AELO Alumni | Michael + Thomas 8/8/15

VENUE: W HOTEL | PHOTOGRAPHY: CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS | FLORIST: EXQUISITE DESIGNS | CAKE: ALLIANCE BAKERY 

Quite possibly the most adorable couple of ALL TIME. Michael and Thomas planned a beautiful wedding, and we absolutely loved it. M&T was the theme, and they did a "Who's the Bride?" contest, which Michael won by a landslide! And the Polaroids used for voting were priceless. Their choreographed dance with LIFTS had everyone in the room cheering, and we were just so happy to be a part of this incredible day! The staff of the W, the vendors, the couple...everything about it was just wonderful. We wish M&T a lifetime of happiness!

Flashback Friday | Jill + Kevin 6/17/12

VENUE: CAFE BRAUER | CATERER: TIGER LILY | FLORIST: ASHLAND ADDISON | CAKE: AMY BECK | DJ: TOAST & JAM | PHOTOGRAPY: WEDDING CREATIVO

These two celebrated their anniversary six months ago, and we can't believe it's been three and a half years! And they've got the cutest, sweetest little boy named Owen. We're so happy they're so happy, and are loving reliving their day.

AELO Design | Ciara Says

Very exciting news! Our creative and wonderful Event Design Consultant, Ciara Kentner, is going to be sharing her ideas and talent with you once a month here on the AELO Blog! Please enjoy her tips and ideas, and Contact Us to book her for your event!

How to Ask Your Bestie to be Your Maid of Honor

I never questioned who I would have as my Maid of Honor …the question was HOW would I ask her. I am a very creative person. With that, I find the need to cover every detail on any project I am working on.  We are having a destination wedding in Mexico so my fiancé and I decided to each have one person each stand up with us. He decided on his best friend and I decided on my best friend. This was an easy decision for the both of us, done and done. 

As most guys do, they keep serious conversation simple and to the point. I wasn’t involved in the asking of the best man but I’m positive there were beers and one shot (probably more) of liquor. Hey, to each their own! 

This is where it gets cute. My best friend and I live over an hour away from each other and we both work so meeting up easily isn’t an option. I thought about surprising her for dinner or just a quick FaceTime session. That didn’t give me the “feels” so I opted for a box of treasures. We have had a lot of fun times together and we both know each other very well so filling the treasure box was easy and so fun!

I used scrapbook paper for the background of the poem to give it a nice touch. Silver and gold metallic filler made the box pop with fun and her cat thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Off to the post office I went to bubble wrap and box it up! I had the box tracked via text messaging so as soon as the box arrived I let her know to call. I got antsy pants and FaceTimed immediately. 

She opened the box, pawed through, got to the poem and well…she cried. The girl who doesn’t cry, cried. Mission accomplished. 

The treasure box contained the following items: 

• Glow sticks and a glow wand (We were avid EDM followers for a few summers, so very appropriate)
• Sunscreen. Obviously a necessity for the Mexico sun!
• Nail polish (Essie Topless and Barefoot)
• Maracas. Self explanatory
• Ceramic ring dish with a plastic light up diamond ring!
• Small notebook journal with her first initial on the front
• Framed hand drawn photo of a bride and bridesmaid
• And last but not least, a poem.

I often get ideas from Pinterest, Etsy, and blogs on the Internet. I’ll list some of my favorite blogs below, check them out! 

 The Sweetest Occasion

 Style Me Pretty

 Ruffled

 Lauren Conrad

Treasure box items purchased from:

Target, TJ Maxx, Michael's, Party City, Etsy

AELO Alumni | Lauren + Brian 9/5/15

VENUE: CITY VIEW LOFT | CATERING: LM RESTAURANT | PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTOPHER FOLTZ | FLORIST: OH MY! FLORAL | BAND: MAGGIE SPEAKS | CEREMONY MUSIC: PARKWEST STRINGS | HAIR & MAKEUP: REBELLIOUS BEAUTY SALON | SWEETS & CAKE: DINKEL'S BAKERY

We absolutely loved working with Lauren and Brian! A laid back couple who knew exactly what they wanted, they had an gorgeous wedding day in September. We loved planning with them from day one, and with the awesome vendors, had a great time coordinating their day. Lauren was stunning, Brian was handsome, and their guests danced the night away to the awesome sounds of Maggie Speaks. Such a fun time.

Congratulations, you guys! We're so happy for you!

Flashback Friday | Jessica + Nate 5/3/14

Photographer: Katie Derus | Ceremony: St. Joseph’s Wilmette | Reception: Women’s Club of Evanston | Caterer: Froggy’s | Florist: MilleFiori | Band: Mark Little Band | Photo Booth: Music 4 Life

Katie Derus Photography captured Jessica and Nate’s day flawlessly! These two cuties from North Carolina had a beautiful day in May to get hitched, and we absolutely loved being a part of it. It was wonderful to witness how in love they were and how much fun they have together.