Bride and groom smiling at each other outdoors, with the bride holding a bouquet of white and pink flowers, wearing an off-the-shoulder dress and veil, and the groom in a black suit with floral arrangement on the lapel, surrounded by greenery.

Elevated Design, Heartfelt Guidance, Effortless Celebration.

Streamlined planning & elevated design—for intentional couples who want their unique love reflected in every detail.

dimly lit loft with tables in dark blue linen, a floral centerpiece, and taper candles

Welcome!

Birdcage & Blushers thoughtfully plans and designs sophisticated, deeply personal celebrations for couples in Chicago and beyond.

Our approach pairs polished style with warm support, turning endless checklists into a calm, joy-filled journey:


• Elevated style, never cookie-cutter
• Time-saving expertise that honors your schedule
• Heart-forward service from first hello to the final send off

Purple crescent moon on white background

Core Values

Elevated Style, Personal Touch

Thoughtful artistry that feels distinctly you.

Time-Saving Expertise

Streamlined planning that protects your time.

Heartfelt Service

Calm, caring guidance every step of the way.

Meet Alyson

Owner/Lead Planner & Designer

Alyson Thompson, Chicago wedding planner and designer

Hi, I’m Alyson Thompson—Chicago native, seasoned planner, and the steady hand (and heart) behind Birdcage & Blushers. After a decade in catering, venue sales, and luxury hotel events, I’ve learned how to blend polished sophistication with genuine care—so every celebration feels effortless and deeply personal. What began as a small Chicago wedding blog has grown into a boutique planning studio serving couples here at home and far beyond.

My mission? To guide you with calm expertise, refine every detail to feel unmistakably yours, and leave you free to revel in each moment.

Why I Plan

I believe weddings should feel as honest and heart‑filled as the love that inspires them. That means ditching the “supposed‑tos,” leaning into meaningful details, and crafting an atmosphere where you can be fully, joyfully present. My role is to clear the noise, champion your vision, and create space for the moments that matter most—so your wedding isn’t just beautiful, but deeply, intentionally you.

If you’re ready for a warm, sophisticated planning experience—rooted in intention and designed to reflect the very heart of your love—I can’t wait to meet you. Let’s make something unforgettable, together.

A Few Things You’ll Learn About Me

  • Calm is my superpower. Whether it’s a timeline pivot or a surprise rain cloud, I stay grounded so you can stay blissful.

  • I love subtle details! Handmade paper, a small meaningful token tucked in a bouquet, and the soft glow of candlelight.

  • Fueled by coffee—and a perfectly curated playlist. I love mellow vibes most days and feel‑good throwbacks on wedding day setup.

  • I collect memories— photobooth strips, ticket stubs, Polaroids, and a magnet from every new place I travel to.

  • Fashion sparks my creativity. From runway silhouettes to tactile fabrics, I draw inspiration for color, texture, and movement that translate beautifully to your wedding day.

Why We Do What We Do

What Matters to Us Is What Matters to You

At Birdcage & Blushers, we believe your wedding should feel like you—intentional, beautiful, and full of heart. We know your time is precious, and planning something this meaningful can feel overwhelming. That’s where we step in! with our luxury planning and design services, we to lift the weight, create calm, and let you enjoy every magic‑filled moment of your engagement and wedding day.

“Because your love story is worth celebrating well.”

What We Believe

  • Love is real—and worth celebrating with intention.
    We serve couples who choose each other daily and want a wedding that reflects that depth.

  • Details matter—because you matter.
    From your ceremony script to the way your tables are set, every element should feel like an extension of your story.

  • You deserve support every step of the way.
    We’re more than planners—we’re sounding boards, timeline keepers, dream defenders, and calm in the chaos.

  • This day is just the beginning—but it should be unforgettable.
    You’ve built something beautiful together. Let’s honor it with meaning, style, and pure, unfiltered joy.

Ready to see your love reflected in every detail?