I wish I could say these were my words, but when two English teachers offer written insight into the history of their relationship, I quiet my voice, and let them take it away. So, in their own words, here is Jaclin and Danny’s story:
Danny and Jaclin met for the first time at the new teacher meetings at De La Salle Institute. According to Danny, Jaclin sat in the front row, nodding her head, vigorously taking notes. But little did Danny realize that Jaclin also took note of the good-looking academic and football coach sitting in the back of the room. A few days later, Danny and Jaclin found out they’d be teaching across the hall from each other, on the third floor of the Institute Campus. Being a first-year teacher, Jaclin would often ask Danny questions, inquiring about book suggestions and lesson plan ideas. Danny and Jaclin gradually came to know
each other, albeit professionally. A few months into the school year, Danny asked Jaclin out the day of her first big yearbook project – organizing photos for all the students and faculty in the school – hoping to give her something to smile about amidst the business of the day. Danny has said ever since, “I had her at the first quatrain.”
After Danny asked Jaclin’s dad for permission to marry her, Jaclin knew a proposal was coming. Danny never approaches a task with less than 100% energy and vigor, and the proposal was no different. April 14, 2011, Danny arranged for the senior class of De La Salle, most of whom Jaclin had previously taught and Danny was currently teaching, to be part of the moment. Hundreds of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, along with faculty and staff members, also joined the surprise proposal on the football field. Danny had already showed the seniors where to line up and when to move the crowd into a circle around Jaclin.
Three juniors – who are Danny and Jaclin’s ushers – escorted Jaclin from the courtyard, where three of Danny’s freshmen read the poem “The Good-Morrow” by John Donne, onto the football field. It was there that Danny waited to propose as Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You” played over the loudspeakers. Danny, down on one knee with ring in hand, and Jaclin, with tears and a “yes” on her lips, began their journey of marriage.
Danny and Jaclin’s first dance was to the song, “Thank You”, which they will continue to lovingly play for the rest of their lives.
Big thanks to my second, Tom Root for his help with this wedding!
Shout outs to these awesome vendors!!
Tracee Badway (make-up artist): traceebadway@gmail.com
Alliance Bakery (cake): www.alliance-bakery.com, Mitchell Peedin @
info@alliance-bakery.com
Kate McCollum at K.La Designs (florist): www.kladesigns.net,
KateMcCollum@gmail.com
Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica (church): www.ols-chicago.org, Father Chris @
chriskrymski@aol.com (NOTE: Father Chris is the pastor of the basilica, but
Father Paul Novak of De La Salle @ novakp@dls.org is marrying us.)
Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center (reception):
chipublib.org, Gerry Keane @ gkeane@chipublib.org
Brides by Demetrios (dress): www.demetriosbride.com (Streets of Woodfield,
Schaumburg location), bbdchicago@demetriosgroup.com
Jewell Catering (caterer): www.georgejewell.com, Dana Konya @
dana@jewelleventscatering.com
DeeJay Thunder ENTERTAINMENT (DJ): www.mixinmymind.com, Marcus
Carter @ carter.cityofdls@live.com
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: White House Black Marke