REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 2/25/26 Carolyn Johnson 2/25/26

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

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.

Carolyn Johnson 2/20/26 Carolyn Johnson 2/20/26

Freddie Collier Studio creates unique touches to complete your wedding day look!

From opera, to drag, and now fashion, Freddie Collier has always been a bit dramatic! His latest artistic endeavors at Freddie Collier Studio find him shaking up the formalwear industry one piece of silver at a time. Early last year, he began releasing a line of hand-sculpted sterling silver bow ties that are just as at home walking down the aisle as they are walking the red carpet. This year he is expanding his offerings to include wedding party packages featuring personalized cufflinks, tie bars, bracelets, and choker necklaces. If you'd like to find out more you can stop by his studio in the Bridgeport Art Center or visit his website

black woman in black ball gown wearing sterling silver bow tie necklace by Freddie Collier Studio

white man wearing sterling silver bow tie in black tux by Freddie Collier studio

white blonde woman wears a sterling silver bow necklace by freddie collier studio in a black gown

white man's hand attaches a sterling silver cufflink to white shirt by Freddie Collier Studio

We absolutely love his work and know our unique couples would appreciate any addition of his to their wedding day!

Carolyn Johnson 2/18/26 Carolyn Johnson 2/18/26

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

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.

Carolyn Johnson 2/11/26 Carolyn Johnson 2/11/26

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!

Carolyn Johnson 2/4/26 Carolyn Johnson 2/4/26

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

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!