AELO Alumni | Katie + Wesley, 9/6/25

VENUE: BRISTOL HILL FARMS | PHOTOGRAPHER: ALYSON MARIE PHOTO | APPETIZERS: CREATOR FARMS + SWISS THE GIRL | CAKE: OLIVER’S BAKERY | TRANSPORTATION: FIRST STUDENT | DINNER: BILLY BRICKS | FLOWERS: HUNTER’S PATCH | LATE NIGHT SNACK: HUBBY’S DOG HOUSE | MAKEUP: BRITTANY WILLS | HAIR: HAIR BY MARLA

Katie and Wesley's wedding day had the perfect mix of easygoing vibes and lively celebration. The couple shared their heartfelt vows in front of a beautiful sunlit field. After their ceremony, guests enjoyed lawn games and a cozy bonfire, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Dinner came straight from a food truck, complete with a brick oven and a window where everyone could watch pizzas being made fresh. As night progressed, the party moved indoors for more laughter, games, and late-night hot dogs from a classic hotdog cart. It was the perfect ending to a day full of love and connection.

AELO Alumni | Caroline + Patrick, 7/20/25

CEREMONY: ST. MARY’S BUFFALO GROVE | VENUE: CHEVY CHASE COUNTRY CLUB | FLORALS: THISTLE + PLUME | DJ: ELEVATED EVENTS | PHOTOGRAPHER: KYLE JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY | VIDEO: FRESH ROASTED FILM | BOBA: TE’AMO BOBA | STYLING: CHYLARTISTRY | TRANSPORTATION: 312 LIMO

Eighteen years in the making, Caroline and Patrick’s love story is nothing short of timeless. Surrounded by the people who’ve supported them through the years, the couple finally tied the knot in a celebration that beautifully honored their past, present, and future together. Held at a stunning country club nestled in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, the venue was more than just picturesque—it was personal. The location paid homage to the couple’s roots, bringing their love story full circle in the place they’ve long called home. Caroline and Patrick first met in high school, and their journey from teenage sweethearts to life partners was reflected in every detail of their wedding day. In a heartfelt nod to where it all began, they chose their high school colors as the palette for their big day—blending tradition with modern elegance. Their decor told the story of a shared life: photos capturing moments across nearly two decades, handwritten notes, and personalized touches that celebrated the importance of family, friends, and all the memories made along the way. Every detail radiated warmth and authenticity, making guests feel like they were part of something deeply personal.

AELO Alumni | Reena + Pasan, 7/12/25

VENUE: LACUNA ARTIST LOFTS | CATERER: LM CATERING | PHOTOGRAPHER: J BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY | FLORALS: THE LOCAL PETALER | STYLING: BRIDAL BEAUTY TEAM

A perfect day with absolutely gorgeous people. Congratulations, Reena + Pasan!

©2025 J. Brown Photography

AELO Alumni | Julia + Zack, 6/28/25

VENUE: LACUNA ARTIST LOFTS | CATERER: LM CATERING | FLORIST: DAHLIA BLOOMS | PHOTOGRAPHY: THE STILL LIFE | BAND: BLUE WATER KINGS | STYLING: BEAUTY BY ANN KRAUSE | CAKE: VANILLE

Julia and Zack packed up and moved from Chicago to Philadelphia just a few months before they were to be married. With wedding plans already cemented in Chicago , they decided that their wedding weekend would be their last hurrah in the Windy City, but with fun, Philly-flair. So on a sunny evening in June, Julia and Zack became husband and wife with the incredible Chicago skyline as their backdrop. Family and friends from Pennsylvania, Washington, Illinois and beyond were in attendance to cheer them on. Music is a huge part of their relationship. They bonded over singing and playing guitars together during COVID. So to honor their musical history, they wrote and performed a first song in lieu of a first dance. It was one of the best moments of the night with not a dry eye in the house. Another key moment came when Julia's siblings passed out 100 parasols and got the whole crowd hopping for the family's tradition of umbrella dancing with a wild appearance by Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot. Gritty broke it down on the dance floor while guests with umbrellas paraded around the room creating a colorful canopy. It was amazing to observe! Julia and Zack did such a great job making their wedding day unique, personal, and filled with family traditions. Congratulations!

AELO Alumni | Amanda + Matt, 6/20-22/25

PHOTOGRAPHY: HEAHTER COOK ELLIOTT | CATERING: CATERED BY DESIGN | WELCOME PARTY: KENILWORTH ASSEMBLY HALL | CEREMONY: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | RECEPTION: WOMEN’S CLUB OF EVANSTON | FLOWERS: MILLE FIORI | BAND: RENDEZVOUS, GREENLIGHT | VIDEO: WHOLEHEARTED FILMS | BAGPIPING: CHICALBA | STYLING: BEAUTY BY ANN KRAUSE | CAKES: DEERFIELD’S BAKERY

What an incredible weekend with incredible families! Amanda + Matt are just the sweetest humans on earth, and that’s because they were raised by the sweetest humans on earth. Amanda’s mom and dad had a hefty hand in planning their wonderful weekend experience, and we were delighted to work with them.

From the Packers cake at the Welcome Party to the bloody Mary’s at the Sunday brunch, every minute was a joy. It was so fun getting to know Amanda and Matt and their beautiful families. The vintage touches were EVERYTHING.

Congratulations to two wonderful people! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.