REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 2/19/18 Carolyn Johnson 2/19/18

AELO Alumni | Amber + Chris, 11/11/17

VENUE: RM CHAMPAGNE | PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW FOR T&S HUGHES | CAKE: SKINNY PIGGY | FLORALS: FLOWERS FOR DREAMS

It may have been freezing cold, but that didn't stop Amber + Chris from beaming at each other all day! This cozy, intimate brunch wedding was absolutely perfect, from Amber rocking that dress, to Chris' mom performing the ceremony, and their sweet son delivering the rings, this was the perfect day for this stunning couple. After brunch was served, guests enjoyed the donuts and cake and danced through the afternoon before heading out for more celebrations.

We had such a wonderful time with this sweet family, and know they're going to have the most amazing lives together! Congratulations, kids!

Carolyn Johnson 2/5/18 Carolyn Johnson 2/5/18

AELO Alumni | Jolly + Onkar, 8/12/17

Jolly + Onkar's wedding was a joy. We loved getting to know them throughout the process, and we had the added bonus of getting to know their brothers, Herk and Navi, aka our honorary assistant coordinators for the day! Herk and Navi helped to guide us, as well as Jolly + Onkar's guests, through the deeply meaningful cultural and religious aspects of their wedding day (and the super fun parts, like how the bridesmaids hid the groom's shoes!), and we were so honored to be a part of the celebration.

One of our favorite memories of the day, that perfectly sums up this couple, was actually when our decor plans went awry. Jolly bought gorgeous, giant clear balloons to fill with confetti. We filled a few and started decorating the ceremony breakfast space, and then it became obvious that two of the three helium tanks were duds. We immediately started coming up with alternate plans - "we could Google a party store and two of us can take the balloons..." - when Jolly came back by where we were prepping the balloons. She just laughed it off with a smile and a shrug and told us not to worry about it for another second - that she didn't really need balloons to marry Onkar (not verbatim, but that's the gist!). It was awesome, she was awesome, he was awesome, and that kind of happiness is infectious - it rubbed off on everyone the entire day.

Congratulations to these two wonderful people! We know your life will be filled with love and light!

Carolyn Johnson 1/22/18 Carolyn Johnson 1/22/18

AELO Alumni | Elissa + John, 10/27/17

A lighting designer and a stage manager got married and it was the most organized and beautifully lit wedding ever! We love theatre people. ("Ten minutes to ceremony!" "Thank you, ten!") Elissa + John had a marvelous day at Artifact Events, and we were so happy to be a part of it! They had a vision and we brought it to life for them, and we're so happy they're so happy. Elissa + John, we adore you and hope you and Indy and Gracie enjoy your lives together!

Carolyn Johnson 1/15/18 Carolyn Johnson 1/15/18

AELO Alumni | Susan + Matt, 9/9/17

VENUE: THE ROBEY | PHOTOGRAPHER: JACOB LOAFMAN | FLOWERS: ASRAI GARDENS | DESSERT: ALLIANCE BAKERY

Susan and Matt's big day was nothing short of stunning. The Robey hotel was the perfect venue for their vintage, glamorous wedding. Everything from Susan's breathtaking dress to her beautiful flowers exuded elegance. With the clear Chicago skyline as the backdrop, Susan and Matt said their vows in front of their closest family and friends. Afterwards, the newlyweds enjoyed an intimate reception in the Robey's Up and Up Lounge. Guests were able to sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the perfect view of Chicago's twinkling city lights, or they could relax in the lounge area on some vintage inspired couches. Susan and Matt were surrounded by so much love, it was wonderful to be a part of it!

Congratulations, you beautiful couple! We know you're in for a lifetime of happiness.

Carolyn Johnson 12/11/17 Carolyn Johnson 12/11/17

AELO Alumni | Sam + Pat, 9/9/17

What can we even say about our former coordinator Sam's wedding? We were thrilled and honored to be a part of her big day, and we KNEW it was going to be epic, we just didn't realize HOW epic. She and Pat are such a perfect fit, and the whole day was a perfect celebration of the two of them. Just look at that cake, made by Sam's mom. Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones...these two have their fandoms and they flaunt it! We loved every single second of this special day, including their two perfect puppers walking down the aisle. We adore Sam, and she and Pat were just glowing all day!

After the initial shock and laughter seeing Sam in the Pikachu costume, Pat said "Let's get married" several times. We just love these weirdos. Congratulations, you two!