Wedding Planning Guided by Clarity, Direction, and a Distinct Point of View

A wedding reception with the bride and groom walking through the crowd, surrounded by guests clapping and smiling. The room is decorated with chandeliers, floral arrangements, and tables with candles.

I don’t think of weddings simply as events to be planned, but as experiences to be intentionally structured—what I often describe as the architecture of a celebration, and how it’s meant to feel from beginning to end.

Three women engaged in conversation in a well-lit room with blue curtains; one woman with red curly hair seen from behind, another woman with short brown hair looking at her phone, and a third woman with light brown hair looking at the woman with curly hair.
editorial wedding planner and designer in Chicago

Hello! I’m Alyson, the planner and creative director behind Birdcage & Blushers.

I’ve always been drawn to beautiful spaces and thoughtful design; not just how they look, but how they feel. Long before weddings, I spent years drawing, painting, and studying composition, which still shapes how I see the world today: in balance, proportion, and atmosphere.

But what matters most to isn’t aesthetics alone. It’s helping couples move through the planning process feeling steady, supported, and clear.

Wedding planning is both exciting and deeply personal. My role is to hold the structure: asking the right questions, guiding decisions with clarity and perspective and bringing thoughtful direction to the process so everything unfolds naturally.

I genuinely connect with my couples. I’ll celebrate with you, laugh with you, and listen closely to what matters most.

And when the wedding day arrives, I step into the background as a calm, steady presence, making sure every detail comes together exactly as it should. My clients often tell me they felt more calm and more present than they ever expected to during planning.

The most beautiful weddings are the ones where everything feels aligned, where the space makes sense, the pacing feels natural, and nothing feels forced. My role is to guide that process so you can stay fully present from the first planning conversation through the final moments of your wedding.

A man and woman smiling and laughing in front of a wall decorated with various gold-framed mirrors and picture frames.

Who We Serve

We work best with couples who have a distinct point of view—and want a clear, thoughtful way to bring it to life.

They value intention over excess, and experience over expectation.

They’re not looking for endless options or surface-level inspiration—they’re looking for guidance, structure, and a perspective they can trust.

They appreciate thoughtful direction.
They value clarity in their decisions.
And they want the planning process to feel grounded, intentional, and well-supported from beginning to end.

My Approach: The Three Cs—Care, Creativity, and Calm

Grounded in clarity, guided by thoughtful direction

Line drawing of a stone archway with layered bricks and cobblestone detailing.
A blank Sudoku puzzle grid with 9x9 smaller squares.

Care

I take the time to understand what matters most—your priorities, your people, and the experience you want to create—so every decision is rooted in intention.

Line drawing of a tangled, looping line on a white background.

Creativity

I bring an editorial, design-forward perspective to each decision—ensuring every element feels cohesive, considered, and aligned with your overall vision.

Calm

I lead with structure, clarity, and proactive communication—so you always know what’s happening, what’s next, and can move through the process with confidence.

What We Create Together

The weddings we create share a common thread: a clear, intentional foundation that allows every element to feel refined, cohesive, and deeply personal.

Every decision, from the visual story to the guest experience, is thoughtfully considered, so the celebration feels aligned from beginning to end.

Our couples care about more than just a single day.

They value the full experience—prioritizing connection, meaningful tradition, and shared presence with the people who matter most.

The result is a wedding that feels elevated without being performative, modern in spirit, personal in execution, and grounded in genuine celebration.

Bride and groom dancing in confetti at editorial wedding
Editorial wedding at The Library at 190 Lasalle In Chicago

What It’s Like To Work Together

“From our very first conversation, Alyson put us completely at ease. Every detail was handled with care and intention, and the day itself felt effortless and joyful. We were able to be fully present and enjoy every moment — which is the greatest gift any couple can receive.” —Edeline

You’re welcome here

Birdcage & Blushers is proudly a Black-owned, woman-owned studio. We celebrate couples of all identities, backgrounds, and stories.

Kindness, respect, and inclusivity aren’t marketing language here. They are foundational to how we work and who we serve.

Ready to plan your wedding with clarity and direction? Let’s begin.

If you’re looking for a planner and creative partner who will guide your decisions with structure, intention, and perspective, I’d love to connect.