Elizabeth + Christopher at Knollwood Club

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A Classic Summer Golf Club Wedding with the Sweetest Couple

Elizabeth and CJ were married at the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest, followed by cocktails, lawn games, dinner, dancing, cigar rolling, and an epic sparkler exit at the Knollwood Club nearby. Following a year’s postponement their guests were all too excited to finally celebrate their love, and what followed was an incredible wedding that was both classically elegant (hello, ginger jars!) and an amazing party — when dancing moves into a tent with Enough Said playing, you know it’s going to be a fun time.

A few things we loved about this wedding:

  • The venue naturally lent itself to a few golf-inspired touches — the groom is a big golfer and we love including deatils like these!
  • The florist was a lifelong friend of the bride’s mother. This meant a truly personal understanding of their vision, and they had so much fun working together on this much-anticipated event!
  • CJ and Elizabeth did a “first touch” when they arrived to the church. This meant without seeing each other, they had a special moment together right before heading down the aisle — the best of both worlds, if you ask us.

Rachel Stelter beautifully captured their wedding and we are too excited to share some highlights with you here!



A Family Affair!

Sometimes, if you’re a really lucky wedding planner, you help a couple get married. Then, a year or two later, their sibling gets engaged and they call you! And you get to re-enter the family again as you help create yet another wonderful wedding celebration for a family you hold so dear. That was exactly what happened here with CJ and Elizabeth. Jen had met CJ’s sister when she was a bridesmaid in an AFE wedding years before. After her wedding, her brother CJ got engaged, and he and his fiance reached out to Jen. In addition to spending time again with a family she loves so much, Jen got to meet Elizabeth’s family, as well, who she felt equally as at home with. It’s always so special to plan alongside some familiar faces!

Jen would like to point out that she is patiently waiting for CJ and Elizabeth’s siblings to *ahem* move to the next phase of their relationships — she’s having withdrawals and is eager to get planning again.



A Note from the Bride

“There are quite literally no words to express how thankful we are to have had AFE by our side to plan our wedding. Jen was five steps ahead of every decision that needed to be made and her knowledge of the planning process and local vendors was immeasurably helpful. After we had already contracted all of our vendors, Jen helped us reschedule the wedding for the next year due to the pandemic with very little work on our end. This is the second time our family has worked with AFE and we would recommend them to absolutely everybody. Thank you Jen and AFE!”

Read Elizabeth’s review and more on The Knot!




Congratulations, Elizabeth and CJ! We wish you all the best!


Vendor Team

Photography: Rachel Stelter Photography // Videography: Old North Film Co. // Venue: Knollwood Club // Getting-Ready + Rehearsal Dinner: Deer Path Inn // Floral: Fill it With Flowers // Stationery: Workman Creative Co. // Ceremony Music: Gregory Hyde // Reception Band: Enough Said, Maggie Speaks // Transportation: Signature // Cake: Deerfield’s Bakery // Hair + Makeup: Bianca Sansosti Artistry // Bride’s Dress: Sareh Nouri // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung // Menswear: Formally Modern