Aimee and Corey’s wedding at The Wellsley was the kind of family-oriented celebration that instantly warms the room. Simple yet creative, joyful, and overflowing with sentimental moments, their October day felt like an intimate gathering of everyone who mattered most.
The morning began at Blush and Braids Beauty Bar, where Aimee, her twin sisters (both serving as her maids of honor!), bridesmaids, and her sweet niece all got ready together. The atmosphere was full of laughter as the team created soft, polished beauty looks. When Everly Collective arrived to photograph, the pre-ceremony excitement was captured in some gorgeous detail shots.
Across town at the JW Marriott Chicago, Corey and his groomsmen gathered in his suite for lunch and preparation. With his brother as his best man and their close-knit group at his side, it was clear just how important family is to both the bride and groom.
One of the most personal touches of the entire day came from Aimee herself who crocheted her own bridal bouquet!
The first looks took place at the JW Marriott — first with Aimee’s father on the grand staircase, then with Corey in the privacy of his suite, followed by emotional private vows shared between just the two of them. The wedding party then boarded the Windy City Limo sprinter and headed to the Chicago Cultural Center for portraits before heading toward The Wellsley for the ceremony.
Inside the Main Hall, the room was set with thoughtful touches and personal details. Guests were welcomed with music by Party Vibe Online, creating the perfect backdrop as they took their seats for the ceremony.
The ceremony, officiated by a close family friend, was heartfelt and warm. Each moment was full of gentle humor and genuine emotion. Immediately afterward, guests flowed into the Atrium for cocktails while Aimee and Corey finished up family portraits with Everly Collective.
Before joining the celebration, the couple enjoyed a quiet moment in the upstairs lounge — complete with their signature drinks (an espresso martini for Aimee and a Boulevardier for Corey). It was a sweet pause in an otherwise joyfully full day.
The delicious dinner was served to all guests by Beyond Catering. The toasts were especially sentimental: from the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, Aimee’s twin sisters, and Corey’s brother. Each speech was heartfelt, emotional, and rooted deeply in family history and love.
Before opening up the dance floor, Aimee and her father shared a deeply touching dance to a recording of the two of them singing “Butterfly Fly Away” from a childhood talent show bringing tears to guests and staff alike. 
Everly Collective
From there, Party Vibe Online kept the dance floor full all night. Guests enjoyed donuts from Country Donuts, snapped photos in the Pixster booth, and later discovered an unannounced after-party waiting upstairs in The Wellsley’s Lounge with Portillo’s late-night delivery for those still looking for a snack.
For Jennifer and the Five Grain Events team, this day was the perfect example of seamless coordination behind the scenes. Aimee and Corey were low-maintenance, joyfully present, and focused entirely on celebrating with their loved ones. Our job was to make sure every detail stayed on track. From resolving a missing table situation (quickly remedied!) to overseeing transportation, vendor timing, and room flips we ensured the couple didn’t have to worry about a thing.
Aimee and Corey, thank you for choosing Five Grain Events to help bring your celebration to life. We were honored to have been a part of every moment.