REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Becca + Nina, 11/15/25

The cutest wedding with the most FUN group of folks! And somehow the perfect weather for an outdoor cocktail hour - in November. From matching tuxes and doc loafers, the adorable ceremony with live music (from one of the marriers!), to a flower crown for the pup, I had the best time coordinating & being a part of Becca + Nina's wedding. Thanks for letting me end the night in the middle of the dance circle scream singing Pink Pony Club, it's where I belong ;)

two brides in a white suit and a green suit walk down a street in chicago walking their dog

VENUE: THE JOINERY | PHOTOGRAPHER: KATE SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY | CATERING: HEARTY BOYS | FLORALS: ECOWILDE | DJ: GROOVE IS IN THE HEART | STYLING: BLUSH + BRAIDS BEAUTY BAR

The cutest wedding with the most FUN group of folks! And somehow the perfect weather for an outdoor cocktail hour - in November. From matching tuxes and doc loafers, the adorable ceremony with live music (from one of the marriers!), to a flower crown for the pup, I had the best time coordinating & being a part of Becca + Nina's wedding. Thanks for letting me end the night in the middle of the dance circle scream singing Pink Pony Club, it's where I belong ;)

Read More
Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Lizzie + Brady, 11/1/25

Congratulations Lizzie and Bradyl! It was such a treat to celebrate with this sweet couple on a beautiful fall day at the Greenhouse Loftl This wedding had it all - gorgeous decor (most of it created by the bride and her mother!), a touching ceremony and an unforgettable day filled with lots and lots of love. We are so happy for Lizzie and Brady and wish them a lifetime of happiness.

bride and groom stand under the staircase at the Rookery, Chicago, looking at each other

VENUE: GREENHOUSE LOFT | PHOTOGRAPHY: INGRID BONNE PHOTOGRAPHY | DJ: DUKE, STYLEMATTERS | VIOLINIST: RACHAEL MILLER | CATERER: BUTTER + VINE | CAKE: BITTERSWEET PASTRY SHOP | COOKIES: LEVAIN BAKERY | VIDEOGRAPHER: OUR WEDDING MOVIE | FLORIST: POPPY FLOWERS | STYLING: ELANA DARRUS MAKEUP + HAIR | TRANSPORTATION: 312 LIMO

Congratulations Lizzie and Bradyl! It was such a treat to celebrate with this sweet couple on a beautiful fall day at the Greenhouse Loftl This wedding had it all - gorgeous decor (most of it created by the bride and her mother!), a touching ceremony and an unforgettable day filled with lots and lots of love. We are so happy for Lizzie and Brady and wish them a lifetime of happiness.

Read More
Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Katie + Matthew, 11/1/25

Katie and Matthew’s celebration was truly unforgettable. Their ceremony took place in the historic Mayfair Theater, where the timeless decor and incredible acoustics created the perfect setting for their harpist and heartfelt vows. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the 2nd floor, surrounded by fascinating artifacts and unique decor that sparked conversation and added to the venue’s charm. The evening continued in the elegant Erin Room, where Katie and Matthew danced the night away with their family and friends. It was a beautiful celebration filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

A groom in a white tuxedo and a bride in a mermaid gown kiss in front of their large, cheering bridal party who wear black gowns and black tuxes

VENUE: IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER | PHOTOGRAPHER: THE INDI COLLECTIVE | DECOR: SATIN CHAIR | FOOD: LA VILLA BANQUETS | HARPIST: LAURA UTLEY | STYLING: HAIRS 2 THE BRIDE | DESSERT: BUDDY’S CARTS AND CATERING | DJ: CHARIZMA MARZ

Katie and Matthew’s celebration was truly unforgettable. Their ceremony took place in the historic Mayfair Theater, where the timeless decor and incredible acoustics created the perfect setting for their harpist and heartfelt vows. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the 2nd floor, surrounded by fascinating artifacts and unique decor that sparked conversation and added to the venue’s charm. The evening continued in the elegant Erin Room, where Katie and Matthew danced the night away with their family and friends. It was a beautiful celebration filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Read More
Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Marisa + Declan, 10/31/25

Marisa and Declan’s Halloween wedding was the perfect blend of romance, personality, and seasonal charm. The fall day couldn’t have been more beautiful—crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the city skyline framing their heartfelt “I dos.” Their personalized vows had everyone laughing, capturing the sweet and playful essence of their relationship. Thoughtful nods to Halloween added a fun twist, from festive candy treats to a themed photo booth that guests couldn’t get enough of. One of the most memorable moments came when Marisa and Declan cut their cake using her grandfather’s Marine saber—a touching tribute to his memory and service. As the night went on, the celebration only grew livelier, with the dance floor packed from start to finish—a true reflection of the love and joy that filled the day.

VENUE: CAFE BRAUER | CATERER: TIGER LILY | PHOTOGRAPHY: EMMA MULLINS PHOTO | CAKE: BITTERSWEET | DJ: TOAST AND JAM | MAKEUP: JOANNA B ARTISTRY | HAIR: TAMARA HOLDEN | FLORALS: FLOWERS BY STEM | DESSERTS: MINDY’S BAKERY | TRANSPORTATION: CHICAGO SIGNATURE LIMO

Marisa and Declan’s Halloween wedding was the perfect blend of romance, personality, and seasonal charm. The fall day couldn’t have been more beautiful—crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the city skyline framing their heartfelt “I dos.” Their personalized vows had everyone laughing, capturing the sweet and playful essence of their relationship. Thoughtful nods to Halloween added a fun twist, from festive candy treats to a themed photo booth that guests couldn’t get enough of. One of the most memorable moments came when Marisa and Declan cut their cake using her grandfather’s Marine saber—a touching tribute to his memory and service. As the night went on, the celebration only grew livelier, with the dance floor packed from start to finish—a true reflection of the love and joy that filled the day.

Read More
Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Patrice + John, 10/4/25

Patrice and John’s wedding was nothing short of spectacular—a celebration as warm and joyful as the unseasonably sunny October day it fell on. Set against the stunning Chicago skyline, the rooftop of Lacuna Lofts provided the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt vows. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour as the sun dipped below the city. After dinner, guests were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with energy, laughter, and nonstop dancing. The David Rothstein Band kept the dance floor packed all night long, while sunglasses and glow sticks added a playful touch to the party vibe. It was a night that perfectly captured Patrice and John’s fun-loving spirit and the love for their family and friends.

bride and groom clutch each other during their first look on a rooftop in downtown chicago

Stephanie Pana Photography

VENUE: LACUNA ARTIST LOFTS | CATERER: LM CATERING | PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE PANA | FLORALS: STEVE’S FLOWER MARKET | BAND: DAVID ROTHSTEIN MUSIC | STYLING: THE BRIDAL BEAUTY TEAM | TRANSPORTATION: AMERICAN COACH LIMOUSINE

Patrice and John’s wedding was nothing short of spectacular—a celebration as warm and joyful as the unseasonably sunny October day it fell on. Set against the stunning Chicago skyline, the rooftop of Lacuna Lofts provided the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt vows. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour as the sun dipped below the city. After dinner, guests were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with energy, laughter, and nonstop dancing. The David Rothstein Band kept the dance floor packed all night long, while sunglasses and glow sticks added a playful touch to the party vibe. It was a night that perfectly captured Patrice and John’s fun-loving spirit and the love for their family and friends.

Read More

Archive


Tag Cloud