"Every wedding is a living story—a collection of moments that reflect a couple’s love, their journey, and the future they’re building together.”
As a wedding planner, I don’t just see a timeline or a checklist; I see the heartbeat of your celebration. It’s in the quiet, emotional exchanges before the ceremony, the joyous energy of your loved ones, and the personal touches that make your day unmistakably yours.
This section is dedicated to sharing a few of the beautiful stories I’ve been honored to be part of — because every wedding deserves to be celebrated, remembered, and cherished.
Katherine & Oscar
05.18.24 | Ovation | Chicago, IL
Favorite Wedding Day Moment:
When Katherine and her father did their dance to “Gangnam Style” and surprised everyone with an epic dance and costume change.
What I enjoyed most about the planning process:
The venue, Ovation, is a one-stop shop and made our planning so easy - they have really thought about how to work with vendors and couples and know the industry.
Reception: Ovation Chicago | Caterer: Cocina Fusion Catering | Photography: The Adamkovi | Florist: Flowerchild | Hair & Makeup: Elle Artistry | Balloon Display: WE Events Chicago | Cake: Bittersweet Pastry Shop | Mariachi: Mariachi Estrellas de Chicago
Elena & Jakub
09.23.23 | City Hall Events | Chicago, IL
When everyone started doing the Kalamatianos, a traditional Greek dance, and circled around all of City Hall Events, weaving between tables and everyone laughing. Even guests who didn’t know the dance were pulled in.
Favorite Wedding Day Moment:
What I enjoyed most about the planning process:
The couple had wonderful support from their family and I got to know so many of their people while working with them, as well as a great vendor team that worked seamlessly together.
Reception: City Hall Chicago Events | Photography: Megan Saul Photography | Caterer: Big Delicious Planet | Transportation: VIP Limousine | Cake: Oak Mill Bakery | Videography: Our Wedding Movie | Florist: Pinky Swear Studio Co | Hair & Makeup: Appease2you | Band: David Rothstein Music | Bride's Attire: Jenny Yoo NYC | Invitations: Empress Stationery
Shayna & Michael
12.18.21 | Marriott Marquis | Chicago, IL
Favorite Wedding Day Moment:
When they saw each other during the ceremony with the backdrop of Chicago behind them. They had been through so much to get to their wedding day and I was definitely emotional!
The couple really leaned into their values, working to ensure a safe celebration during a Covid surge, and brought in as many Black and/or woman owned small business vendors as possible.
Venue: Marriott Marquis Chicago | Cake: Molly’s Weddings | Photography: Lauren Ashley Studios | Live Streaming: Wedfuly | Florist: Steve's Flower Market | Hair: Hair by Nykia | Makeup: Enriched Beauty | Makeup: Henri Mitchelle Cosmetics | Hair: Extensions by Asia | DJ: Mattrix Music & Entertainment | Photo Booth: Markybooth | Coffee Favors: Chicago French Press | Groom's Attire: Agriculture | Bride's Attire: Evas Bridals, Fashion Nova | Alcohol: Love Cork Screw
What I enjoyed most about the planning process:
Dawna
& James
06.02.23 | Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe, IL
I really enjoyed spending the morning at the bride’s parents home, helping everyone get ready and making sure they were comfortable. Their family and friends were lovely and I was welcomed as part of the family!
Favorite Wedding Day Moment:
The couple were excited to incorporate Persian traditions as well as their own personal style and interests. We had a sofreh aghd, a traditional table of symbolic items that the family provided and we had to come up with a creative way to create the low table at the Botanic Garden.
Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden | Photo & Video: This Is Feeling | Lighting: Frost Chicago | Lounge Furniture: Elements Preserved | Transportation: Windy City Limousine | Cake: ECBG Studio | Florist: Firefly Events | Hair: Pinmeup Chicago | DJ: DJ Sultan | Live Music: Nite Hawks | Groom's Attire: Balani Custom | Bride's Attire: Belle Bridal Atelier | Custom portraits: Leslie Beck Design
What I enjoyed most about the planning process:
Alyssa & Nojan
07.01.23 | Community House |
Winnetka, IL
It was beautiful to see how much they cared about their friends and family. They were intentional about honoring their parents and they were so kind to each other.
Favorite Wedding Day Moment:
We had a shorter time frame to plan their wedding (3 months), and it was so fun to incorporate the Baha’i Faith aspects of the ceremony while also honoring their Persian and Filipino roots for the entire process. They had a great dance party and the best mocktails!
Reception: Community House Winnetka | Photography: Nancy Wong Photography | Ceremony: Bahai Temple North America | Catering: Catered By Design | Cake: The Baking Institute | Video & Live-streaming: Rhys Ladhani Media | Florist: YJ Decorating | Hair & Makeup: Hairs 2 the Bride | DJ: DJ Sultan | Ring: Koorosh Fine Design | Venue search: Chicago Northshore CVB
What I enjoyed most about the planning process:
Styled Shoot
October 2024 | Naperville Settlement | Naperville, IL
Sholeh Events organized a styled photoshoot at the historic Naper Settlement, a 13-acre outdoor museum in Naperville, to showcase its new reception space and inspire couples planning their weddings. Featuring two unique couples—a mature pair and a multicultural South Asian and White duo—the shoot celebrated diversity and timeless love.
The Birck Family Innovation Gateway, with floor-to-ceiling windows and seating for 150, was beautifully styled to complement the venue's historic charm. Century Memorial Chapel, with its Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass, added elegance. Local women-owned vendors contributed to this collaboration, highlighting the venue's adaptability for any love story.
Venue: Naper Settlement | Photographer: Kelsey Combe | Hair & Makeup: Refined Beauty Boutique | Floral: Exquisite Events & Floral Design | Table settings, chair rental: Funtime Services | Dessert Table & Cake: Le Chocolat du Bouchard | Bridal Attire: Bri'zan Couture | Groom Attire: Formally Modern | Invitation Suite/Signage: Kelly Reif Stationery Studio | Jewelry: Choudhary Jewels | Linens: Samantha's Event Linens
Styled Shoot | Naperville Settlement | Oct '24