On Justyna Wojtun’s first day of work post-college, the only seat available was next to Sam Shiner – a stroke of luck that would unknowingly shape her future. The pair quickly bonded over a shared love of pop culture and office gossip, forming a fast friendship.

When Sam moved to London for work, fate stepped in yet again: a last-minute role opened in the company’s Krakow office, and Justyna – fluent in Polish, with a Polish passport – was the perfect fit. Though not yet a couple, Justyna visited Sam in London regularly, and the two traveled together to Greece and Iceland before eventually falling in love. Six years after Justyna first told Sam she loved him outside his flat, Sam proposed in the very same spot.

The betrothed collaborated closely throughout the planning process. “We built a beautiful wedding together,” shares Justyna. Inspired by Sofia Richie Grainge’s enchanting nuptials, the couple decided upon a timeless, elegant design and selected a Chicago venue with a sleek, dark-loft aesthetic that matched their personalities and vision for a refined, yet festive celebration.

The bride was the epitome of grace in an off-the-shoulder long-sleeve gown with floral embellishments and carried a bouquet of white roses, ranunculuses, and sweet peas down the aisle. The secular ceremony honored both Justyna and Sam’s respective Catholic and Jewish backgrounds with a chuppah, the traditional breaking of the glass, and a reading from the Bible by a close friend. At last husband and wife, “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles accompanied their joyful recessional.

“We built a beautiful wedding together.”

For cocktail hour, the renowned outdoor terrace at the restaurant sharing the third floor with the venue was reserved exclusively for the couple and their guests, offering a chic open-air experience while the main room was transformed for the reception.

Once back inside, the floral installation originally above the chuppah was positioned over the dance floor and paired with a playful touch: shimmering disco balls, a nod to the permanent disco ball in the couple’s home. Reception décor embraced contrast – all-white centerpieces with minimal greenery and warm candlelight were set on tablescapes accented by ebony place settings and black chairs with natural rattan seats.

Top priorities for Sam included a well-staffed bar and a top-tier band. The Chicago Players, a 12-piece ensemble from Gold Coast Events, delivered a high-energy performance that “was absolutely electric,” he confirms. As a self-described karaoke enthusiast, Sam was delighted that they allowed him to take the mic to perform a Queen song, even leaping off stage to join guests on the dance floor. “It truly was an awesome moment,” he recalls.

Playful personal touches rounded out the evening: a Shiner Bock-themed beer stand in honor of the groom’s last name; illustrated cocktail napkins and menus featuring the couple’s beloved dog Georgi; and a life-size cutout of their pup placed next to their table since the venue didn’t allow dogs. “He was a big hit on the dance floor,” Sam laughs.

The bride’s heritage was also celebrated during the toasts, when her Polish friends and family stood and surprised the newlyweds with a traditional celebration song. “It was a really special moment for my family,” notes Justyna, who was especially touched by her mother’s speech that was delivered entirely in Polish – bringing many to tears. “Some things are universal,” she smiles.

Reflecting on the incredible experience, the groom shares: “There is nothing like your wedding day. To have so many people that you love and care about all in one room – probably the only time that collection of people will be together – to celebrate you and your marriage, you feel an indescribable amount of love and excitement. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Fall 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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