around the city.
Jeff's email - jschwister@gmail.com

Parking for Wedding

We will not have valet parking for the wedding since we assume most of our guests will be arriving by cab.

There is a parking ramp located .2 miles south of A New Leaf.
The address is 1643 N Wells St.
It is self-parking with a person on duty.
The cost is $9, and cars must be out by 8 a.m. Sunday morning.

Cab Phone Numbers

There are a ton of cabs in Chicago, and based on our locations, you should always find one on the street, but just in case ...

Here are three cab company phone numbers --
312.829.4222
773.248.7600
773.736.3399

Wedding Location

  • A New Leaf

1820 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60614

The wedding ceremony and
reception will be taking place here.

Sunday Brunch - CHANGE OF PLANS

The Sunday Brunch, hosted by Jon and Sharon Bayer, will be located at
Janik's Cafe
2011 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
5 minute walk from our apartment (original location)

The brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Parking shouldn't be a problem on Division Street.
This is also very close to the Blue Line which will take you to either airport.

featuring:
breakfast sandwiches (egg, bacon, cheddar)
eggs
bacon
sausage
hash browns
bagels
muffins
fruit
coffee, orange juice, mimosas

Map for the brunch


Things to do in Chicago

If you have a little time on your hands ...
(all locations are marked on the MAP)

Millennium Park - free
Lincoln Park Zoo - free and insanely close to the wedding location
Art Institute of Chicago - $12 admission
Lisa and I wanted to say thank you to Michelle Bayer (Lisa's sister) for all of her hard work designing, producing and writing all of those "save the dates."

Thank you Michelle.