Elegant & Sophisticated Affairs Reviews

Reviews

+4 User photos

• Cailin O. Sent on 12/11/2023
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  100/10 would recommend!

  Words cannot describe how much my partner and I appreciate Christena. We truly do not think we would have come away from the planning and execution of the best day of our lives with as much sanity as we did without her. We opted for the "day of coordination" package and it was PERFECT for us. We were pretty confident we could handle the beginning and higher level stages of planning such as vendor selection and broad design/style, but knew we would need a lot of help when the rubber hit the road in the last few months before the big day.
  
  Christena was there for us every step of the way to offer advice and assistance along our initial planning phase, includING contract review which was KEY, but really became life saving when it got down to the nitty gritty later on. Christena is a magician when it comes to vendor management and timeline creation, and was super up front with us when we got overwhelmed with different vendors handing us different timelines by letting us know that that her timeline would be the one others would work off of, so we could start to ignore that other noise from other vendors. Being able to email her with one-off questions for advice, having the giant checklist of all the little things you would never think of, and her monthly checkins were incredibly valuable to us as well.
  
  The month leading up to our big day when we started to transition things over to Christena, was definitely overwhelming. Without her support throughout the month helping sanity check us, we definitely would've been committed.
  
  The day of, Christena was a master at managing family members, different vendor arrivals, and all the behind the scenes that helped our day be perfect. I can honestly say my partner and I had ZERO concerns that everything would be taken care of and were able to enjoy our day so much more because of it. It also helped that Christena has such good relationships with Chicago vendors in general, even texting our venue manager when we expressed concern we hadn't heard from him about our DJ yet (that he was providing). Within 10 minutes he texted her back and we had a DJ. That is the magic of Christena! Could not recommend her or her team more, and couldn't imagine our day without her!

  Words cannot describe how much my partner and I appreciate Christena. We truly do not think we would have come away from the planning and execution of the best day of our lives with as much sanity as we did without her. We opted for the "day of coordination" package and it was PERFECT for us. We were pretty confident we could handle the beginning and higher level stages of planning such as vendor selection and broad design/style, but knew we would need a lot of help when the rubber hit the road in the last few months before the big day.
  
  Christena was there for us every step of the way to offer advice and assistance along our initial planning phase, includING contract review which was KEY, but really became life saving when it got down to the nitty gritty later on. Christena is a magician when it comes to vendor management and timeline creation, and was super up front with us when we got overwhelmed with different vendors handing us different timelines by letting us know that that her timeline would be the one others would work off of, so we could start to ignore that other noise from other vendors. Being able to email her with one-off questions for advice, having the giant checklist of all the little things you would never think of, and her monthly checkins were incredibly valuable to us as well.
  
  The month leading up to our big day when we started to transition things over to Christena, was definitely overwhelming. Without her support throughout the month helping sanity check us, we definitely would've been committed.
  
  The day of, Christena was a master at managing family members, different vendor arrivals, and all the behind the scenes that helped our day be perfect. I can honestly say my partner and I had ZERO concerns that everything would be taken care of and were able to enjoy our day so much more because of it. It also helped that Christena has such good relationships with Chicago vendors in general, even texting our venue manager when we expressed concern we hadn't heard from him about our DJ yet (that he was providing). Within 10 minutes he texted her back and we had a DJ. That is the magic of Christena! Could not recommend her or her team more, and couldn't imagine our day without her!

  Elegant & Sophisticated Affairs's reply:

  Cailin, thank you so much for the beautiful review. We truly appreciate it. It was a delight working with you and your husband. We are glad we could alleviate your concerns and make the planning process easier for you both.
• Tasha L. Sent on 11/30/2022
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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    5.0

  Absolutely worth it!

  I am so glad we had Christena and her team with us on the big day. I spoke with quite a few planning companies and I immediately clicked with Christena and her pricing was super reasonable. We did "day-of" planning, but she really was there every step of the way. She was very responsive and professional throughout the entire process. She was just as excited as I was to create our dream wedding. I was planning the wedding in Chicago from a distance and she was so helpful in finding vendors to fit our vision and budget. It is incredible how many things you need to remember and Christena and her planning tool made the day go so smoothly. I LOVED the itinerary we prepared. I heard some people feel like planners take over the process and brides don't get a say, but I definitely didn't feel that way with Christena and the team. The team helped the day go incredibly smoothly, my family couldn't believe how easy and enjoyable the day was and I know it was because of Elegant and Sophisticated Affairs. Thank you ladies for making our wedding the best day ever!

  I am so glad we had Christena and her team with us on the big day. I spoke with quite a few planning companies and I immediately clicked with Christena and her pricing was super reasonable. We did "day-of" planning, but she really was there every step of the way. She was very responsive and professional throughout the entire process. She was just as excited as I was to create our dream wedding. I was planning the wedding in Chicago from a distance and she was so helpful in finding vendors to fit our vision and budget. It is incredible how many things you need to remember and Christena and her planning tool made the day go so smoothly. I LOVED the itinerary we prepared. I heard some people feel like planners take over the process and brides don't get a say, but I definitely didn't feel that way with Christena and the team. The team helped the day go incredibly smoothly, my family couldn't believe how easy and enjoyable the day was and I know it was because of Elegant and Sophisticated Affairs. Thank you ladies for making our wedding the best day ever!
• Joyce O. Sent on 11/07/2022
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  one of the best parts of the wedding experience!

  My now husband and I interviewed multiple wedding planners, and sifted through dozens of online reviews until we came across Christena. She was EXCEPTIONAL. Thorough, organized, thoughtful, funny and kind. I was dreading wedding planning before meeting her. She had a timeline that adjusted to our schedule, and connections with vendors/industry insiders. She gave tips and things to look out for that of thing I would not have known if planning on my own. She understood our wedding vision, and brought us ideas/options that aligned, which made wedding planning simple. And she is incredibly affordable. I would not have gone through with a 200+ person wedding had she not been on our team. And on the day of my wedding, I had no single thing to worry about or coordinate - she handled everything, and my husband and I were able to fully enjoy, laugh and let loose the whole day. Our guests were so impressed. She and her team were one of the best parts of the wedding experience!

  My now husband and I interviewed multiple wedding planners, and sifted through dozens of online reviews until we came across Christena. She was EXCEPTIONAL. Thorough, organized, thoughtful, funny and kind. I was dreading wedding planning before meeting her. She had a timeline that adjusted to our schedule, and connections with vendors/industry insiders. She gave tips and things to look out for that of thing I would not have known if planning on my own. She understood our wedding vision, and brought us ideas/options that aligned, which made wedding planning simple. And she is incredibly affordable. I would not have gone through with a 200+ person wedding had she not been on our team. And on the day of my wedding, I had no single thing to worry about or coordinate - she handled everything, and my husband and I were able to fully enjoy, laugh and let loose the whole day. Our guests were so impressed. She and her team were one of the best parts of the wedding experience!
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• Sammi S. Sent on 11/03/2022
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Best decision ever

  We used Elegant & Sophisticated Affairs for their wedding management service, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Calling Christena a "day of coordinator" or a "month of coordinator" does not do her justice, because she was consistently available for questions and phone calls in the months leading up to our wedding.
  
  Christena took the stress of logistics off of our plates, and made it so my husband and I could just show up at our wedding, have fun, and focus on our guests and each other. Christena was thoughtful in asking many questions in advance so she knew all of our preferences on the wedding day (where our decor should go, how we wanted her to handle certain scenarios, etc.) It was so helpful to have her expertise in working with our vendors. Everything went super smoothly because we were in great hands! I would recommend Christena to anyone looking for wedding management.

  We used Elegant & Sophisticated Affairs for their wedding management service, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Calling Christena a "day of coordinator" or a "month of coordinator" does not do her justice, because she was consistently available for questions and phone calls in the months leading up to our wedding.
  
  Christena took the stress of logistics off of our plates, and made it so my husband and I could just show up at our wedding, have fun, and focus on our guests and each other. Christena was thoughtful in asking many questions in advance so she knew all of our preferences on the wedding day (where our decor should go, how we wanted her to handle certain scenarios, etc.) It was so helpful to have her expertise in working with our vendors. Everything went super smoothly because we were in great hands! I would recommend Christena to anyone looking for wedding management.
• Terrance H. Sent on 06/20/2022
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  Very enjoyable interaction

  Was referred to ESA from someone in my opinion whom was less than professional in her communcation. So there was a little trepidation at first. However, from our first interaction with Christena at ESA to the end of the event Christena conducted herself in a professional and exceptional manner. From her initial communication, to vendor recommendations to all of the questionnaires to ensure the events moved smoothly were all investments that showed Christena cared. We used ESA for day of wedding coordination as well as a surprise birthday party the day before the wedding g. Yep, busy, busy, busy. Christena was there for a walk through at the venue which was 2 + hours from her home base. She stayed in contact throughout the mo ths leading up the the events and take the lead with vendor a onto or so before. She helped to keep us on track and was available via email with short turn around times. Although their was a LOT of planning prior to the wedding, Christena was more than helpful keeping us on track and ensuring the wedding day could be enjoyed without worrying about last minute pop up issues, and there were a few. Her team was able to resolve a bartender issue causing minimal interruption for guests. In the end Christena felt more like a guest as much as a vendor for each event. We are grateful for the servi e Christena provided and would highly recommend her and her company, ESA to anyone wanting a coordinator to help ease the stresses of such and important and joyous day!!

  Was referred to ESA from someone in my opinion whom was less than professional in her communcation. So there was a little trepidation at first. However, from our first interaction with Christena at ESA to the end of the event Christena conducted herself in a professional and exceptional manner. From her initial communication, to vendor recommendations to all of the questionnaires to ensure the events moved smoothly were all investments that showed Christena cared. We used ESA for day of wedding coordination as well as a surprise birthday party the day before the wedding g. Yep, busy, busy, busy. Christena was there for a walk through at the venue which was 2 + hours from her home base. She stayed in contact throughout the mo ths leading up the the events and take the lead with vendor a onto or so before. She helped to keep us on track and was available via email with short turn around times. Although their was a LOT of planning prior to the wedding, Christena was more than helpful keeping us on track and ensuring the wedding day could be enjoyed without worrying about last minute pop up issues, and there were a few. Her team was able to resolve a bartender issue causing minimal interruption for guests. In the end Christena felt more like a guest as much as a vendor for each event. We are grateful for the servi e Christena provided and would highly recommend her and her company, ESA to anyone wanting a coordinator to help ease the stresses of such and important and joyous day!!
• Cayla M. Sent on 08/30/2021
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  Money well spent!

  I was that person that did not think I needed a wedding planner! I decided last minute I needed one and I had interviewed 4 people and Christena was the only one that made me feel comfortable!
  
  Christena helped keep me organized, in control, and confident that I would be able to get through this! She brought things to my attention that I had no clue I needed to do.
  
  During the rehearsal dinner she got everyone in line and made sure everyone knew exactly what they were doing.
  
  The day of the wedding Christena and her assistant Jennifer knew literally handled everything from making sure my vision was brought to life, to making sure everything ran accordingly to plan, and making sure all items that were mine were organized and set aside for my family to gather at the end of the night.
  
  I cannot sing Christena’s praises enough! You are getting more than a wedding planner with her! If you are on the fence about this do not be, it is the best money well spent!!!

  I was that person that did not think I needed a wedding planner! I decided last minute I needed one and I had interviewed 4 people and Christena was the only one that made me feel comfortable!
  
  Christena helped keep me organized, in control, and confident that I would be able to get through this! She brought things to my attention that I had no clue I needed to do.
  
  During the rehearsal dinner she got everyone in line and made sure everyone knew exactly what they were doing.
  
  The day of the wedding Christena and her assistant Jennifer knew literally handled everything from making sure my vision was brought to life, to making sure everything ran accordingly to plan, and making sure all items that were mine were organized and set aside for my family to gather at the end of the night.
  
  I cannot sing Christena’s praises enough! You are getting more than a wedding planner with her! If you are on the fence about this do not be, it is the best money well spent!!!

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• Tiana L. Sent on 04/30/2021
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  The best experience ever

  My husband and I didn’t know where to start with wedding planning. Christena is knowledgeable about the area, has so many connections with vendors, and was flexible with being hands-on. We highly recommend her. Christena is super down-to-earth, very pleasant, very flexible, and as aggressive as you need her to be. She really kept me on track. I appreciated that about her the most.

  My husband and I didn’t know where to start with wedding planning. Christena is knowledgeable about the area, has so many connections with vendors, and was flexible with being hands-on. We highly recommend her. Christena is super down-to-earth, very pleasant, very flexible, and as aggressive as you need her to be. She really kept me on track. I appreciated that about her the most.
• Jenny K. Sent on 04/30/2021
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  Amazing and wonderful

  Christena wants every wedding to tell a particular story. She’ll help you with a theme and tie in different ideas that you have, but maybe do them in a more creative way than you ever thought they could be. She will fight for your ideas in every aspect of your wedding. I chose to work with Christena because she had worked with other couples with diverse backgrounds. She was able to bring in touches that celebrate both the American side and the Korean side of our cultures so that both were honored in their own special way. Christena was very thoughtful in that way.

  Christena wants every wedding to tell a particular story. She’ll help you with a theme and tie in different ideas that you have, but maybe do them in a more creative way than you ever thought they could be. She will fight for your ideas in every aspect of your wedding. I chose to work with Christena because she had worked with other couples with diverse backgrounds. She was able to bring in touches that celebrate both the American side and the Korean side of our cultures so that both were honored in their own special way. Christena was very thoughtful in that way.