AELO Alumni | Araba + Lamar, 10/14/16

VENUE: WOMEN'S CLUB OF EVANSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY: MAYDEN PHOTOGRAPHY | FLORIST: FLOWERS FOR DREAMS | HAIR + MAKEUP: NICOLE ROGERS MAKEUP | CATERING: CATERED BY DESIGN | DJ: JUSTIN, STYLE MATTERS DJS

What a day! What a couple! These two incredible people had such a beautiful day together, and we loved being a part of it. Araba, a Harvard grad, ROCKED that blush dress (and later her traditional Ghanaian dress), and Lamar was so full of love for her. There was not a dry eye in the house as their family and friends -- musicians and poets and artists all -- all participated in their touching ceremony. When Araba's sister sang "Unforgettable"? Forget it. The love in the room was palpable. 

It was such an incredible celebration, and one we count ourselves lucky to be a part of. Congratulations, Araba + Lamar! We know you are going to have a long, beautiful life together.

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AELO Alumni | Clare + David, 10/2/16

VENUE: A NEW LEAF | CATERER: FIG CATERING | PHOTOGRAPHY: FOREVER OCTOBER | CAKE: BAKING INSTITUTE

This special day for Clare and David was just beautiful.  The joining of these two families brought guests from all over the world including Ireland and Australia! A New Leaf was the perfect location for this couple.  It's unique look with amazing exposed brick and modern metal work throughout set the stage for the special day. It was evident that Clare and David were so ready to get married and begin this new journey. The love they had for each other just poured out into all of their family and friends. Their special vows to each other were heartfelt and brought tears to the room. Guests were able to enjoy the gorgeous and lush garden area on this beautiful fall day.  The S'mores bar was also a huge hit! Guests were able to choose a flavor of gourmet marshmallows and watch the chef melt it and place it between homemade graham crackers and gourmet chocolate.  They were to die for! The night ended with a ton of dancing and even more laughter and smiles.  We are so happy for you Clare and David! Here's to many years of happy marriage!

AELO Alumni | Christi + Rob, 9/17/16

CEREMONY: ST. JAMES CHAPEL | RECEPTION: THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY | PHOTOGRAPHY: INK RINGS | CATERING: SIMPLY ELEGANT CATERING | CAKE: VANILLE PATISSERIE | VIDEO: BELLA PHOTO + VIDEO | FLORALS AND DECOR: LIFE IN BLOOM | BAND: DAVID ROTHSTEIN MUSIC

This absolutely stunning couple had the most beautiful day in September! Rain threatened all week, but we are having some amazing luck with Mother Nature this year. An emotional ceremony at the St. James Chapel was followed by dinner and dancing at the Newberry Library, and led by David Rothstein Band, the dance floor was packed from start to finish! As a super sweet touch, their families snapped a couple of photos at the ceremony, went to Walgreens, had them printed and framed, and they joined the bevy of family wedding photos displayed at the reception. We loved that!

We had such a wonderful time with these two sweethearts. Christi and Rob, we know you are going to have a long and happy life together! Cheers!

AELO Alumni | Heidi + Mark 12/10/16

VENUE: CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION HOTEL | PHOTOGRAPHY: INGRID BONNE PHOTOGRAPHY | FLORALS: LIFE IN BLOOM | DJ: TOAST + JAM | CAKE: NUTPHREE'S BAKERY | RABBI LIZZI HEYDEMANN | CEREMONY MUSIC: ARTI STRINGS

What an incredible year we had with these two wonderful people! Heidi and Mark are both busy professionals, so all of us together with Heidi's mom Deborah, came together to plan one incredible weekend! It was so snowy and romantic, and they could not have been more in love. These two really knew how to sit back, relax, and enjoy their wedding weekend. From the gorgeous Ketubah signing ceremony to the perfect ceremony to the cocktail hour sushi, to the polaroid guestbook, to the excellent dinner and packed dance floor, Heidi and Mark had a night to remember, and we were so happy we were a part of it. 

All they wanted was a fabulous evening to profess their love and be with their people, and we helped with that. We're forever grateful for this job. Getting to witness all these wonderful people coming together is just the best thing in the world. 

Congratulations, H&M! We'll love you always and know you are going to have a fantastic life together!

AELO Alumni | Meryl + David, 9/24/16

VENUE: LACUNA ARTIST LOFT | PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHNNY KNIGHT PHOTO | FLORALS: STEVE'S FLOWER MARKET | CATERING: LM CATERING CHICAGO | CAKE: ALLINACE BAKERY | BAND: SKINNY WILLIAMS BAND | MURAL: ALONZO TORRES | LIGHTING: SC LIGHTING DESIGN

What a perfect pair. We absolutely loved Meryl and Dave's wedding! The gorgeous neutrals, the packed dance floor, and if this bride isn't channeling Audrey Hepburn, right? We knew this was going to be an excellent wedding the second we met these two! They knew how to let go, relax, talk to their people, and let us do all the work. It was a wonderful start to what we know will be a wonderful life together. Congratulations, Meryl + Dave!