TJ & Galileia's Unforgettable Backyard Wedding | Chicago, IL
When you start planning your wedding, it's easy to get lost in a sea of traditions and expectations. You see the same styles, the same timelines, and the same venues. But what if your love story doesn't fit into a conventional box? What if you dream of a day that's as unique, fun, and full of personality as your relationship?
Your day can (and should) be all about you, whatever that looks like for you. For TJ and Galileia, it was camel rides, a sword-wielding cake-cutting, and a whole lot of love. Their Chicago wedding proved that some of the most memorable celebrations are the ones that break the mold and feel authentically you.
From Everyday into Extraordinary
The magic of TJ and Galileia's wedding began with its setting: their very own backyard. Where there was once a familiar lawn, a stunning, tented celebration space emerged. This transformation is a testament to the power of creative vision and expert execution. A backyard wedding offers a unique sense of intimacy and comfort, but turning it into a venue capable of hosting a full-scale celebration requires careful planning and logistical expertise.
The design centered around TJ and Galileia's love of turquoise, with colorful details bringing energy and personality to the tented dinner area.
Generations of Love
Beyond the incredible design and unique activities, the heart of this wedding was family. For Galileia, who is from Brazil, the day held profound emotional weight. It was the first time she had seen her parents in over six years. Their arrival, along with other family members who traveled from Brazil, led to one of the most joy-filled and tearful reunions imaginable. The air was buzzing with the joy of being reunited with the ones you love most.
The wedding ceremony itself was a beautiful reflection of TJ and Galileia's blended family and the generations of love surrounding them. TJ's granddaughter walked down the aisle as the adorable flower girl, while another granddaughter and his daughter served as the ring bearers, creating a moment that was both sweet and deeply significant.
This focus on family infused the entire ceremony with a warmth that couldn't be replicated in any other setting. It was a clear declaration of their values—that family, in all its forms, is at the center of their world.
A One-of-a-Kind Celebration
While the ceremony was full of heart, the reception was packed with personality and surprises. TJ and Galileia wanted their celebration to be fun, unexpected, and a true reflection of their joyful spirits. They succeeded on every level.
Guests were welcomed with an experience no one saw coming: horse-drawn carriage rides. This show-stealing grand entrance immediately set a tone of fun and adventure for the rest of the evening. It was a bold, creative choice that had everyone smiling and talking, proving that your wedding day can be anything you want it to be.
The energy continued as the dance floor opened. Instead of a traditional first dance, the celebration kicked off with the limbo. The lawn was filled with laughter as guests showed off their skills.
When it came time to cut the cake, TJ and Galileia once again chose the unexpected. In a true statement of their bold style, they cut their wedding cake with a sword. It was another unforgettable moment that perfectly captured their unique personalities and their desire to make every part of their day memorable.
Bringing an Ambitious Vision to Life
For the Heirloom planning team, your wedding day should be a direct reflection of your personality. Our role is to take your most creative and ambitious ideas and build a solid logistical foundation to support them. For TJ and Galileia, this meant orchestrating a symphony of unique vendors and personal moments.
First, we focused on the foundation: transforming their backyard. We worked with AAA Tent Masters & Party Rentals to build a full stage and elegant tented structure, turning a residential space into a full-service venue. This involved managing power needs, creating a comfortable guest flow, and ensuring the setup was both beautiful and secure.
Next, we layered in the personality. Coordinating the camels and horses required careful planning, including guest safety, timing, and ensuring the experience felt like a natural part of the celebration.
Most importantly, we created space for the heartfelt moments to shine. Knowing that Galileia's family was arriving from Brazil after six years apart, we ensured the timeline allowed for a relaxed, emotional reunion. By handling every logistical detail, we gave TJ, Galileia, and their families the freedom to be fully present and soak in every precious second of their reunion.
When a Wedding Feels Like You
TJ and Galileia’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful weddings don’t need to follow tradition — they just need to feel like you.
At Heirloom Event Company, we specialize in bringing unique visions to life. We handle the complex logistics so you can focus on the joy of the moment. Whether you envision camel rides and sword cake-cuttings or a quiet, intimate gathering, the most important thing is that your day feels like you.
Vendor Spotlight
This unforgettable day was brought to life by a team of creative and dedicated vendors who embraced TJ and Galileia's unique vision.
Planner: Heirloom Event Company
Ceremony & Reception: Couple's Backyard
Rentals: AAA Tent Masters & Party Rentals
Photographer: Sixty-Five Photography
Videographer: Wedding Bug Studios
Catering: Brazilian Chef Aldir Churraqquero
The team at AAA Tent Masters shared,
“It is always a pleasure working with Haylie and Heirloom Event Company when her clients need event rentals. Haylie is great at communicating with lots of details. The event planning process with her is always smooth. Which is important when there are so many details for events on both of our sides. She is one of the best event coordinators we have ever worked with! We look forward to working with her on future events!”
Melissa, AAA Tent Masters
This collaborative spirit is essential for executing a complex and highly personal event like this one.
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