an event less ordinary

AELO Alumni | Kelsey + Kathleen, 6/8/24

VENUE: GREENHOUSE LOFT | PHOTOGRAPHER: ED + AILEEN PHOTOGRAPHY | CATERING: HEARTY BOYS | FLORALS: FLOWERS FOR DREAMS | HAIR + MAKEUP: DEB PETRIELLI | CHEESECAKE: SCHWEETS | CUPCAKES: MOLLY’S | DJ: EMILIO FOR STYLEMATTERS

Two perfect people. A perfect night. We were over the moon when Kelsey + Kathleen’s wedding day finally arrived, but also incredibly sad to see it end. We loved planning with them for nearly two years, and seeing the whole thing come to fruition was such a joy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during that ceremony, ours included. The guests enjoyed temporary tattoos of their pets and board games during cocktail hour, and later, danced the night away.

But the most special part was watching these two perform “Summer Nights” from Grease in lieu of a first dance! we started this company after meeting in a production of Grease and felt like everything came full circle with these two cuties belting it out! What an incredible evening, what a wonderful journey.

We love you, K&K, and we know you’re going to have a wonderful life together!

AELO Alumni | One Acre Fund Gala, 10/10/24

VENUE: CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | FLORALS: FLOWERS FOR DREAMS | PHOTOGRAPHER: ZACH CADDY PHOTOGRAPHY | VIDEOGRAPHY: JOE MILLER | TECH + LIGHTING: MDM ENTERTAINMENT | BAND: CULTURAL WORKERS BUREAU 

Another beautiful evening with the One Acre Fund! They met their goal of $1 Million dollars raised for supplies for smallholder farmers in East Africa with asset-based financing and agriculture training services to reduce hunger and poverty.

AELO Alumni | Megan + Emmett, 6/29/24

VENUE: THE COLONNADES AT SOLDIER FIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY: EDWARD FOX | MUSIC: DJ BUCK | CATERING: PREMIER CATERING | GARLANDS: COSTCO | HAIR: MAGALI MONTOYA | MAKEUP: RABECCA ANN ARTISTRY

What a magical evening celebrating Megan and Emmett in The Colonnades at Soldier Field. The view of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier was stunning accompanied by the music of a Band Trio, Bag Pipers and later, a DJ. It provided a little something for everyone and was all at once engaging, fun, and elegant. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan!

AELO Alumni | Claire + Ryan, 6/14/24

VENUE: LACUNA ARTIST LOFTS | CATERING: LM CATERING | PHOTOGRAPHY: BRICK AND PINE | FLORIST: FLOWERS FOR DREAMS | HAIR AND MAKEUP: PIN ME UP CHICAGO | BAND: STANDING ROOM ONLY | PHOTO BOOTH: PIXSTER

This gorgeous couple didn't let the summer heat get to them! From their intimate picturesque first look to the Chicago skyline as the backdrop to their vows, Claire and Ryan had the perfect day to celebrate their love. Ryan's father officiated the wedding and provided the best balance of love and humor in his speech. Family, friends and fun was the theme of the night, with guests dancing to a live band or dressing up in costumes at the Photo Booth. There was not doubt Claire and Ryan know how to celebrate. Now these two are off to enjoy married life in New York! Best of luck and congratulations you two!

AELO Alumni | Gina + Mary Kate, 6/8/24

VENUE: PENTHOUSE AT FIORETTA | FLORALS: STEVE’S FLOWER MARKET | MUSIC: TREBLEMONSTERS | PHOTOGRAPHER: FOX + IVORY

OMG we loved these ladies. Gina and Mary Kate designed and planned a spectacular west loop wedding at The Penthouse at Fioretta. With lucky wedding-day rain outside during the ceremony, they said their vows in a window lined, 13th floor room in the clouds. Once the ceremony concluded guests moved into the a stylish reception room to enjoy champagne, espresso martinis, and spicy margaritas. Gina and MK are major foodies and their dinner menu reflected their excellent taste. The food was superb and plentiful all night long. The buffet was never empty switching from outstanding appetizers, a fine dinner spread to dessert, plus passed late night bites. As the sun went down, the wrap around terrace opened up where guests could play jenga, sit by a large stone fire pit and enjoy the skyline. As guests headed home they grabbed a homemade vanilla bourbon that the brides and had made. It was a wonderful day and we loved being a part of it.