Black-Tie Wedding at Elgin Country Club | Alison & Trent
Tucked into a quiet Chicago suburb, the morning began in the most intimate way. Alison was surrounded by her sisters and closest friends, with the background hum of hairdryers, laughter, and the clink of champagne flutes. Just around the corner, Trent and his groomsmen prepped for the day in classic black-tie. Hours later, that quiet energy would blossom into something grand: a tented reception filled with candlelight, live music, and over 200 loved ones dancing beneath the stars at Elgin Country Club. But it all started with a private backyard first look, a family dog at their feet, and a sense that this day would be unforgettable.
A Morning Full of Meaning
With her mom and sisters' help, Alison stepped into her gown, and the anticipation was palpable.
Their first look took place in the backyard, with only the trees, their photographer, and their beloved pup looking on. It was a quiet, grounding moment for the start of their day.
Ceremony on the First Tee
Guests arrived by golf cart to the First Tee, where glasses of champagne awaited. The ceremony space, framed by sweeping views of the course and lush ground florals, was perfectly stately and serene. As the processional began, each step down the aisle carried significance. Siblings, childhood friends, nieces, and nephews all played a part, carrying family and history into the ceremony.
Alison descended the hill to meet her parents, who walked her down the aisle to Trent. Their vows unfolded beneath the open sky, with a light breeze and warm sun making the moment feel nearly cinematic.
For a more detailed look at this venue, you can read our full Elgin Country Club venue review here.
Tented Reception with Garden Party Glam
While guests enjoyed cocktails on the driving range, Alison and Trent snuck away for golden hour portraits. Meanwhile, the reception tent—dreamed up and executed with Blue Peak Tents—was being transformed into something out of a storybook.
Subflooring, bistro lighting, and luxe greenery created a garden-party atmosphere that was elevated and intimate at once. Guests found personalized menus at their seats and were greeted with champagne at the tables—an elegant nod to the couple's desire to make every guest feel celebrated.
Dinner was served Russian-style, with courses delivered table-side in a seamless flow. Heartfelt toasts followed, each one revealing another layer of the couple's love story.
A Packed Dance Floor + A Private Last Dance
As evening fell, the energy shifted from elegant dinner to high-energy celebration. Alison and Trent shared their first dance surrounded by all their guests, a moment that felt both intimate and electric.
Sarlas Music delivered a setlist that had the dance floor packed from the first note to the final song, with a blend of old-school classics and dance-floor favorites. Later in the night, pizza and desserts made their rounds, recharging guests for a final burst of dancing under the stars.
Before the night ended, Alison and Trent stole away for one final private dance before stepping into newlywed life.
Vendors
Planner: Heirloom Event Company
Venue: Elgin Country Club
Photography: Stacey Harting Photography
Videography: Whole Heart Video
Music: Sarlas Music
Tent: Blue Peak Tents
Chairs: Chiavaris
Golf Carts: Special Event Rentals
Luxury Restrooms: House of Thrones
We were honored to work alongside an exceptional team for Alison and Trent's day. Here's what a few had to say:
"Haylie and her team were an absolute pleasure to work with. As a fellow vendor, it's such a joy to partner with a planner who is extremely organized, but also brings a calm, steady presence to even the most logistically complex events. Haylie handled every challenge with grace and professionalism, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes so the couple—and all of us—could focus on what mattered most. We truly can't wait for the next time we get to work alongside her. A total pro!"
— Chris Sarlas, Sarlas Music
"I was one of the last vendors to be brought on board for a recent wedding. We had just a few weeks to get everybody up to speed with the wedding plan... and this plan was intense- It was a 2 day affair, with multiple locations and ceremonies! BUT it went super smooth. Haylie @ the Heirloom event company was an ABSOLUTE GEM of a human and got us everything we needed to make the big day special. Let's do it again, same time next year."
— Ben Sloan, Whole Heart Video