They know all the best vendors in Chicago and are prompt communicators, sympathetic and charming, and super flexible. ... In fact, we felt like both Amy and Carolyn were more like friends than folks we’d hired by the end of things. I couldn’t recommend wedding planners in general enough, for sanity’s sake, but Carolyn and Amy in particular are incredible. You won’t regret hiring them.
-Kate + Gabby (Jasper Chung Photo)
FULL SERVICE PLANNING
Our customized and comprehensive event production services are unparalleled. You'll collaborate with Founders and Senior Consultants Amy + Carolyn to put together each detail, large and small; you will benefit from their years of experience and wealth of great relationships with area vendors. AELO plans weddings, family parties, festivals, corporate fundraisers, murder mysteries, mitzvahs, and more! Beginning at $8,900, includes Event Management.
EVENT MANAGEMENT
We used to call this Day of Coordination, but it is so much more than that. You’ve booked all your vendors, and now it's time for each of the details you've carefully selected to come together flawlessly, executed by professionals. Our experienced team jumps in during the months before your event to handle everything, giving you peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience of your vision coming to life. Beginning at $2600.
A LA CARTE PLANNING
This truly flexible, customizable package can be applied to any number of services related to event planning and design. You'll work closely with a Senior Event Consultant to choose the combination of services which best fits your needs, at a cost that fits your budget. Beginning at $500, does not include Event Management.
VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
Schedule a virtual meeting with owners of AELO, Amy Nolan and Carolyn Johnson, and get expert advice for your event in under two hours! After talking through all of your ideas, you will receive notes from your meeting with Amy and Carolyn so you don't forget a thing. Get a head start on your planning process and feel calmer as soon as you hang up. $900 flat fee.
We are proud to announce that AELO has been selected as a 2025 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples on The Knot.”
FAQ
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While each package has a base price, our contract is tailored to your specific event. Once we land on a contract, it will never change, unless you decide to add services (i.e. adding vendor recommendations to a Day of Coordination contract). Shoot us an inquiry for package details!
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If you’re deciding between two, we’re always happy to give our opinion! We have lots of those. But if you want tailored, detailed vendor recommendations based on your budget and desired outcome, our A La Carte package is well worth the investment.
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Absolutely not! Our team puts in a lot of hours preparing for your event to ensure you have a perfect day. We are preparing your timeline and all supporting documents months in advance, communicating with your vendors, leading your venue walk through and other meetings, keeping you on track, and tying together all the loose ends. We care deeply about giving you the best day ever, and that means being prepared for everything!
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Any time between 2 years and 2 months before your event! We’ve always said we can plan a wedding in a week if all your vendors are available and we’d happily accept that challenge.
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We love Venue Coordinators! They are invaluable to us. Ultimately, their job is the space. They are overseeing the use of the venue, the safety of the guests, etc. Our job is you. An AELO Coordinator will be focused on the plan you’ve made together and the moments that matter to you, and we coordinate the whole day, not just when you get to the venue.
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Absolutely not, and we never will. Our Recommended Vendor list is built from many years of working with great people, and wanting to recommend them to our clients. That’s all there is to it!
AELO Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
For 16 years, AELO has been part of hundreds of incredible events celebrating all cultures, creeds, and identities. Our team takes pride in respecting everyone we come across.
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion–these are not just words to us. We have actively worked to reach out to, and celebrate, marginalized groups. We welcome all people as clients and industry partners. Your identity will be respected and celebrated. We are committed to being a safe vendor for all who want to plan a special event.