REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 6/10/26 Carolyn Johnson 6/10/26

AELO Alumni | Kellie + Drew, 5/2/26 - PHOTOS

What an incredible night. It’s no secret that we love our unconventional weddings, and a couple of cuties getting married at the city’s best dive bar was no exception. Kellie + Drew wanted a casual, fun wedding at their favorite place, and that’s what we delivered. Drew carefully curated their music, the “Pope” officiated, and everyone had a blast. Born to Run, indeed. We love you guys. Congratulations!

Carolyn Johnson 5/13/26 Carolyn Johnson 5/13/26

If they’re not on the invite, they’re not invited.

That’s it, that’s the post.

That’s it, that’s the post. A lot of etiquette things can fall by the wayside, but this is not one of them. Your children are not invited if they’re not on the envelope. Your partner is not invited if they’re not on the envelope. Sorry!

Carolyn Johnson 5/8/26 Carolyn Johnson 5/8/26

Leave engaged people alone!

They have so many decisions to make and the guest list is a huge one. They don’t know their budget yet, they don’t know where or when it is, and they definitely don’t know what they want yet.

Please. They have so many decisions to make and the guest list is a huge one. They don’t know their budget yet, they don’t know where or when it is, and they definitely don’t know what they want yet.

Leave them to plan! Tell them congratulations and never, ever ask them if you’re invited. Even if you’re the bestie, even if you’re family. Don’t. Ask. Let them enjoy their engagement.

Carolyn Johnson 4/22/26 Carolyn Johnson 4/22/26

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

Carolyn Johnson 4/17/26 Carolyn Johnson 4/17/26

Do you want to DIY your wedding arch?

If you want to make your own arch for your big day, that is totally fine. But you MUST ask yourself some questions! It can get complicated fast.

a gold circular wedding arch in front of white drapes with blue, pink, and white flowers on the top and bottom. greenery lines the floor in front of it. — Fox + Ivory Photography

If you want to make your own arch for your big day, that is totally fine. But you MUST ask yourself some questions!

Do you have to build it before the day? If not, how long does it take? Add half an hour to any estimare you come up with.
Who has the vehicle space to haul a completed arch?
How much stuff do you need to build it? Zip ties, pool noodles, fake flowers?
Can you bring it to the venue beforehand?
Who is going to set it up?
Does it need to be taken down after the ceremony? Who will have the time and do that?
Who is going to move it if you want it at the reception?
Can you preserve whatever is attached or will it be ruined when taken apart?
How do you keep it nice so it can be reused?
Who is taking it down at the end of the night? Who is hauling it away?

This is the kind of thing that seems easy and will save money, but you HAVE to think through all the logistics so that you don’t stress yourself out.

And if you hire a coordinator, make sure they will build arches!