ABOUT AJCOORDINATES
At AJcoordinates, we’re all about turning your love story into an unforgettable celebration that’s as unique as you are! We’re passionate about creativity, connection, and bringing the party to life in a way that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Our mission? To deliver an amazing, stress-free experience that’s full of energy, excitement, and those unforgettable moments you’ll cherish forever.
We’re not just planners—we’re your biggest cheerleaders, here to make sure every detail is perfect and every moment is filled with joy. Our values of kindness, inclusion, and understanding are at the core of everything we do. We’re committed to making everyone feel welcome, inspired, and ready to celebrate in style.
Whether you’re dreaming of a bold, unconventional bash or a timeless, elegant affair, AJcoordinates is here to bring your vision to life with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. Let’s create a wedding day that’s not just memorable, but truly magical!
So what's the difference between a Planner and a coordinator? Find out here.
Ashley
Owner. Lead Planner. Designer.
Hi there! I’m Ashley, the creative mind and passionate advocate behind AJcoordinates. My journey into wedding planning started in a fun and unexpected way—I’ve always loved planning dinner parties and themed game nights with friends. When COVID hit, I was exploring event planning at the Butterfly House, but with events on hold, I found myself helping friends with their weddings. Before I knew it, I was turning that passion into a career—getting paid to do what I love (who knew?!).
What truly lights me up is seeing my couples fully in the moment on their wedding day, dancing the night away, surrounded by their loved ones. That’s when I know I’ve done my job right—I’m handling everything so they can just enjoy their big day. I thrive on creativity and love connecting with other passionate minds in the industry. There’s something so motivating about hearing vendors talk about their craft, and it pushes me to bring that same energy and dedication to every wedding I plan.
I’m all about honesty and transparency, keeping couples on the right path and helping them see what their day can truly become. I’m known for being loud—not just in volume, but as an advocate for those who feel they don’t have a voice in the planning process. At the same time, I’m caring and kind, and I really do love the lasting relationships I build with my couples. My easy-going and laid-back vibe is my superpower—it keeps everyone at ease and opens the door for genuine connections.
I’m here to help you break the mold, cheering you on for the things you want (and don’t want) for your day. Together, we’ll create a wedding that’s as unique and personal as your love story.
When I’m not planning weddings, you can find me buried in a good book (I’m a sucker for biographies, true crime, and the ACOTAR series), playing sand volleyball, or hanging out with my awesome family—my husband and our three amazing kids. And yes, I’m also a Bravo TV junkie (Real Housewives, Summer House, you name it!). Being a biracial woman in the Midwest wedding industry gives me a unique perspective, and I’m proud to bring that diversity to the table.
Elyse
Associate Coordinator.
Hi Friends! I'm Elyse your ultimate hype girl and associate planner at AJcoordinates. I began my journey in wedding planning quite unexpectedly. With a background in baking and florals, I was asked by a co-worker to create her daughter's wedding cake and handle the florals. One night, she asked if I had ever coordinated a wedding before. Although I hadn't, I was excited to try. By the end of that wedding, both of us were in tears, realizing that I had found my true calling. Just two months later, I left my 8-year career as a nurse's assistant in the NICU to pursue wedding planning full-time.
What I love most about being a wedding planner is the trust my couples place in me to manage one of the most important days of their lives. My goal is to take away the stress, allowing you to fully enjoy your day. Over our time together, we become more than just planner and client—we become best friends.
I'm joyful, fun, and hardworking. My mission is to spread joy and have fun, all while giving my couples 110%. I'm often called the "ultimate hype girl," and I take pride in making weddings fun, lively, and anything but traditional. Whether it's brewing coffee for your unity ceremony or celebrating Grandma's birthday on your big day, I’m here to help make your wedding uniquely yours.
One of my favorite moments was sitting in a beautifully decorated reception venue, knowing that my couple was out enjoying their day without any worries. That’s what I love about this job—creating spaces where couples can be fully present with their loved ones. And yes, you’ll probably see me on the dance floor before the night is over, especially when those 2000s hits start playing!
When I'm not planning weddings, I'm a proud wife and mom to three wonderful boys. I'm a thrift store junkie, always on the hunt for the perfect decor pieces to make your wedding uniquely beautiful.
AJcoordinates takes pride in delivering an amazing experience for all clients and putting the focus on developing a culture that engages and inspires both internally for our team and externally for our clients and vendor partners. Our values guide our instincts and inform our actions and these values include kindness, inclusion and understanding. We commit to practicing those values every day.
Alex, Groom
From our very first meeting, Ashley made us feel comfortable and really understood our vision for the day. Interpersonally, she is an absolute joy to work with. She is so supportive and kind. We had several last minute changes leading up to the wedding, and she rolled with each of them with grace and ease. On our wedding day, we had such peace of mind knowing Ashley was coordinating the schedule. We could not imagine our wedding day without her. Our guests commented on what an amazing job she did! She is clearly dedicated to what she does, and it shows in the quality of her work!
Sarah, Bride
"As an interracial couple, we wanted a planner who truly understood our needs and vision. Ashley made us feel so comfortable and created a celebration that reflected our love perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience."
Jordan, Photographer
Ashley and her team goes above and beyond expectations. From a vendor perspective, she communicates very well on who is doing what, she asks me how much time I need and allows me to do my job best. I cannot recommend enough her services!