Email Abbey

1. How long have you worked at Monte Bello?

I’ve been here since the beginning! I worked with the previous ownership, and I was graduating college when the Oremuses took over. It was such an exciting time, and it’s been incredible to witness the evolution of the space through all the renovations since then.

2. What was your first job ever?

I started babysitting when I was 12, but my first official job on paper was working as a banquet server here, back when it was known as Narnia.

3. Besides making dreams come true at Monte Bello, what do you do in your free time?

When I'm not spending time with my family, you’ll usually find me out to dinner with my husband or friends, or immersed in my obsession with baking sourdough treats.

4. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks or Party and Bullshit by Biggie Smalls haha

5. What’s your favorite work snack?

Swedish Fish, or other chewy/sour candy!

6. Do you have any pets or little ones keeping you company at home?

I have two cats and three young daughters at home! My oldest always says she wants to be a “Monte Bello girl” when she’s older. They all love visiting and smelling the flowers throughout the grounds!

7. What is your favorite add on you’ve seen a couple do?

I love when couples use our champagne walls to create a unique display of beverages during cocktail hour, mixing in beer, wine, seltzers, and, of course, champagne. It’s always a hit with guests who love having a quick, grab-and-go drink as they dive into the celebration!

8. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello-

One of my favorite things is hearing the songs couples choose for their special moments. I’m always so curious about the bride’s song as she walks down the aisle, and of course, the couple’s first dance song! It’s such a personal touch that not only sets the tone for the celebration, but also reveals a little more about each couple.

• Email Sara

1. Do you have any talents or passions that most people don’t know about you? I know way too many shark facts because I am passionately terrified of them but also respect them.
2. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I love collaborating with our couples on how we can assist in elevating their wedding day; and with our staff on how we can continue to strive for our Monte Bello standards of excellence. It may have been my time spent in the fast-paced world of Fashion PR in New York that honed my skills of problem solving under pressure…or maybe it’s just from raising three wild, little boys.
3. Favorite drink? Far Niente Chardonnay
4. Favorite snack? Chocolate chip cookies. All kinds. Especially our Late Night Snack- Cookies & Milk bar!
5. When you aren’t making dreams come true at Monte Bello what do you do in your free time? I have three very little, very wild boys that keep me busy! We love camping, painting, trampolining 24/7, and Jui Jitsu. Besides my three boys, husband, and extended family, Monte Bello is truly the other love of my life and my girly outlet. I love being here and you might even see me planting flowers around the estate or driving my wild boys on the golf cart!
6. Favorite flower? I LOVE gardening with my mom and have so many favorites, but Dahlias and Lily of the Valley are my most favorites...also coneflowers, white roses, lilac, lupine, cosmos
7. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello- When our MB couple sneaks away to take the most romantic sunset photos together. Those are the photos that always make me cry so feel free to send your online wedding photos to me so we can keep your wedding going even after your wedding day!!

Email Taylor

1. How long have you worked at Monte Bello?

I started as a summer intern in 2023 and was thrilled to join the team full-time as a venue coordinator later that year. In fall 2024, I explored a new path by transferring to the University of Missouri, but soon realized Illinois is where I truly belong. I’m excited to be celebrating two years at Monte Bello this year and am so grateful for this amazing team!

2. What was your first job ever?

I started babysitting for families in my community, but my first official job was at Lifetime Fitness in Burr Ridge as a Kids Academy Team Member. I cared for children ages 3 months to 12 years and helped run birthday parties on weekends, which sparked my interest in event planning.

3. Besides making dreams come true at Monte Bello, What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I love shopping, trying out new restaurants, and exploring Downtown with friends—there’s always something exciting to discover. I also enjoy going to concerts and raves whenever I have a free weekend.

4. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood or Only by Nicki Minaj.

5. What’s your favorite work snack?

Recently it has been Cheez-its and Brookside dark chocolate & pomegranate snacks.

6. Do you have any pets or little ones keeping you company at home?

Back home in Missouri with my parents, we have a 4-year-old golden retriever named Paisley—she’s the sweetest and full of personality. Now that I’m living in Illinois, my roommate has a rescue Bichon Frise who’s become our little shadow. She loves to wander around the apartment and follows us everywhere, always wanting to be part of whatever’s going on.

7. What is your favorite add on you’ve seen a couple do?

The sparkler send off! It is such a fun way to get your bridal party or wedding guests involved in one last hoorah before the night ends.

8. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello-

One of my favorite moments to happen at Monte Bello is when the party gets started. There’s something so magical about that moment when the formalities wrap up, the lights dim, and the music kicks in. It’s always so fun to see the couple finally relax after endless months of planning and be able to celebrate their love!

Email Lauren

1. How long have you worked at Monte Bello?

I have been with the estate for seven years! Throughout those years, my previous roles were an intern, event assistant, staff manager and evolving into the role of venue coordinator.

2. What was your first job ever?

I started babysitting for families in my neighborhood very young. However, my first official job was as an inventory receiver with Armada Supply Chain. I worked there during the summers throughout high school and college.

3. Besides making dreams come true at Monte Bello, what do you do in your free time?

When I’m not working weddings, you can often find me relaxing on a rooftop patio, enjoying drinks with friends, or snuggled up on the couch binging my favorite shows. I love spending quality time with my husband and family, and I’m always up for an adventure with my two dogs, Cali and Dakota.

4. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

5. What’s your favorite work snack?

You’ll often find me reaching for sour candy or Cheez-Its.

6. Do you have any pets or little ones keeping you company at home?

I have two black labs who keep me busy with long walks and spontaneous adventures. And if you have dogs, bring them along on your wedding day! I absolutely love when couples include their furry family members in the ceremony or photos.

7. What is your favorite add on you’ve seen a couple do?

Our Champagne Welcome! As guests arrive, they are greeted with a glass of chilled champagne. This add-on creates a celebratory atmosphere as your guests gather to witness you say ‘I do.' It’s a simple way to elevate your guest experience from the very first moment.

8. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello-

One of my favorite moments during weddings at the estate is the room reveal. Witnessing the couple’s reaction as they see their vision come to life after months of planning is incredibly fulfilling. Another moment that holds a special place in my heart is sending couples down the aisle. There's something truly emotional about the moment you walk towards the love of your life. Even after all these years, I still get teary-eyed every time.