REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 12/5/16 Carolyn Johnson 12/5/16

AELO Alumni | Sarah + Ben, 7/22/16

VENUE: PINSTRIPES | PHOTOGRAPHER: JOLIE IMAGES | CUPCAKES: COURAGEOUS BAKERY | DJ & PHOTOBOOTH: EXTREME SOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT | VIDEOGRAPHY: ARMOR ENTERPRISES

For a couple who has been together since they met in high school and who have already started a family (think: beautiful little red headed flower girls who look EXACTLY like their mama), Sarah and Ben were both nervous balls of energy before their wedding ceremony; they were so eager to marry one another! They took their vows on one of the hottest days of the year this July at Pinstripes in Oak Brook, a fitting location as they had their first date at a bowling alley. This was followed by a delicious family-style dinner, heartfelt speeches that had us in tears, and dance floor that didn’t stop until the very end of the night. Sarah and Ben were the sweetest, most appreciative couple; they put so much effort into their homemade centerpieces, favors, and décor. It was lovely to set it all up and help their special day come together. Congratulations “love birds”!

Carolyn Johnson 11/28/16 Carolyn Johnson 11/28/16

AELO Alumni | Jeanne + Dan, 6/4/16

VENUE: THE REVIVAL THEATER | CATERING: THE NILE | PHOTOGRAPHER: JPP STUDIOS | PHOTOGBOOTH + DJ: AWESOME DJS | BAKERY: SUGAR LOAF

A comedy club was the perfect setting for this Chicago teacher and Chicago cop to get married. Not only do these two love to make each other laugh, Jeanne, the bride, is a comedian as well. This fun, easy going couple actually knew each other as kids and reconnected later as adults. This wedding had a relaxed atmosphere filled with laughter, dancing, and great food. Congratulations Jeanne and Dan!

Carolyn Johnson 11/21/16 Carolyn Johnson 11/21/16

AELO Alumni | Rachel + Michael, 6/25/16

The adorable Rachel and Mike celebrated their big day at City Winery on a lovely summer day. Their beautiful courtyard ceremony was filled with love and light and as always Toast & Jam got everyone on their feet during the reception. Congratulations, we wish you all the best!

Carolyn Johnson 11/18/16 Carolyn Johnson 11/18/16

CAWC Wishlist Drive

CAWC Drive

December 11th |3pm - 5pm

The Long Room - 1612 W. Irving Park

Below is the Holiday Wishlist for the CAWC Drive. We hope to see you there!

Children and Teens
Board games
Kid movies (nonviolent)
Basketball, football, soccer balls
Lego sets
Educational workbook
Toiletries
Body wash
Shampoo and conditioner
Hand sanitizer
Deodorant (men/women)
Hair products
Laundry detergent

Household items
Pillows
Blankets
Sheets (twin size)
Outlet covers
Blue-ray DVD player
Blender
Industrial coffee maker
Kitchen knives
Underwear/undergarments
Thermal underpants and shirts (women and children)
Socks (women and children)
Underwear (women and children)

Winter Gear
Hats, gloves, and scarves
Fleece sweaters (all sizes)
Baby
Diapers up to size 6
Baby wipes & baby wash
Training cups
Baby bottles (No BPA)

Art Supplies
Craft sets
Paint and paint brushes
Jewelry-making sets
Sewing kits

Self-Care
Makeup kits
Nail polish & manicure set
Beauty gift sets
Body spray and perfumes
Planners/agendas
Movie passes
Gift cards
Reading material related to self-care, meditation, etc. (in both Spanish & English)
Essential oils (Rosemary, Lavender, Neroli, Marjoram, Ylang-Ylang, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Carrier)
Yoga mats (new)
Journals (women and children)
Slippers (women and children)
Transit Cards

An Event Less Ordinary is partnering with the Long Room to collect donations for Connections for Abused Women and their Children. With your help, we can make the Holiday Season a great one for many women and children affected by domestic violence, and we hope to see you all on December 11th!

Please stop by the Long Room on Sunday, December 11th from 3pm to 5pm to drop off donations from their Holiday Wishlist, below.

The Long Room will also be donating a percentage of the profits, so please stop by for a drink or two if you don't have a physical item!

f you can't make it to the drive itself or aren't in the area but would still like to donate items or make a monetary donation, please contact Carolyn Johnson at carolyn.faith@gmail.com to arrange or drop off or pick up! Please make checks payable to CAWC.

Connections for Abused Women and their Children, formerly Chicago Abused Women Coalition, is committed to ending domestic violence. Using a self-help, empowerment approach, he provide a shelter for women and children, and counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence. he work for social change through education, service collaboration and institutional advocacy.

For those that have never experienced domestic violence, it is difficult to imagine what the Holiday Season is like for individuals who are victims. A time of year for celebrating family and unconditional love for mankind can become a dreaded season filled with fear and hopelessness for many. With your help, we can make this holiday season into one of great hope for these individuals. Scroll down to read one of the many stories of newfound hope.

To learn more, please visit http://www.cawc.org/

Carolyn Johnson 11/14/16 Carolyn Johnson 11/14/16

AELO Alumni | Garrett + Minda, 8/24/16

What an incredible day. After rain threatened, we ended up with sunshine and warmth (and a lot of humidity). Garrett and Minda tied the knot at the glorious Redfield Estate in August. It was an incredibly emotional ceremony followed by delicious hors d'oeuvres, an excellent buffet of Chicago style hot dogs and Italian beef, and an awesome dance party! Minda's father made the cutest photobooth, the Rocky theme played during their first kiss, and let's just bask in the glory that was Minda's dresses. What a queen. Candice Cusic captured their day so beautifully, up until they left in the vintage Rolls Royce.

We wish these two beautiful people a happy and long life together!