Red Rose Banquets

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Joenil was born in Bating, Mambusao, Capiz, Philippines, where the love of family and community shaped her early years. Encouraged by her mother to pursue nursing, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Filamer Christian College.Determined to build a better future, Joenil emigrated to the United States under the sponsorship of Lexington Healthcare, settling in the Chicago area and beginning a new chapter in her life and career. She has since worked with dedication and versatility across 15 hospitals and 8 nursing homes as an agency and float pool nurse, caring for patients of all ages with compassion and skill.Committed to professional growth, she later completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University.Outside of work, Joenil enjoys gardening, caring for her cats, and promoting wellness within her community. Her journey—from a small town in Capiz to a meaningful life in the United States—reflects resilience, purpose, and a lifelong devotion to caring for others.

About Joenil

Dave was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and began his technical career at Brown College, later earning his Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering and Computer Technology from Herzing University.Motivated by a strong sense of service, he enlisted in the United States Army and spent most of his military career in the Washington, D.C. area, serving in Presidential Support Duty under Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.After completing his service, Dave built a successful career in the medical imaging industry as both a software engineer and a sales engineer. His work has taken him across the United States and Canada, and he has lived in Minnesota, Florida, New Jersey, California, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Illinois.Outside of work, Dave enjoys Amateur Radio with the callsign AD9VE, gardening with Joenil, caring for their cats, and building custom computers—hobbies that reflect his curiosity, creativity, and lifelong love of technology.

About Dave

We Found  Each Other As Meant To Be 

Joenil and Dave met on the Silver Singles dating platform, where Joenil had been diligently sending scam‑awareness messages to fellow members. Five days after joining the site, she encountered Dave, who had joined only two days earlier.For Joenil, Dave became her first date in 29 years after devoting herself to raising one child as a single parent. For Dave, Joenil was his first date following 34 years with one partner and the upbringing of four children. Their paths, shaped by years of commitment and responsibility, converged at a moment neither expected but both were ready for.Their initial exchange was memorable:Joenil: “Dave, did you read what I sent you? Or are you also a scammer?”Dave: “I’m not a scammer. Why don’t we meet.”After reviewing his profile, Joenil hesitated.Joenil: “I’m sorry… you live far away.”Dave: “A two‑hour drive isn’t far. I work in Chicago and travel often.”Still cautious, Joenil sought support from her trusted friends—Tess, Gladys, and Susan—who graciously served as discreet observers and chaperones during their first three dates.From that point forward, their story unfolded into a genuine and enduring love that grows stronger &amp; sweeter every day—one that arrived unexpectedly, yet perfectly, as though it had always been meant to be.💜

Our Story

Photos

Tina de Ocampo

Tess Jesberg

Maelie Le

Lori Schoonover 

Michael  Lemke 

Brad Lemke 

Scarlet  Basak 

Scarlett Galarpe 

Sarah Lemke

Jhade Lind 

Luke  Pierson 

Jack Basak 

Joy Pierson 

Artina  Cazimi 

Luther  Chang 

Jasin  Mehmeti 

Flora  Blum 

Von Arabejo 

Sharon  Estores 

Sam  Galarpe 

Luz Malinis 

Gener  Malinis 

Elizabeth  Yap

Tom McKervey 

Cherey Ann Tesnado 

Peter  Jozwiak 

Alona Blum 

Rolf Blum 

Gladys Lopez 

Juan Lopez 

Judith Kroeger

Kenneth Kaiser 

Levi Estores 

&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Honored&#160; Godparents:
Susan Jozwiak 
Ludi Pamintuan 
Diana Reyes 
Lilia Narciso 
Zeny&#160; Aquitania 
Kathy Sadik 
Laurie Brandstatt 
Barb &amp; Jerry Aquino 
Marietta &amp; Bill&#160; Losbanes 
Gloria &amp; Daniel Bernabe 
Velma &amp; Marcial&#160; Sabarre 
Minda &amp; Chris&#160; Villegas 
Laura &amp; Anthony Holmes 
Gil &amp; Edita Valenzuela 
Myrna &amp; Adonis Samoy 
Ann &amp; Mark&#160; Lindberg 
Theresa &amp; Terry Altman

Wedding Party

Q + A

Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott in Chicago Bloomingdale are pleased to offer special room rates for our wedding guests from September 3–6, 2025. All reservations must be completed by August 14, 2025. For guests reserving by telephone, please reference the rate code JDWS.U.S. Reservations: (888) 236‑2427 For international reservation numbers, please <a href="https://www.marriott.com/help/global-phone-reservation-numbers.mi?msockid=11c195c90e5d607c1e1c86350f0b61b6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>. Guests may also scan the QR code below with a smartphone to reserve accommodations at either hotel.

Click here or scan QR code above to make reservation =&gt; <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1758575942538&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Courtyard | Residence Inn by Marriott</a> Courtyard and Residence Inn Chicago Bloomingdale offer a convenient location close to popular attractions such as the Morton Arboretum, Medinah Country Club, and the Schaumburg and Hanover Park Metra stations. Guests will find plenty of nearby dining and shopping options, and both hotels are less than 30 miles from downtown Chicago. The Residence Inn also features full kitchenettes for added comfort. Each property is just a 6‑minute drive from the wedding venue.

Courtyard by Marriott | Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Bloomingdale

Flying to Chicago? Here are some choices and drive times to the event. Chicago O'Hare (ORD) - is one of the world’s busiest airports, with nonstop flights from almost everywhere. It’s well signed, easy to navigate, and located about 30 minutes drive to the event. Chicago Midway (MDW) - is a smaller, easy-to-navigate airport located about 45 minutes drive to the event. It offers convenient domestic flights and quick arrivals. Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE) - is a great alternative to Chicago O’Hare, offering a smaller, less crowded airport experience about 1 1/2 hour drive to the event. It’s easy to navigate and often more relaxed for arrivals. You can take Amtrak from MKE to Chicago Union Station. Madison Dane County Regional (MSN) - in Madison, Wisconsin is another good alternative to Chicago O’Hare, offering a smaller, easy-to-navigate airport about 2 hours drive to the event. It’s a calm, convenient option.

Travel & Accommodations

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular lakefront destinations, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan, restaurants and bars, the Centennial Wheel, boat cruises, shops, and live entertainment—all in one lively spot just minutes from downtown. It’s easily accessible via Metra from the Hanover Park or Schaumburg stations.

Navy Pier

Skydeck Chicago, located atop the Willis Tower, offers breathtaking 360° views of the city and beyond from 1,353 feet above the ground. Brave visitors can step onto The Ledge—glass-floor balconies that extend out over Chicago for an unforgettable experience.

Skydeck Chicago

Millennium Park is a vibrant downtown Chicago landmark known for its art, architecture, and green space. Home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture—often called “The Bean”—it’s a must-see spot for photos, skyline views, and a taste of the city’s creative spirit.

Millennium Park

A popular way to experience Chicago’s skyline, architectural boat tours cruise along the Chicago River and highlight the city’s world-famous architecture. Knowledgeable guides share stories behind iconic skyscrapers, historic buildings, and modern landmarks—an easy, relaxing way to see the city from the water.

Shoreline Sightseeing - Architecture Tour

Ohio Street Beach is a peaceful, sandy beach just steps from downtown Chicago, offering calm waters, skyline views, and a relaxing spot for swimming, sunbathing, or a lakeside walk along Lake Michigan.

Ohio Street Beach

Take Metra from Hanover Park or Schaumburg to historic Chicago Union Station. Short walk to the Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower).

Metra/Union Station

Things to Do

Registry

Our wedding is semi-formal. The wedding party will be wearing shades of purple, so guests may choose colors that complement rather than match—think soft yellows, greens, royal blue, red, brown, or black. Please plan for dancing and bring comfortable shoes.

Dress Code

Zelle to Joenil & Dave

Celebrating with you is what matters most. If you prefer digital gifts, our Zelle is: (920) 342-6790.

Digital Gifts

The L.I.E.

Live entertainment from the Twin Cities band The L.I.E., featuring Dave’s brother Brad Lemke on keyboards. Check out their social media links below... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheL.I.E.Official" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1B2UdHeLix/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thel.i.e.official" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Instagram </a>| <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thelieofficial?_t=ZT-8zEghBVvEQ1&amp;_r=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a>

Well-known Chicago-area DJ Ed Cabanayan will be mixing tunes to keep the dance floor moving.

Dance Instructors

If you're feeling shy about dancing, no worries—instructors will be on the dance floor to teach popular line dances throughout the evening. Dance Instruction provided by:Roy KapunoHelpers:Tina de OcampoJune MonaghanVivian ClavelMarcy MaramoJennifer Ornias