REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 2/6/17 Carolyn Johnson 2/6/17

AELO Alumni | Sarah + Tom, 9/10/16

VENUE: RAVENSWOOD EVENT CENTER | FLORIST: STEMLINE CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY: TASHA SCHALK, REDWALL PHOTO | DJ: CAGE AND AQUARIUM

A donut and ice cream bar, an abundance of Harry Potter references, fascinators and a special choreographed first dance. What more could you want? Sarah and Tom had such a fun and entertaining wedding! These two know how to put on a great party. From the beautiful ceremony, which included readings from Princess Bride and the Sara Bareilles song, "I Choose You", to the fish and chips and mac and cheese croquets for a midnight snack. These two put so much effort into their big day to make it special for everyone involved. This was more than the joining of two families, it was a joining of countries and cultures. With Sarah being from the US and Tom being from England, there were many great stories and memories shared among friends and family. Tom's great-grandmothers wedding shoes even made an appearance at the wedding. This special tradition has been carried on through the Bakker family and was a special added touch to the already amazing décor. We are so glad that you both found your lobster! Best of luck in your marriage, Sarah and Tom!

Carolyn Johnson 12/19/16 Carolyn Johnson 12/19/16

AELO Alumni | Vanessa + Rene, 7/23/16

What a night. What a couple. We had so much fun with Vanessa and Rene! These two fantastic people finally said their vows in front of everyone they love after ten years of dating! Everything was absolutely perfect, despite the boiling heat and the cocktail hour thunderstorm. Ovation was the perfect venue for Pollen's flowy romantic flowers, and Real Kitchen provided an excellent meal. Then they salsa'd the night away! Excellent party, amazing couple, and a room full of love. Congratulations, you two! Check out Erin Hoyt's work, beautiful as always.

Carolyn Johnson 9/12/16 Carolyn Johnson 9/12/16

AELO Alumni | Kristen + Brian, 6/17/16

VENUE: GALLERIA MARCHETTI | PHOTOGRAPHY: CRISTINA G PHOTO | BAND: TVK ORCHESTRA | CAKE: BITTERSWEET BAKERY | FLOWERS: MARIANO'S

Such wonderful people. Such incredible weather. And that DRESS. Kristen and Brian got married in June on the most beautiful day surrounded by their closest friends and relatives. It was such a relaxed, happy time, and their little touches from Up were so incredibly sweet. We loved the simple flowers and gorgeous neutrals, but most of all, we loved getting to be a part of this beautiful couple's love story. Congratulations, you two! We know you'll have a lifetime of adventures together!

Carolyn Johnson 4/11/16 Carolyn Johnson 4/11/16

AELO Alumni | Alicia + Brandt 8/22/15

AELO met Alicia through the American Cancer Society, when we all came together to work on the Black and White Ball, so we were thrilled when she asked us to coordinate her wedding! The theme was "Old Chicago" and it didn't disappoint. The beauty of the old St. James Chapel set the tone. The dark tones of the stained glass windows and the melodic tones from choir, which was comprised of close friends of the bride, helped add to the feel. The theme continued at the historical and magnificent Germania place. Alicia and Brandt were gloriously in love, and we were so proud to be a part of her day!

Carolyn Johnson 12/30/15 Carolyn Johnson 12/30/15

AELO Alumni | Meghan + Rob 8/15/15

After dating for nearly ten years after they met at Notre Dame, Meghan knew exactly what she wanted her wedding day to look and feel like and it all came to beautiful fruition on August 15th when she and Rob took their vows in a formal Catholic ceremony at Mary of Vernon Church. At the reception, held at the ornate Cuneo Mansion & Gardens, guests were allowed to wander the rooms of the historic mansion during cocktail hour which was followed by dinner and dancing in the grand ballroom that was bathed in candlelight and romantic blush and cream flowers arranged by Fred Heroman, the groom’s uncle.