REAL WEDDINGS, REAL TALK

Carolyn Johnson 3/16/20 Carolyn Johnson 3/16/20

AELO Alumni | Courtney + Greg, 10/5/19

What a night! Courtney + Greg braved some serious rain, were champions when it came to the rain plan, and also had one of the sweetest first looks of all time. These two sweethearts have the best family and friends surrounding them, and we loved being a part of their day. The vows they wrote themselves brought us all to tears and that dry ice during their first dance? Completely magical.

Congratulations, you beauties! We know you’re going to have an amazing life together!

Carolyn Johnson 6/10/19 Carolyn Johnson 6/10/19

AELO Alumni | Lauren + Brian, 12/8/18

It was definitely the "most wonderful time of the year" for Lauren and Brian last December. Lauren, a labor and delivery nurse, met Brian, a principal, through Brian's aunt. They were set up on a blind date and the rest is history! These two amazing human beings got married at the historic St. Michael's in Old Town. With the intricate details of the church in the background, Lauren and Brian's closest friends and family watched as they exchanged vows. Brian's aunt, who set them up, was even the flower girl!

The Chicago Cultural Center set the stage for a night of fun and dancing. Of course it was fitting that they entered their reception to the song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". The speeches did not disappoint either. From the Father of the Bride speech filled with sound effects to the reminiscent speech from the maids of honor, laughter and tears filled the room! It was a spectacular evening for a spectacular couple! Congratulations Lauren and Brian!

Carolyn Johnson 4/29/19 Carolyn Johnson 4/29/19

AELO Alumni | Karen + John, 9/29/18

What a memorable evening we had with Karen and John! These two are so sweet and fun and their wedding reflected those personalities perfectly. From a show stopping fan dance to “Sisters” from White Christmas performed by the bride’s sisters to the bouncing dance floor (literally— you could feel wood floors move when then dancing got ca-razy), to a server getting down with wedding guests on said dance floor. If Karen and John’s wedding is any indication of how they will spend the rest of their lives, it will be filled with style, fun, and a lot of laughter together.

Carolyn Johnson 7/10/17 Carolyn Johnson 7/10/17

AELO Alumni | Sandi + Mike, 1/7/17

On a cold January afternoon, Sandi and Mike happily took their wedding vows to become husband and wife. Despite the chill outside, a major party heated up at Salvage One shortly afterward that was perfectly personalized and colorful. The bride's aunt provided the gorgeous florals, the groom handmade several amazing art pieces like a replica of the iconic Chicago Theatre sign, two gigantic sugar skull wood pieces and a "love" lettered sign that lit up and complimented Salvage One's eclectic atmosphere. The reception was moving as well with a touching moment of silence and prayer for Sandi's grandfather who had passed away just days before, an outstanding performance by their mariachi band and dancing galore. This wedding is one to remember!

Carolyn Johnson 3/20/17 Carolyn Johnson 3/20/17

AELO Alumni | Christi + Rob, 9/17/16

This absolutely stunning couple had the most beautiful day in September! Rain threatened all week, but we are having some amazing luck with Mother Nature this year. An emotional ceremony at the St. James Chapel was followed by dinner and dancing at the Newberry Library, and led by David Rothstein Band, the dance floor was packed from start to finish! As a super sweet touch, their families snapped a couple of photos at the ceremony, went to Walgreens, had them printed and framed, and they joined the bevy of family wedding photos displayed at the reception. We loved that!

We had such a wonderful time with these two sweethearts. Christi and Rob, we know you are going to have a long and happy life together! Cheers!