It's hard freaking work. If you’re looking for a fairy godmother, don’t hire us. We don’t have magic wands - we have experience and a proven planning method. And those things can actually give you the wedding of your dreams. If you’re looking for a no BS, tell-it-how-it-is planning experience, we’re your gals. Whatta ya say?
It takes a lot to plan a fun, fantastic wedding that’s totally you.
It’s finally within reach.
your dream event?
- Alexa
I was the bride who knew what she wanted and had everything organized alphabetically before she’d even picked a date. But I also knew I couldn’t do it all. And being able to enjoy every second of my day was more important to me than making sure everything was perfectly planned. I began looking for a planner, but I couldn’t find someone who could meet all of my needs.
I found myself in a sea of planners saying things like “your wedding day should feel like a fairytale,” and I was over here like “Okay, but I need someone who can get it done right.” You feel me? I created this business for the brides like me, who know their wedding will be wonderful - but we have to plan it first. Welcome to Monarch Creative Events!
SO I BECAME HER.
I couldn’t find the perfect planner for my wedding day.
- Linda
Alexa and Monarch Creative Events created the perfect wedding reception for my nephew! Because of her hard work the bride and groom were able to enjoy their guests and have fun at their party. She coordinated everything to run smoothly, and on time. While speaking with the bride she said, "Oh yes, Alexa is fantastic! I couldn't have done this without her!
she'll help you create your dream wedding!”
“BRING YOUR WEDDING HOPES, DREAMS AND IDEAS TO ALEXA &
Allison has worked two seasons with Monarch! She has an eye for design and making your decor pop on every table. Just make sure your escort cards are in order for her!!
Assistant planner
meet allison
Phoebe has been with Monarch since our second year in business. She can finish your lead planners sentence before they finish it.
Assistant planner
meet PHOEBE
Kayla has been with Monarch since the beginning! When she's not moonlighting as a wedding assistant, she is a teacher full time.
Assistant planner
meet Kayla
Any small boutique! I love shopping local.
A store I shouldn't be left alone in:
I really want to take an overnight train through the mountains in the fall with my husband.
DREAM VACATION:
The Office or Gilmore Girls.
Most likely binging:
My dog, George.
Lover of:
Chipotle for a quick meal, Stevens Steakhouse in Gurnee for a night out.
Favorite place to eat:
Water! Or an ice-cold beer.
Beverage of choice:
Sam Heughan with long hair.
FICTIONAL CRUSH:
Lately, Trust in You by Lauren Diagle - but this changes often!
Favorite song:
Discuss finances when hanging out
Most likely to:
speed dating anyone?
get to know me better
HEY, I'M ALEXA!
“My background is in finance and business management, but my passion is wedding planning. I’ve always had a calling to help others - making time to volunteer at domestic violence and family shelters is very important to me. And now in addition to that work, I get to help beautiful people plan beautiful events. By the time I’m finished with a wedding, I’m as in love with the event as the couple is with each other!”
TJ Maxx.
A store I shouldn't be left alone in:
Any all-inclusive island would be my dream vacation!
DREAM VACATION:
Love is Blind or Married at First Sight.
Most likely binging:
Mexican Restaurant.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
Crisp fall mornings with a nice hot cup of coffee.
LOVER OF:
Tequila Fresca.
Beverage of choice:
Tyler Cameron.
FICTIONAL CRUSH:
Anything country, Hardy & Ernest and Morgan Wallen to be exact.
Favorite song:
Treat everyone like my best friend.
Most likely to:
speed dating anyone?
get to know me better
HEY, I'M SARAH!
"I stumbled into wedding planning after leaving my retail career when I had my son. I knew if I could handle Black Friday, I had what it takes to run a wedding! Planning allows me to combine my creativity with my management skills to produce incredible events for our couples! I love getting to know you, and I’ll make sure you feel like absolute royalty on your wedding day."
Nordstrom Rack
A store I shouldn't be left alone in:
To stay in those little huts over the water at the all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives.
DREAM VACATION:
FRIENDS for the thousandth time.
Most likely binging:
Musical Theater.
Lover of:
Coopers Hawk.
Favorite place to eat:
Diet Coke or Tito’s and Tonic.
Beverage of choice:
Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid.
FICTIONAL CRUSH:
The Man Who Can’t Be Moved by The Script.
Favorite song:
Find and befriend the dog at the party.
Most likely to:
speed dating anyone?
get to know me better
HEY, I'M Allison!
“Ever since I discovered Pinterest in 2009 I have been obsessed with weddings. Never imagining that I could turn my obsession into a career, I became a school psychologist and a professional bridesmaid instead. My Type A personality, theatrical creativity, and flair for the dramatic come together to make your day perfect. I can’t wait to help turn your dream into a reality!”
Any store having a sale!
A store I shouldn't be left alone in:
The Maldives.
DREAM VACATION:
Shameless, Schitt's Creek, or Friends.
Most likely binging:
Machine Gun Kelly, my obsession with him (and all music in general) is real.
Lover of:
Alicante, a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant on a lake in Massachusetts.
Favorite place to eat:
A nice cold, hoppy IPA.
Beverage of choice:
Jesse from Breaking Bad.
FICTIONAL CRUSH:
Tough to choose but "The River" and "Regret Me" by Daisy Jones & the Six are on repeat right now.
Favorite song:
Buy concert tickets instead of
paying the bills.
Most likely to:
speed dating anyone?
get to know me better
HEY, I'M jillian!
“I'm the administrative director/virtual assistant here at Monarch Creative Events, and I live in Massachusetts with my husband and two daughters. I've been an esthetician for almost ten years, and I love my client-facing role so much, but I was ready to jump into a position where I can acknowledge my other passions: organization and planning. I had so much fun planning my wedding 5 years ago, and I love that I get the opportunity to be back in this detail-oriented industry!”
Home Goods.
A store I shouldn't be left alone in:
A Euro trip!
DREAM VACATION:
Marvel Movies or Forensic Files.
Most likely binging:
Original Pancake House.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
Animals!
LOVER OF:
Strawberry Margarita.
Beverage of choice:
Loki from Thor.
FICTIONAL CRUSH:
I love too many to choose!
Favorite song:
Be the first to pet your dog/cat.
Most likely to:
speed dating anyone?
get to know me better
HEY, I'M concetta!
“I have over 9 years of hospitality experience, and have been in the wedding industry for a while now! My passion is design - I love using my artistic eye to help you take a vision and turn it into your best day ever! Great design elevates your wedding experience, both for yourself and for your guests! And the end product is always breathtaking to see.”
Target… It’s an addiction.
A store I shouldn't be left alone in:
A Cabin in the Smoky Mountains.
DREAM VACATION:
The Great British Bake Off.
Most likely binging:
Music from a Sushi Restaurant by Harry Styles
FAVORITE song:
Outdoor adventures!
LOVER OF:
Tito’s and soda with a lime.
Beverage of choice:
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
FICTIONAL CRUSH:
Ooooo…Lou Malnatis.
Favorite place to eat:
Eat too much cake.
Most likely to:
speed dating anyone?
get to know me better
HEY, I'M PHOEBE!
"I'm an assistant planner here at Monarch Creative Events. I absolutely love being a part of this team! I work in the Animation Industry as a Production Coordinator. I’ve been in the entertainment industry for over 8 years and actually got my start in wedding videography. I love being a part of your big day and helping to create memorable moments for you and your families!"
THAT'S ALL OF US!
TJ Maxx.
A store I shouldn't be left alone in:
Bali, Indonesia.
DREAM VACATION:
Criminal Minds.
Most likely binging:
Big Bad Wolf in Chicago.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
The color pink.
LOVER OF:
Iced Coffee.
Beverage of choice:
Jon Snow from Game of Thrones.
FICTIONAL CRUSH:
Greedy by Ariana Grande.
Favorite SONG:
Adopt 20 shelter dogs.
Most likely to:
speed dating anyone?
get to know me better
HEY, I'M laila!
“I’m the newest member of the team, currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. I have a knack for organization and a passion for detail, and I love that as a planner I get to use both! Bringing ideas to life is such a fun process, and getting to help you celebrate the moments that bring joy? Even better!”
George is my baby! When I adopted her (yes, her!) in 2016, I knew she needed a human name. None of the female names suited her personality, so we ended up with George.
She’s taken on my personality and we love hanging out and playing together. She loves hanging out at my feet on those late nights I spend planning!
George | Our Mascot
Monarch might be a team of woman, but at home Alexa has a house full of boys! Conor (husband), Patrick (son), and Donald (son) are the boys that light up her life.
As cheesy as it sounds, they are why she does what she does. Wedding planning allows Alexa to make her own schedule and be fully involved in her kids' lives. They might still be young, but she doesn't want to miss a thing.
the boys | Alexa’s family
Our team wouldn’t be the same without these two!
Honorable Mentions
meet the others
Right now, your wedding day feels like an unfocused image. You can make out the major shapes, but the details are too fuzzy to see. Planning your wedding shouldn’t make you question your sanity. Ask yourself: why would I take the time walking closer to the subject when I can just focus the lens?
Hi! We’re the lens. Want a snapshot of what working with us is like? We’ve got you.
