Rock of Love
By Lisa Arnett
August 2021 View more Better Together
Though Veronica Stonis, 50, and Sean Weber, 53, met 11 years ago while working in the software industry, it was their shared love for music that drew them together. They’ve attended hundreds of concerts together and Weber even proposed at BottleRock music fest in Napa Valley in 2017 in front of their favorite band, Foo Fighters.
When their original plans to marry at the House of Blues in Chicago in September 2020 were sidelined by the pandemic, they decided to host the ultimate rock ’n’ roll reception at their Naperville home. Kenneth Burroughs, a longtime host at the House of Blues, officiated the ceremony on May 15.
Stonis and Weber each have three sons from previous marriages who all stood up as groomsmen, wearing guitar lapel pins in place of boutonnieres. “We have this giant brood and it was so wonderful to have our kids at the wedding; they’re all pretty much grown now,” Stonis says.
TukTuk Naperville shuttled wedding guests staying at Hotel Indigo in downtown Naperville to the couple’s home, where they were welcomed with favors such as music fest-style bracelets and record-shaped lollipops with the hashtag #Weberlong, a nod to “Everlong,” the Foo Fighters song that Weber proposed to. Instead of a guest book, family and friends signed well wishes on a turquoise electric guitar.
Surprisingly, one of their favorite moments was a tradition they were reluctant to do: the First Look. Their photographer insisted—and they’re grateful he did. “When we looked at each other, we both just started crying,” Stonis says. “It was a moment for just the two of us.”
VENDORS
Venue The couple’s Naperville home
Planner Cindy Shanholtz of Effortless Events, Naperville
Bride’s attire Vera Wang gown with alterations by Tailoring by Monica, Naperville; Badgley Mischka sandals from Nordstrom; Foo Fighters Vans sneakers
Bride’s hair and makeup Patty McGuire, Aurora
Bridesmaids’ attire bhldn.com
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire Tommy Hilfiger suits from Men’s Wearhouse and Macy’s
Invitations etsy.com
Catering Truffleberry Market, Chicago
Floral and decor Atmosphere Events Group, Elk Grove Village
Rings Tiffany & Co.
Entertainment DJ Clay Mathis
Transportation TukTuk Naperville
Photographer Jason Kaczorowski Photography