Anticipation Events is a boutique event planning and styling company specializing in atypical and stylish weddings, social occasions, and special events. We're crazy good at making sure every detail is in place down to the last disco ball. Our attention to detail and ability to organize, paired with an eye for style mean you get the best of both worlds: planner and designer.
With hundreds of events planned, dozens of crises averted, and countless candles lit, Team AE is your secret weapon to a stress-free event. When we’re not at a party, we dabble in music, food, interiors, and travel to keep our senses honed and inspiration flowing. We call Chicago home, but you can book us worldwide.
Elizabeth Tulipana
Elizabeth lives in Logan Square with her human companion, Tom, and their canine companion, Walter. Prior to founding Anticipation Events in 2009, Elizabeth worked as an event planner for four years at one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural institutions, Shedd Aquarium. She stays busy in her free time with a variety of creative pursuits—she’s written pieces for the likes of Marie Claire Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler, and she continues her globetrotting adventures every chance she gets. Her best dance move is the running man, her favorite sandwich is a gyro, and her spirit animal is a flamingo.
Laura Hayes
Laura lives in the Beverly neighborhood with her husband, John, son, Henry, and black lab, Howie. She’s been planning events since birth and focused on weddings for the last six years. Her best (and only) dance move is a foxtrot, her favorite song to hear at a wedding is “You are the Best Thing,” and she’ll drive to Michigan to get her favorite sandwich – a trainwreck from Gurney’s.
Aimee Webster
Aimee lives in Old Irving Park with her husband, Kent, and their two sons, Henri and Louis. She has been planning events for 10 years. Her favorite song to hear at a wedding is “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” her spirit animal is a Pacific white-sided dolphin, and her best dance move is the pop around back swing lift (whoa).
Journey Leary
Journey grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and now lives in Ukrainian Village. She has been planning events since she insisted to her parents that she plan her own birthday parties, but professionally for five years. Journey’s favorite song to hear at a wedding is anything by Bruno Mars, her spirit animal is an elephant, and her best dance move is the shopping cart.