Happy Monday! 

I’m so excited to deliver boat loads of pretty this week! Three weddings in three weeks, and I’ve got the photos to prove it :)

Meet Jen and Nick. Aren’t they handsome!? These two are totally giddy over each other and it was so special to be a part of their day. I got the bridal party feeling fancy at Hotel Lincon alongside Shannon O’Brien falsifying lashes! And of course, the above photos wouldn’t be so breathtaking if not taken by Emilia Jane Photograhy

Congratulations Jen and Nick, can’t wait for Sammy to get home so we can have a double date! 

XO
AJ 

Happy Thursday! Meet Shannon O’Brien. Between her amazing cheekbones and super warm personality, you will fall in love with her. Shannon is a crazy talented make-up artist, (I seriously never wanted to wash off my smokey eyes), and the blogger behind Cheap Frills and Thrills. 
XOAJ
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FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE AISLELet’s be honest.  Not all runway makeup is wearable in an every day situation - let alone your wedding day.  Being recently engaged mysef, I can’t really picture myself wearing THIS on possibly the most photographed day of my life.  What is a trendy-loving bride to do?!  Fear not my fashion-forward brides!  I have sifted through the internet and found some looks from SS13 that easily translate from the runway to the aisle.1.  LUSCIOUS LASHES -  Easily one of my favorite looks.  Lashes are an instant way to boost the emphasis on your eyes without having to sacrifice the look of being soft and fresh.  The best part is that they can be used with ANY look you go for on your big day. 2.  TROPICAL POUT - A new spin on a classic red.  Try pushing your favorite bright lip color a bit more neon.  Balanced with a soft eye it immediately makes your skin look fresh and bright.  Spring and Summer is the best time to get away with such a fun fresh look.3.  APRICOT A-GO-GLOW - Soft washes of apricot are a beautiful way to compliment any complexion.  It instantly adds warmth and healthy flush to the skin.  Don’t just limit it to your cheeks!  Blend some apricot into your crease or try an peachy lip to add to the glow!Don’t be afraid to integrate these trends into your every day look either.  You may be surprised and find your new go to!
Shannon

Happy Thursday! Meet Shannon O’Brien. Between her amazing cheekbones and super warm personality, you will fall in love with her. Shannon is a crazy talented make-up artist, (I seriously never wanted to wash off my smokey eyes), and the blogger behind Cheap Frills and Thrills.

XO
AJ

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FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE AISLE

Let’s be honest.  Not all runway makeup is wearable in an every day situation - let alone your wedding day.  Being recently engaged mysef, I can’t really picture myself wearing THIS on possibly the most photographed day of my life.  What is a trendy-loving bride to do?!  Fear not my fashion-forward brides!  I have sifted through the internet and found some looks from SS13 that easily translate from the runway to the aisle.

1.  LUSCIOUS LASHES -  Easily one of my favorite looks.  Lashes are an instant way to boost the emphasis on your eyes without having to sacrifice the look of being soft and fresh.  The best part is that they can be used with ANY look you go for on your big day.

2.  TROPICAL POUT - A new spin on a classic red.  Try pushing your favorite bright lip color a bit more neon.  Balanced with a soft eye it immediately makes your skin look fresh and bright.  Spring and Summer is the best time to get away with such a fun fresh look.

3.  APRICOT A-GO-GLOW - Soft washes of apricot are a beautiful way to compliment any complexion.  It instantly adds warmth and healthy flush to the skin.  Don’t just limit it to your cheeks!  Blend some apricot into your crease or try an peachy lip to add to the glow!

Don’t be afraid to integrate these trends into your every day look either.  You may be surprised and find your new go to!

Shannon

Hello from Mexico! So glad Emilia is guest posting today! This girl is full of wisdom and constantly makes me want to be better at everything I do. Emilia is the talented photographer of Emilia Jane Photography, and her blog combines love, life, and signature cocktails. Enough said. 
XOAJ
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So! Who knows someone that got engaged over the holidays?? I feel like my facebook has been wall to wall with relationship change notifications the past couple weeks.Just a few helpful tips for all of you newly engaged lovelies :-) Though honestly, this first little treat is hilarious regardless of your relationship status!1. If you haven’t yet, go check out http://practicalryangosling.tumblr.com/. A Practical Wedding’s Emily Gutman has crafted these goodies that keep me laughing. 2. Take a hot second to just enjoy being engaged! Don’t rush the planning right off the bat.3. Have a real chat with your fiance about what you both want your wedding to look like. Maybe it’s in a ballroom with a big band? Maybe it’s just the two of you under a big tree in the middle of nowhere? Whatever you’re dreaming of, talk through it together before you take any further steps!4. Remember that the marriage is way more important than the wedding! Don’t let the small stuff with planning make you sweat. 5. Hire vendors you trust to do an amazing job. And then let them do it!
6. Drink some bubbly and just enjoy it ;-) Okay…I may be skipping a few steps here. But I promise I’ve hit the most important ones! XXOOEmilia Jane

Hello from Mexico! So glad Emilia is guest posting today! This girl is full of wisdom and constantly makes me want to be better at everything I do. Emilia is the talented photographer of Emilia Jane Photography, and her blog combines love, life, and signature cocktails. Enough said.

XO
AJ

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So! Who knows someone that got engaged over the holidays?? I feel like my facebook has been wall to wall with relationship change notifications the past couple weeks.

Just a few helpful tips for all of you newly engaged lovelies :-) Though honestly, this first little treat is hilarious regardless of your relationship status!

1. If you haven’t yet, go check out http://practicalryangosling.tumblr.com/. A Practical Wedding’s Emily Gutman has crafted these goodies that keep me laughing.
2. Take a hot second to just enjoy being engaged! Don’t rush the planning right off the bat.

3. Have a real chat with your fiance about what you both want your wedding to look like. Maybe it’s in a ballroom with a big band? Maybe it’s just the two of you under a big tree in the middle of nowhere? Whatever you’re dreaming of, talk through it together before you take any further steps!

4. Remember that the marriage is way more important than the wedding! Don’t let the small stuff with planning make you sweat.

5. Hire vendors you trust to do an amazing job. And then let them do it!

6. Drink some bubbly and just enjoy it ;-) Okay…I may be skipping a few steps here. But I promise I’ve hit the most important ones!

XXOO
Emilia Jane

Nobody’s perfect, but somebody is perfect for you, and you are perfect for them. That’s what is so incredible for me as an on-site bridal specialist. I witness love, at it’s peak. It’s raw. It’s anxious. It’s humble. It’s vulnerable. It’s innocent. It’s that moment of goosebumps that lasts longer than just a moment. 

When you witness two people that you’re personally close to on their wedding day, it feels straight up Disney. 

Erin and Mike, are perfect for each other. Doing Erin’s hair, and rockin out the looks of so many girls with my bridal team was TOO amazing. Hope this short video by Delack Media Group makes you feel just as warm and fuzzy. :)

XO
AJ 

Happy Weekend! 

My week began with an amazing brunch and shopping girls day! Throughout the week I attempted long boarding, taught color class, was booked solid, took an editorial styling class, rocked princess hair, and got my color done. I even got to hang with some amazing clients turned friends. October’s off to a great start! (..maybe it’s because Dexter and Homeland are back…)

The best part is, my week’s got nothin on this weekend. Tomorrow morning I can’t wait to wake to head to the Trump and glamorize my sweet friend Erin and her girls. Tomorrow’s wedding will be one for the record books, and you knowwww I’ll be posting pictures! 

What are your weekend plans? Hope you had a great week too!

XO
AJ

P.S. Since we’re on the wedding subject, check these out!

We all know I’m obsessed with weddings.

I wasn’t always this way, but working them every weekend has me twitterpated beyond belief. Witnessing love at it’s peak, showcased in personal styles all different from the last, is a remarkable thing to be a part of. 

I’ve gushed about Emila Jane, I know, but I couldn’t help myself from sharing some of her images from today’s blog post. This wedding is insane. I am smitten with the bride’s shoes, the LIGHTS, the dress, the dude… the drinks. I mean, I don’t care if you’re a bride-to-be or a mingling single lady, it’s impossible not to want this. 

ENJOY & dream (and check out Emilia’s blog),
AJ 

Happy Tuesday! I’m silly amounts of excited to introduce you to Cettina!

Cettina is a women’s contemporary clothing line that focuses on cocktail dresses and ready to wear separates, as well as CUSTOM pieces. (In case you missed the caps… that was CUSTOM pieces! So cool.) I adore the silhouettes, feminine detailing, and unique color combinations that define the brand.

GET THIS. The line is made in Chicago, (EEE!), with fabrics sourced from the United States, (double EEE!).

The majority of Cettina’s custom work is for bridesmaids. Weddings are all about finding your version of unique, and what better way with dresses for the unique women in your life. Cettina taps into theme, mood, color and fabric preferences, followed by providing sketches to choose from. How much better is that than your typical off-the-rack shopping experience? I know!

Contact info for Cettina available HERE and HERE. :)

XO
AJ

Happy (Wedding) Wednesday!

Emilia Jane Schobeiri, (which she cleverly signs off on her e-mails “like show-berry”), is your preferred photographer. Period. 

Emilia is one of us. Read her blog, and you’ll understand. She’ll level with you about her goals, whether it be eating clean and local, flossing 5 days a week, booking 20 weddings, or being a complete rockstar at surpassing your expectations, (“good surpasses only”). She’s the type of person you want and deserve on the most important day of your life. 

Emilia is young and in love, and I appreciate this in a “it takes one to know one” sense. Isn’t that who you WANT working with you on your WEDDING DAY? I know you’re nodding right now…

Emilia-Jane.com makes SENSE. I know that’s weird to say, but visit it, and you’re like, “Whoaahhh… this girl is cool.” Her verbage, the clean look and soft romance will make you want to plan your wedding around ensuring she’s available. 

Not in Chicago? …noooo worries, alike Your Stylist AJ, Emila Jane loves to travel, loves elopements, and can STILL be a part of your special day. 

Finally, keep in mind she’s not limited to weddings! (Awesome right?!) 

To contact Emilia or to follow her blog CLICK HERE

P.S. Love the hair above? Maybe it’s because it was done by Your Stylist AJ! ;)

XO
AJ 

Oh hey Wedding Wednesday!

For the feminine bride looking for “vintage chic” I encourage you to check out BHLDN. 

The dresses are fairly priced and the look more original than most. New Chicago location if you’re in the area. ;)

 XO
AJ