an event less ordinary

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.

AELO Alumni | Bridget, Lore, + Scott, 5/10/24

VENUE: COLVIN HOUSE | DINNER: ANTIQUE TACO | DESSERT: COOKIE SPIN | STAFF: CAROL’S EVENT STAFFING | PHOTOGRAPHER: KATE SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY | RENTALS: HOUSE OF RENTAL | ENTERTAINMENT: THE TRAVELING TYPIST | HAIR: ERIN ROSE | MAKEUP: DOLCE VITA ARTIST

What an incredible event to be a part of! Bridget, Lore, and Scott pledged their love to one another in a beautiful ceremony, the guests dressed up beautifully, and the tacos were delicious. When the prelude playlist is Medieval hip-hop, you know you’re in for a good time. Scott and Lore renewed their vows to each other, then Bridget and Lore pledged their forever love, and all three were bound together with their family and friends support. The weather was absolutely perfect and the DIY centerpieces were a highlight of the evening.

Bridget spoke beautifully later in the evening about the importance of community and celebration in the hardest of times, and we couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, you three! Joy and long life!

AELO Alumni | Leslie + Aris, 10/29/23

VENUE: CAFE BRAUER | FLORIST: VALE OF ENNA | DJ: TOAST AND JAM | PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH PYO | CATERING: ZELDA’S | HAIR AND MAKEUP: DIEM ANGIE | TRANSPORTATION: SIGNATURE TRANSPORTATION GROUP

Aris and Leslie danced the night away with family and friends after their beautiful ceremony and reception at Cafe Brauer. They did not let the brisk weather stop them from enjoying an outdoor ceremony located on the South Loggia followed by a cocktail hour on the North Loggia. Dinner followed with speeches, toasts and kisses. Once dancing kicked off, the guests were provided with costumes and continued to dance the night away. Congratulations Leslie and Aris!

AELO Alumni | Robyn + Ross, 10/13/23

VENUE: STAN MANSION | PHOTOGRAPHER: BECCA HEUER PHOTOGRAPHY | CATERING: BEYOND CATERING | DECOR: ART OF IMAGINATION | LIMO: ELEGANT MOTORING | MIRROR BOOTH: 219 PRODUCTIONS | DJ: STITELY, DJ SILKEE | SHUTTLES: 312 LIMO | CAKE: JENNIVEE’S BAKERY | OFFICIANT: ASHTON BISHOP WEDDINGS

What an INCREDIBLE evening! Ross and Robyn (a theater friend) came to us and said that they wanted a Friday the 13th wedding, we were onboard IMMEDIATELY. Their gothic vision was brought to life with their perfect choices from the flowers to the table settings to That Dress. Could you die?! They had a super sweet ceremony followed by a delightful cocktail hour, and then the DANCING started. R+R kicked it off with a beautiful choreographed dance to “Til I Found You” and then the floor was PACKED all night! Guests enjoyed the delicious cake a great tunes until the toast and sparkler exit. And it didn’t rain!

All in all, Ross + Robyn’s vision for the day was unique and turned out beautifully. We wish them the best and know they are going to have a long and happy life together.

Congratulations, kids!