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 | Amanda + Michael, 10/9/21

VENUE: TRIGGER CHICAGO | PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE + ERIC PHOTO | CATERING: AMAZING EDIBLES | DJ: TOAST + JAM | CUPCAKES: MOLLY’S CUPCAKES

When the couple says “we’re doing all showtunes through cocktail hour”, we know we’re in for a good time. Amanda + Michael got pandemic-married, and finally got to celebrate with all of their wonderful people at Trigger Chicago on an absolutely stunning day in October.

From their book and book flower centerpieces to Michael and his frat brothers serenading Amanda, to the packed dance floor, the day was perfect. We were so happy to celebrate with two people who so clearly respect and admire each other, and know how to have a great time. Congratulations, Amanda + Michael!

AELO Alumni | Lucy + Jay, 9/25/21

VENUE: FIREHOUSE CHICAGO | CATERING: HEARTY BOYS | FLORAL: TRA BLUME | DJ: REVERB SOUND | PHOTOGRAPHY: TYLER CORE | CAKE: SCHWEET CHEESECAKE | GF SWEETS: DELOURED

This is an ode to morning weddings.

Lucy and Jay were really on to something when they decided to get married on a September morning at Firehouse Chicago. Not only was this something unique and different, it was also incredibly thoughtful as they wanted to marry in the morning so that Jay's Wisconsin relatives could make it down to Chicago and back home in time to milk their cows (true story--we couldn't make this up). The weather was absolutely perfect, the light for photos was superb and the vibe was laid back and loving. Lucy is incredibly organized and attentive to details and she's the only bride we know who giggled her way down the aisle. After she and Jay said "I do", guests enjoyed the sun in the garden courtyard and were later invited inside Firehouse for a carvery lunch. After their meal, dancing, lawn games AND karaoke kept everyone entertained. To top it all off, in lieu of a traditional cake, Lucy and Jay served a variety of cheese cakes as a nod to their Wisconsin relatives.

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

VENUE: ELAWA FARM | CATERING: PARAMOUNT | CAKE: SWEET MANDY BS | FLORIST: FIELD AND FLORIST | PHOTOGRAPHY: HEY SISTERS PHOTOGRAPHY | DJ: O’DEA ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOBOOTH: IN LIGHT PHOTOBOOTHS

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 :)