Real Wedding: Kait & Aurelio

Lily Chen Lily Chen | January 24, 2025 | Wedding Features,

Kait Jahanbani & Aurelio Jimenez

April 27, 2024
The Allegro Royal Sonesta
Hotel Chicago Loop

Photographed by Victoria Saint Martin

The bride’s bouquet featured white peonies, tulips, ranunculus, eucalyptus and olive branches.

THE COUPLE Aurelio Jimenez met Kait Jahanbani in Boston when she was scoping out the city after receiving a job offer—and the rest was history. Eventually migrating to Chicago, they spent six amazing years together before Aurelio planned an intimate proposal featuring a video of special memories. “I was in complete shock, but said yes [even though] he couldn’t get the question out,” Kait says. “It was truly the most magical evening.”

THE DETAILS The Allegro was perfect for the couple, as a dog-friendly venue was a priority: Their pup, Apollo, acted as ring bearer during the ceremony and inspired their signature drink. As an homage to the city they now call home, the ceremony included a “unity shot” of Malört.

THE PARTY There were more nods to Chicago: The couple made sure their out-of-town guests would remember their city fondly, incorporating the skyline into the bottom tier of their custom cake, and ending the reception with Chicago-style hot dogs and fries. Says Aurelio, “I wish we could do it all over again.” –LILY CHEN