REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 5/8/26 Carolyn Johnson 5/8/26

Leave engaged people alone!

They have so many decisions to make and the guest list is a huge one. They don’t know their budget yet, they don’t know where or when it is, and they definitely don’t know what they want yet.

Please. They have so many decisions to make and the guest list is a huge one. They don’t know their budget yet, they don’t know where or when it is, and they definitely don’t know what they want yet.

Leave them to plan! Tell them congratulations and never, ever ask them if you’re invited. Even if you’re the bestie, even if you’re family. Don’t. Ask. Let them enjoy their engagement.

Carolyn Johnson 5/6/26 Carolyn Johnson 5/6/26

What is the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding coordinator?

An Event Coordinator (that’s us) is NOT the same as a venue coordinator! And we LOVE our venue coordinators. But they don’t do what we do. If you want your event to run smoothly without running around yourself, we independent Event Coordinators are what you need. What do we do?

An Event Coordinator (that’s us) is NOT the same as a venue coordinator! And we LOVE our venue coordinators. But they don’t do what we do.

If you want your event to run smoothly without running around yourself, we independent Event Coordinators are what you need.

What’s the difference?

Venue coordinators are in charge of the building—making sure it’s open, making sure everything from the venue is correct. That can include chairs and tables, but not always, lighting, temperature, bathrooms, etc.

What about us? We:

🩷 Lead the vendor team, including the venue coordinator! It’s a collaborative effort.

🩷 Create the full wedding day timeline, from styling to the end of the night

🩷 Contact all of your vendors and are the POC for them, so we’re all on the same page

🩷 Make sure all of your deliveries come correct and fix them if they don’t

🩷 Are a one stop shop for you—ask us anything and we’ll get the answer! You don’t have to wonder who to ask.

🩷 Manage the flow of the day, fix logistical issues, and handle the rare emergency

🩷 Make sure you EAT.

🩷 Make sure that everyone is ready for every event from the ceremony to the family dances to a surprise flash mob

🩷 Set up your personal items and pack them up at the end of the night.

But mostly, we protect your peace, making sure you have little moments to be alone and you stay worry-free and can enjoy the day you’ve been planning for so long

Carolyn Johnson 4/22/26 Carolyn Johnson 4/22/26

AELO Alumni | Becca + Nina, 11/15/25

The cutest wedding with the most FUN group of folks! And somehow the perfect weather for an outdoor cocktail hour - in November. From matching tuxes and doc loafers, the adorable ceremony with live music (from one of the marriers!), to a flower crown for the pup, I had the best time coordinating & being a part of Becca + Nina's wedding. Thanks for letting me end the night in the middle of the dance circle scream singing Pink Pony Club, it's where I belong ;)

two brides in a white suit and a green suit walk down a street in chicago walking their dog

Carolyn Johnson 4/17/26 Carolyn Johnson 4/17/26

Do you want to DIY your wedding arch?

If you want to make your own arch for your big day, that is totally fine. But you MUST ask yourself some questions! It can get complicated fast.

a gold circular wedding arch in front of white drapes with blue, pink, and white flowers on the top and bottom. greenery lines the floor in front of it. — Fox + Ivory Photography

If you want to make your own arch for your big day, that is totally fine. But you MUST ask yourself some questions!

Do you have to build it before the day? If not, how long does it take? Add half an hour to any estimare you come up with.
Who has the vehicle space to haul a completed arch?
How much stuff do you need to build it? Zip ties, pool noodles, fake flowers?
Can you bring it to the venue beforehand?
Who is going to set it up?
Does it need to be taken down after the ceremony? Who will have the time and do that?
Who is going to move it if you want it at the reception?
Can you preserve whatever is attached or will it be ruined when taken apart?
How do you keep it nice so it can be reused?
Who is taking it down at the end of the night? Who is hauling it away?

This is the kind of thing that seems easy and will save money, but you HAVE to think through all the logistics so that you don’t stress yourself out.

And if you hire a coordinator, make sure they will build arches!

Carolyn Johnson 4/15/26 Carolyn Johnson 4/15/26

AELO Alumni | Lizzie + Brady, 11/1/25

Congratulations Lizzie and Bradyl! It was such a treat to celebrate with this sweet couple on a beautiful fall day at the Greenhouse Loftl This wedding had it all - gorgeous decor (most of it created by the bride and her mother!), a touching ceremony and an unforgettable day filled with lots and lots of love. We are so happy for Lizzie and Brady and wish them a lifetime of happiness.