At a Glance
- Iyanna McNeely and corporate attorney Alexander Lewis celebrated their union in a two-day Chicago wedding on January 17, 2025 and January 18, 2025.
- The ceremony was held at the historic Union League Club, followed by a reception at Salon 61.
- The couple, who met on a dating app, announced their engagement on December 14, 2024.
- Why it matters: Fans of the reality-TV series now see the star’s transition from on-screen romance to real-life marriage, all while keeping the celebration local and intimate.
A winter wedding in Chicago
The Love Is Blind alum, 31, said “I do” in a classic, snow-globe-like ceremony that took place at the Union League Club on January 17, 2025. The next day, January 18, 2025, the couple hosted a larger reception at Salon 61, a private event space that echoed the elegance they envisioned.
Planning the perfect two-day celebration
Initially, the pair had planned a destination wedding in Jamaica. Mid-planning, they changed course, deciding to celebrate in the city where their story began. “It’s not only where we met, but where we both were able to establish ourselves before meeting,” Iyanna explained.
The couple split the weekend into two distinct days:
- Day one: family and close friends gathered for a relaxed ceremony.
- Day two: extended family and friends joined for a larger celebration.
“I’ve often heard other couples talk about how exhausted they were by the end of the day and that the day was a full blur. We wanted to avoid this by having a much more relaxing first day and then partying the next,” Iyanna said.
Planning challenges were eased when Shaun Rajah of Events by Shaun Rajah stepped in. He guided the couple through the process, turning what Iyanna described as “endless open tabs and a never-ending to-do list” into a breeze. Alex’s father, Jeffrey Lewis, hosted the post-ceremony dinner at the Union League Club, removing a major detail from the couple’s plate.
Vows, officiants, and bridal looks
The ceremony was officiated by Alex’s grandfather, affectionately known as “Grampy.” He shared a blessing and words of wisdom, noting his own long marriage to a Grammy. The couple exchanged handwritten vows during a private first look, followed by traditional vows in the ceremony. They also performed a handfasting to symbolize the binding of their lives.
Natalie Lee, Iyanna’s best friend and former co-star, served as one of the bridesmaids and delivered a heartfelt speech.
For her walk down the aisle, Iyanna chose a ballgown-style dress by Eden Aharon, featuring a corseted basque waist, sequin and pearl details. She described the gown as “lacey, sexy and mature,” and a representation of her Leo moon sign. Other bridal looks included:
- Adeirlina corset-and-skirt combo for the ceremony evening.
- 12th Tribe white satin maxi dress for the first dance.
- Short white Meshki dress for later in the reception.
Music set the tone. A violinist played “Turning Page” by Sleeping At Last as Iyanna approached the altar, a song that reminded her of the Twilight movies she adored in her youth.
The reception and culinary highlights
Guests enjoyed a three-course plated dinner featuring roasted Amish chicken, braised short rib, Chilean sea bass, and eggplant roulade. Dessert was lemon raspberry cake from Bittersweet Pastry Shop and crème anglaise with fresh berries.
At the larger reception, the couple offered passed hors-d’oeuvres, a pasta station, and a carving station. They cut a vintage heart-shaped wedding cake, also from Bittersweet. Their first dance was to “All My Life” by K-Ci and JoJo, while DJ Mikey Jukes handled the rest of the music.
Looking ahead: honeymoon and future milestones
The couple will soon embark on a honeymoon in South Africa, featuring safari, hiking, wine tasting, massages, and time exploring Cape Town. “We couldn’t be more excited!” Iyanna said.
Alex expressed excitement about future milestones, including buying a home and growing their family. He described Iyanna as “so calm and present,” calling her the yin to his yang.
Iyanna shared that she admires Alex’s calm presence and that spending time together feels like rest. Alex, in turn, praised her kind soul and positive energy, saying it lifts him up in a “feedback loop.”
Timeline of events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2024 | Engagement announcement |
| January 17, 2025 | Wedding ceremony at Union League Club |
| January 18, 2025 | Reception at Salon 61 |
| Post-January 18, 2025 | Honeymoon in South Africa |
Key people involved
- Alexander “Alex” Lewis – corporate attorney and groom.
- Shaun Rajah – planner from Events by Shaun Rajah.
- Jeffrey Lewis – Alex’s father, host of post-ceremony dinner.
- Grampy – Alex’s grandfather, officiant.
- Natalie Lee – bridesmaid and former co-star.
Bridal gowns and accessories
- Eden Aharon – ballgown-style dress.
- Adeirlina – corset-and-skirt combo.
- 12th Tribe – white satin maxi dress.
- Meshki – short white dress.
Floral and décor
- Florals: Life in Bloom.
- Videography: Unleashed Vizuals.
- Hair: Paige Warford of The Supplier.
- Content creation: LaNovia Creations.
- Linens: Tailored Elements.
- Signage and paper: The Knot.
Looking back, Iyanna reflected on the weekend’s significance: “It’s not quite a dream come true, but a new beginning because life together is the dream come true.” She added that having all loved ones in one room was a blessing.
The couple’s journey from a dating app to a winter wedding in Chicago demonstrates how a shared vision, careful planning, and support from family and friends can turn a reality-TV romance into a real-life celebration.
