Honestly, filming Cruz’s wedding was one of the most emotional and fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had on Chicago Fire — maybe even in my entire career. I’ve been playing Joe Cruz for over a decade now, and this moment felt like such a full-circle experience for both him and me. After everything Cruz has been through — especially losing Otis, who was like a brother to him — giving him this beautiful, fairy-tale moment was just incredibly meaningful.
The day we shot the wedding, it felt like something sacred was happening. We were filming at St. Ignatius Church in Chicago, which is absolutely stunning — this grand, historic building filled with light, warmth, and this quiet reverence. And the entire cast was there, dressed to the nines. It wasn’t just another shoot day; it felt like we were actually attending a real wedding.
Kristen Gutoskie, who plays Chloe, looked absolutely breathtaking. Her dress was huge — so big, in fact, that she had at least two or three people helping her move around in it between takes. And I went through four fittings for my tuxedo, which is wild! But every detail had to be perfect, because this wasn’t just any wedding — it was Cruz’s wedding. After so much pain and struggle, the producers really wanted to honor him with something joyful, something unforgettable. And they nailed it.
One of the moments that hit me the hardest was the quiet tribute to Otis. Yuri Sardarov, who played Otis, is not just a former castmate — he’s family to all of us. So when the script included that touching mention of him during the ceremony, I honestly got choked up. It reminded me of how deep the bonds are between these characters — and between all of us in real life. Even though Otis isn’t physically there, his spirit is still very much alive in Cruz, in Firehouse 51, and in all of our hearts.
What made the day even more surreal for me was realizing that just a few years ago, I had my own wedding — to my amazing wife Caitlin, who I actually met right here on the Chicago Fire set. She was a makeup artist on the show. And the craziest part? So many of the people who were at our wedding were also on set that day for Cruz’s. It really hit me how much this show has been a part of my personal life. These people — this cast, this crew — they’ve been with me through so many important chapters of my life. It’s more than just a job.
There were a lot of laughs, a few tears, and just this overwhelming feeling of love throughout the day. I think that’s what made it so special. We weren’t just acting — we were sharing something real. And I think when fans watch the episode, they’re going to feel that love too.
This wedding episode is a celebration. It’s a tribute to love, to friendship, to resilience. And I’m so proud that Cruz finally got his happy ending. After everything he’s been through, he deserves it. And honestly? So do the fans. They’ve stuck with us through every fire, every loss, and every victory. This one’s for them.
— Joe Minoso
