The Wedding Planner

A Hyatt Lodge bride’s workplace wedding

By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of Tiana Conforti

Tiana Conforti went to work on her wedding day. And she couldn’t have imagined it any other way.

When her now-husband, Joey Conforti, proposed in May of 2023, she knew exactly where they would host their reception: the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook. It wasn’t only her dream venue, it’s also where Conforti has worked for four years as a Sales and Catering Manager. Through her role, she’s been a part of over 250 weddings, so she knew she was in good hands — her own.

“Being a bride myself after helping so many brides and couples through my work was such a special and surreal experience,” Conforti said. “I’ve always had a deep appreciation for all the little details and emotions that come with planning, but experiencing it firsthand truly reminded me why I love what I do.”

Conforti’s love for her job and her team at the Hyatt Lodge made checking “book a venue” off her to-do list much easier.

“I already knew how beautiful the spaces were — and even more importantly, how truly amazing our staff is,” she said.

Conforti had the pleasure of planning her own wedding “on the clock” alongside her trusted team of colleagues, who served as her personal support system throughout the entire process. Their diligence, skills, and passion for making each couple feel special is evident in their day-to-day work — whether it be two-hour meetings or three-day celebrations — and Conforti’s experience was no different.

“It meant so much to me to have such a caring and dedicated team by my side, which gave me complete confidence that our day would be perfect,” Conforti said. “Being surrounded by people who genuinely care about every little detail made the whole experience unforgettable.”

The Hyatt Lodge has two spaces that couples can choose from when planning their wedding. Conforti chose the Prairie Ballroom, a stunning setting with floor-to-ceiling windows that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The Lodge’s Grand Oaks Pavilion offers a more intimate space for up to 200, with a scenic view overlooking the forest and lake. Conforti said the beauty of the property is amplified by the seamless experience provided to guests from cocktail hour to late-night celebrations, made easier by convenient guest room blocks.

Conforti had the pleasure of planning her own wedding “on the clock” alongside her trusted team of colleagues.

“Experiencing the space from a bride’s perspective made me appreciate even more how special and versatile this venue truly is,” Conforti said.

The venue was the perfect backdrop for Tiana and Joey’s special day on Sept. 21, 2024. The couple, who met and fell in love (two years after becoming friends, she noted) at Elmhurst College, have been together since 2017. Conforti dreamt of the moment she would finally marry her best friend — as a professional planner, the stakes were high.

Although they had 16 months between the highly anticipated proposal and wedding day, Conforti realized there were both pros and cons to her familiarity with the planning process. She was comfortable with the logistics and timeline requirements, and she already had great relationships with vendors through her job. The challenge, however, was creating a day that felt special and personal to her, so she could focus less on being a planner and more on being a bride.

“Having seen so many weddings, I had countless ideas and a strong vision for a unique celebration that would truly wow my guests — especially since they all knew what I do for a living!” Conforti said. “At the same time, I had to balance that vision with the reality of a budget and practical considerations. In the end, it was a rewarding challenge, and I’m proud of how everything came together.”

Now that she has firsthand experience on both sides of the wedding-planning process, Conforti has a fresh perspective on the weight of her role — one that better understands the excitement and stress that comes with hosting a party for all your closest friends and family.

“I caught myself doing things I often told my couples to avoid — like saying, ‘You don’t need custom cocktail napkins, it’s a waste of money,’ or, ‘Don’t spend time on welcome bags for hotel guests.’ But when it was my turn, I wanted the personalized cocktail napkins, and I wanted the welcome bags,” she said. “It was a funny reminder that every couple’s journey is unique, and sometimes it’s those little extras that make the day truly memorable.”