Meet the Team

Owner & Editor - Michelle Cox-Vergara

Hi I'm Michelle, the editor and owner of CHI thee WED! I started working with CTW as a curator (covering wedding photography) when we first came on the scene in 2018 and moved to managing editor in 2021, then owner in 2023. CHI thee WED has been a passion of mine for years and I am so excited to share the vision that I have for it. I see the Chicago wedding industry and what is needed for couples but also what is needed for industry experts and vendors. There is a need for love, joy, learning and sharing; connection, comradery and storytelling. My dream is for CHI thee WED to be the 1# resource for folks planning their wedding in Chicago but also a #1 resource for wedding vendors to find resources, connection and collaboration.

I am a semi-retired wedding photogrgapher but still own my photography company, Michelle Cox Photography. I have been shooting for over 17 years, 14 years professionally.

When not working on CTW, I am wife and busy mom to 3 kiddos. I enjoy gardening and working in the yard, reading (anything to avoid TV and scrolling on my phone), shopping local and supporting other small business owners whenever I can.

Thank you for being here and we are excited for what is to come for CHI thee WED!!!

Curators

CHI thee WED is unique to the wedding blog world because we are wedding vendor run. All of our regular blog contributors (that we call “Curators”) either own businesses or work directly in the Chicago wedding industry. Below meet all of the wonderful folks that make CHI thee WED possible!

Exclusive program leaders

Travel Specialist - Jessica Raciborska

Hi, I’m Jess, the founder of Travel Geek Jess, a boutique travel advisory based in Chicago. I help couples plan honeymoons and arrange wedding room blocks, bringing thoughtful recommendations, firsthand travel experience, and careful attention to every detail. My goal is for you to feel excited about what’s ahead, with one less thing to worry about along the way.

My motto is life is too short for ordinary vacations! The trips you remember most are shaped around who you are, what you love, and how you want to experience a place. Whether that means a safari, a wine tasting, time on the coast, or a little of everything - I love bringing those interests together into one unforgettable trip!

Before becoming a travel advisor, I worked in accounting and project management where I bring that same organized, detail-oriented approach to every trip I plan, from finding the right hotel to making sure the pieces fit together.

When I’m not planning travel for clients, I’m usually traveling somewhere new with my husband. And no matter how much I love being away, I’m always happy to come home to my two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Leo and Luna, who take their roles as my office assistants very seriously.