Let Us Tell Your
LoveStory
About Elegant & Sophisticated Affairs
I’m Christena Devaney (she/her),
a filmmaker turned Chicago wedding planner.
Confused? I promise those two go together! Let me explain…
I believe storytelling is at the heart of all artistry — whether you dance, or paint, or make films, or plan events.
Getting my master’s in digital film, I learned how to balance screenwriting (the creation of an compelling story) with directing (telling actors and staff what to do and when) and producing (hiring people to work on the set, establishing lighting and sound, scouting locations, and more).
It was a tall order of a job, and I loved every moment of it — especially because my bachelor’s degree in psychology taught me so much about understanding people and empathy.
But then the world of events caught my eye, and I realized that filmmaking and wedding planning are the same. The only difference? I’m not making up the stories anymore.
Instead, I’m telling the most beautiful, mysterious, captivating story of all:
your love story
Your love story deserves to be told with a lot of empathy and a healthy dose of movie magic, and I use my psychology and digital film skills to bring that to life. That, and my certification in wedding and event planning, and decade working in the industry.
It’s my honor to tell your love story.
Christena
owner + lead planner
Favorites
Coffee or Tea: Tea because coffee puts me to sleep if I have too much.
Favorite Drink: Cocktails with rum or whiskey.
Cat or Dogs: I am a cat mom. I am an animal lover in general, so I love it when couples include their dogs.
Favorite Shows: GOT & HOTD, Wednesday, Outlander, Doctor Who, Bridgerton, Orville, The Rookie
Favorite Things To Do:
Since I am an ambivert, I enjoy going out, theater, museums, and festivals, I also enjoy binging tv shows and movies, reading, and baking
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.
- Jenny
Our Approach
If we’re going to work together, you should know a few things about how we do business:
It’s not enough for us to just design and plan amazing events. We want to design and plan timeless events with amazing guest experiences that are 100% you.
This woman-owned, multiracial-owned business celebrates all types of people. We want to celebrate you no matter who you love or how you love them.
Creativity & innovation are paramount in our line of work. We can bring any design style to life, whether you want an opulent ballroom wedding for 200 or an out-of-the-box elopement for 20.
You can count on us to be friendly, calming and inclusive on your day. Everyone deserves a smile and a laugh — especially during the stress of wedding planning! We bring a friendly approach to all of our work.
