REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 11/20/24 Carolyn Johnson 11/20/24

AELO Alumni | Jess + Ryan, 8/10/24

What a STUNNING day! The weather was the most perfect Chicago has ever seen and Jess + Ryan took full advantage of it with a beautiful and touching ceremony on the Skydeck at Lacuna Artist Lofts. These two sweethearts smiled all day, and it was contagious. From the adorable first look to Grandma Ruth getting the dance floor started, it was a celebration to remember. Congratulations, cuties! We know you’re going to have a wonderful life together.

Carolyn Johnson 5/1/24 Carolyn Johnson 5/1/24

AELO Alumni | Jamie + James, 11/11/23

What an incredible evening! Talk about a couple made for each other. Jamie and Jim were full of joy on their wedding day and we were so honored to be a part of it. From the adorable ring bearer in his tiny Bentley, to the rocking dance floor, these two were all smiles all day. We are so lucky to be able to be a part of so many celebrations, and it’s days like these that make it truly special. J+J are the sweetest people in the world and deserve every happiness and glittery gown that life has to offer.

Congratulations, cuties! We adore you!

Carolyn Johnson 3/16/22 Carolyn Johnson 3/16/22

AELO Alumni | Joanna + Brady, 8/29/21

Joanna and Brady were the ultimate resilient 2020 bride and groom. After having to postpone their wedding for over a year and changing venues when their original one closed, we were so pleased when they finally got to say "I do". It was as if the skies opened and the sun shined down upon them. And we're not waxing poetic here; that quite literally happened after a rain storm blew through just minutes before their outdoor ceremony was to begin! It was smooth sailing after that though; held at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest, Joanna and Brady's wedding made use of the gorgeous setting with an outdoor ceremony in the gardens, dining under a fabulous tent and dancing in the barn after the sunset. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to these two at the end of the evening as we'd been working with them for so long, but hopefully we can keep in touch--or at least creep on each others' instagrams :)

Carolyn Johnson 5/14/18 Carolyn Johnson 5/14/18

AELO Events | Define American Film Festival, 4/20-23

When Define American approached us to help plan their annual film festival, we were thrilled to be considered, and then honored to be chosen. It was an undertaking unlike any AELO has seen, and it was a massive success! Guests enjoyed an art installation of portraits of Dreamers by Helday De La Cruz, a VR demonstration, gained some knowledge at a census exhibit, took part in thought provoking discussions, laughed through a comedy night, and of course enjoyed the important films telling these stories. After each screening, guests enjoyed informative panels, featuring Nico Santos, Bambadjan Bamba, Reshma Shetty, Bethany Yellowtail, Paola Mendoza, Ala'a Basatneh, and many others.

From their website, "Define American is a non-profit media and culture organization that uses the power of story to transcend politics and shift the conversation about immigrants, identity, and citizenship in a changing America." This important work is done by a talented, dedicated, and wonderful team, with whom we had the pleasure to work for the planning process and three day weekend. You can still check out the livestreams of the panels on the website!

If you would like to join the cause and donate to Define American, you can do so here.