REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Katie + Matthew, 11/1/25

Katie and Matthew’s celebration was truly unforgettable. Their ceremony took place in the historic Mayfair Theater, where the timeless decor and incredible acoustics created the perfect setting for their harpist and heartfelt vows. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the 2nd floor, surrounded by fascinating artifacts and unique decor that sparked conversation and added to the venue’s charm. The evening continued in the elegant Erin Room, where Katie and Matthew danced the night away with their family and friends. It was a beautiful celebration filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

A groom in a white tuxedo and a bride in a mermaid gown kiss in front of their large, cheering bridal party who wear black gowns and black tuxes

VENUE: IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER | PHOTOGRAPHER: THE INDI COLLECTIVE | DECOR: SATIN CHAIR | FOOD: LA VILLA BANQUETS | HARPIST: LAURA UTLEY | STYLING: HAIRS 2 THE BRIDE | DESSERT: BUDDY’S CARTS AND CATERING | DJ: CHARIZMA MARZ

Katie and Matthew’s celebration was truly unforgettable. Their ceremony took place in the historic Mayfair Theater, where the timeless decor and incredible acoustics created the perfect setting for their harpist and heartfelt vows. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the 2nd floor, surrounded by fascinating artifacts and unique decor that sparked conversation and added to the venue’s charm. The evening continued in the elegant Erin Room, where Katie and Matthew danced the night away with their family and friends. It was a beautiful celebration filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

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Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Marisa + Declan, 10/31/25

Marisa and Declan’s Halloween wedding was the perfect blend of romance, personality, and seasonal charm. The fall day couldn’t have been more beautiful—crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the city skyline framing their heartfelt “I dos.” Their personalized vows had everyone laughing, capturing the sweet and playful essence of their relationship. Thoughtful nods to Halloween added a fun twist, from festive candy treats to a themed photo booth that guests couldn’t get enough of. One of the most memorable moments came when Marisa and Declan cut their cake using her grandfather’s Marine saber—a touching tribute to his memory and service. As the night went on, the celebration only grew livelier, with the dance floor packed from start to finish—a true reflection of the love and joy that filled the day.

VENUE: CAFE BRAUER | CATERER: TIGER LILY | PHOTOGRAPHY: EMMA MULLINS PHOTO | CAKE: BITTERSWEET | DJ: TOAST AND JAM | MAKEUP: JOANNA B ARTISTRY | HAIR: TAMARA HOLDEN | FLORALS: FLOWERS BY STEM | DESSERTS: MINDY’S BAKERY | TRANSPORTATION: CHICAGO SIGNATURE LIMO

Marisa and Declan’s Halloween wedding was the perfect blend of romance, personality, and seasonal charm. The fall day couldn’t have been more beautiful—crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the city skyline framing their heartfelt “I dos.” Their personalized vows had everyone laughing, capturing the sweet and playful essence of their relationship. Thoughtful nods to Halloween added a fun twist, from festive candy treats to a themed photo booth that guests couldn’t get enough of. One of the most memorable moments came when Marisa and Declan cut their cake using her grandfather’s Marine saber—a touching tribute to his memory and service. As the night went on, the celebration only grew livelier, with the dance floor packed from start to finish—a true reflection of the love and joy that filled the day.

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Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Patrice + John, 10/4/25

Patrice and John’s wedding was nothing short of spectacular—a celebration as warm and joyful as the unseasonably sunny October day it fell on. Set against the stunning Chicago skyline, the rooftop of Lacuna Lofts provided the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt vows. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour as the sun dipped below the city. After dinner, guests were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with energy, laughter, and nonstop dancing. The David Rothstein Band kept the dance floor packed all night long, while sunglasses and glow sticks added a playful touch to the party vibe. It was a night that perfectly captured Patrice and John’s fun-loving spirit and the love for their family and friends.

bride and groom clutch each other during their first look on a rooftop in downtown chicago

Stephanie Pana Photography

VENUE: LACUNA ARTIST LOFTS | CATERER: LM CATERING | PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE PANA | FLORALS: STEVE’S FLOWER MARKET | BAND: DAVID ROTHSTEIN MUSIC | STYLING: THE BRIDAL BEAUTY TEAM | TRANSPORTATION: AMERICAN COACH LIMOUSINE

Patrice and John’s wedding was nothing short of spectacular—a celebration as warm and joyful as the unseasonably sunny October day it fell on. Set against the stunning Chicago skyline, the rooftop of Lacuna Lofts provided the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt vows. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour as the sun dipped below the city. After dinner, guests were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with energy, laughter, and nonstop dancing. The David Rothstein Band kept the dance floor packed all night long, while sunglasses and glow sticks added a playful touch to the party vibe. It was a night that perfectly captured Patrice and John’s fun-loving spirit and the love for their family and friends.

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Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Addie + Julia, 10/25/25

What a wonderful day with two of the most wonderful people. Addie + Julia are kind, inspiring, and so fun-loving. Addie had a clear vision for the day and it was an honor to execute and be a part of. We got the most incredible skies on Rosewood Beach and it was a touching ceremony followed by a night of a packed dance floor! The Drs. Baird are so in love and surrounded by an incredible community. What a beautiful night of celebration. Congratulations to two wonderful human beings. We know you (and the cats, of course) will have a beautiful life together!

CEREMONY: ROSEWOOD BEACH | RECEPTION: TOWNE + OAK | PHOTOGRAPHER: KATE SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY | FLORALS: SAVILLE FLOWERS | CHARCUTERIE: THE CHEESE MAVEN | DJ: STYLEMATTERS | LINENS: BBJ LA TAVOLA | TRANSPORTATION: WINDY CITY LIMOUSINE | STYLING: JEN BROWN MAKEUP | CHAIRS: CASTLE PARTY RENTALS | PIES: DEERFIELD’S BAKERY | CAKE: DEFLOURED

What a wonderful day with two of the most wonderful people. Addie + Julia are kind, inspiring, and so fun-loving. Addie had a clear vision for the day and it was an honor to execute and be a part of. We got the most incredible skies on Rosewood Beach and it was a touching ceremony followed by a night of a packed dance floor! The Drs. Baird are so in love and surrounded by an incredible community. What a beautiful night of celebration. Congratulations to two wonderful human beings. We know you (and the cats, of course) will have a beautiful life together!

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Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson Real Wedding Carolyn Johnson

AELO Alumni | Devon + Brian, 9/26/25

What a perfect day. The sun was shining on Devon + Brian! These two wonderful guys had so much fun celebrating their love in hockey jerseys. They chose beautiful fall colors to go with the gorgeous lanterns they made, and the Korean food from Hearty Boys was delicious. From their emotional vows to the gorgeous first dance, it was love and sarcasm and joy. Congratulations, you two! You’re perfect for each other.

VENUE: GREENHOUSE LOFT | PHOTOGRAPHY: SPRUNG PHOTO | CATERING: HEARTY BOYS | DJ: MARGOT, STYLEMATTERS | FLOWERS: VIP EVENTS AND DECOR 

What a perfect day. The sun was shining on Devon + Brian! These two wonderful guys had so much fun celebrating their love in hockey jerseys. They chose beautiful fall colors to go with the gorgeous lanterns they made, and the Korean food from Hearty Boys was delicious. From their emotional vows to the gorgeous first dance, it was love and sarcasm and joy. Congratulations, you two! You’re perfect for each other.

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