Anderson Japanese Gardens

Wedding Rehearsal

Franchesco's Ristorante

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Ceremony

Reception

Sunday Brunch

Our Wedding

Our Story

Hello friends and family! As you know, we’re Caitlin and Alec, and we’re getting married. We met in May of 2018 in the most modern way possible: on a dating website. We caught each other’s attention because we had both recently been in Japan, and as it turned out, at the same time. Caitlin wanted to hear about Alec’s time in Kyoto, and Alec wanted to meet for a date, so he made the former contingent on the latter. What was intended to be a quick afternoon date at a nearby tea shop stretched into dinner. Alec was charmed by this young woman who wanted to talk about pseudoscorpions for half an hour. Caitlin was charmed by this young man who was happy to listen. We bonded over a shared love of Japanese culture and food, as well as the furry animals that have progressively invaded our home. These include Mugi the rabbit (RIP), our cats Turnip and Toffee, and Toast the Pembroke Welsh corgi, who is officially acknowledged as the <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article312729052.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cutest dog in the Sacramento area</a>. We had always hoped to return to Japan together, and Alec took the opportunity to bring things full circle and propose to Caitlin. We are excited to begin this next chapter of our lives and look forward to celebrating with all of you.

One of our early dates involved going to Anderson Japanese Gardens for their summer festival!

Our fuzzy family, Toast the Pembroke Welsh corgi and Turnip (orange) and Toffee (brown) the tabby cats!

Photos

Wedding Party

Travel

🗺️📍<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/cAbj9rJYLcT7pMeV7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ceremony &amp; Reception Venue Location</a>

Hotels

This hotel is 15 minutes by car to the venue. There is a room block for this hotel. Please call the hotel and identify yourself as a part of the Hawker-Whitney wedding room block or use the block code HWW the the website on or before April 22nd, 2026. Rooms are available for the blocked rate for May 22nd and May 23rd. King rooms are $149 a night and double rooms are $159 a night.

Courtyard by Marriott Rockford

This hotel is the closest to the wedding venue at 8 minutes by car. There is no room block available.

Embassy Suites Rockford

Things to do in Rockford

If you have some spare time in Rockford, here's some local activities to check out.

Nicholas Conservatory &amp; Gardens:1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107

Rockford City Market (Open Friday Afternoon):116 N Madison St, Rockford, IL 61107

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum:411 Kent St, Rockford, IL 61102

Burpee Museum of Natural History:737 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103

Rockford Art Museum:711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103

Discovery Center Museum for kids:Ste 3, 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103

Things to Do

Dress Code

Dress Code: Garden Party Semi-Formal 🌸Our wedding will take place outdoors at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. The setting features beautiful scenery, stone paths, and some uneven terrain. We encourage guests to dress in garden party semi-formal attire—polished, spring-ready, and comfortable for walking. 🌷 For WomenMidi or maxi dressesCocktail dresses or dressy jumpsuitsLight layers such as a shawl or blazer for the evening Shoes:Block heels, wedges, dressy flats, or sturdy heeled sandalsPlease avoid stilettos, as they may sink into grass or uneven paths Colors &amp; Fabrics:Pastels, florals, jewel tones, or soft neutralsFlowy, lightweight fabrics like chiffon, satin, silk, or crepePlease avoid denim, casual sundresses, flip-flops, or overly short hemlines. 🌿 For MenSuit or sport coat with dress pantsDress shirt (tie optional but encouraged)Loafers or dress shoes suitable for outdoor walking Colors &amp; Fabrics:Navy, gray, tan, pastels, or other light spring tonesLightweight or breathable fabrics such as wool or linen blendsPlease avoid jeans, sneakers, polos, or overly casual attire. ☀️ A Few NotesThe celebration will be outdoors, so please plan for spring weather in Northern Illinois. Keep your eye on the forecast close to the wedding.When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly dressier than too casual.Most importantly—wear something you feel great in and can comfortably walk in! Here's some visual guides:- <a href="https://www.lulus.com/blog/fashion/garden-party-attire/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For women</a>- <a href="https://www.primermagazine.com/2018/learn/what-is-garden-casual-men" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For men</a>

Caitlin & Alexander

Caitlin & Alexander

Travel

Travel

Hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Rockford

Embassy Suites Rockford