Couple Weds at Local Restaurant: 4 Years to the Day of Their First Date There

On a picture perfect Labor Day morning, Wauconda couple Jill and James Schaefer tied the knot at Brandt’s of Palatine, four years to the day after having their first date there.

“When we realized it was exactly four years, we decided the perfect place to have our wedding would be at Brandt’s,” said James Schaefer.

The ceremony was held at the entrance to the popular Palatine restaurant, located at 807 W. Northwest Highway, with the couple flanked by their combined five children from previous marriages, and more than 60 guests.

The children were included in the ceremony - by being presented with rings to mark the family’s union, in addition to participating in a unity sand observance. The couple and the five children combined different colored grains of sand in a vase to symbolize their new lives, together.

True to the modern age of technology, the two reconnected on Facebook after knowing each other in their teen years. James accepted in early 2009.

James then messaged Jill, professing his interest in her and getting together, and the two scheduled a date to meet at Brandt’s for a drink, on September 2, 2009.

They had their first kiss there, after James said, “Let’s get this out of the way first,” according to the pastor that married them.

The Schaefers plan on taking a ‘familymoon’ next June to Jamaica, with all five children. 

Related:

Lifelong Palatine Residents Purchase Brandt's. 

Brandt's of Palatine Opens for Business. 

Lengthy History of Brandt's Building.