real wedding

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 | Toni + Scott, 12/30/23

VENUE: CITY VIEW LOFT | FLORALS: BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS WITH ABERDEENS | PHOTOGRAPHER: MIKHAIL FOR TWA PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTS | BAND: BLUEWATER KINGS | HAIR AND MAKEUP: BLUSH AND BRAIDS | STAGE: BRIGHT LIGHTS PRODUCTION

What a PERFECT way to end the 2024 season! Toni and Scott are two of the sweetest people we’ve ever had the pleasure to work with, and we were floored by how well they’d planned their day! It was a party from start to finish, cocktails before the ceremony, the funniest Maid of Honor toast, and a packed dance floor. These two just wanted to be married and dance the night away with their closest friends and family and that is exactly what we did.

What a gorgeous evening. Congratulations, you two! We adore you!


AELO Alumni | Jessica + Joe, 12/9/23

VENUE: THE CITY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHER: CONNER PHOTOGRAPHY | CARICATURE ARTIST: LOTHAR SPEER | HAIR+MAKEUP: DIVA ME BELLA | FLORALS: STUDIO POPPY FLORA | CATERER: AMAZING EDIBLES | DJ: DJ AKIB | TRANSPORTATION: WINDY CITY LIMO

What a perfect night celebrating Jessica and Joseph! The City Hall was turned into a romantic yet glamorous space filled with golds and deep greens. Jessica, an event coordinator herself, and Joseph, a Chicago firefighter, said their vows with family seated Golden Globe style while they faced the crowd so they could see their loved ones. They also had a bubble salute as they recessed as husband and wife! A caricature artist provide mini keepsakes for guests and hundreds of cake balls fed the masses. The dance floor was filled all night as guests danced to a variety of music, new and old, including some polkas. What a fun and memorable evening! Congratulations Jessica and Joe!