Okay, so it’s the long story… but it’s worth the read:
I began my journey in the event industry as a wide-eyed, sixteen-year-old banquet server, serving up bacon-wrapped scallops and dirty martinis at a high-end steakhouse on the beach just south of Boston. I loved watching all of the wedding guests arrive; beautiful party dresses, men in sharp suits with ties of all patterns, stuffing their cards into the card box and grabbing glasses of complimentary champagne. Eager to see who they’re sitting with for dinner and eyeing the options at the raw bar, they make their way to hug the newlyweds and give a congratulatory handshake.
Fast forward a few years, I leave my little beach town of Marshfield, Massachusetts, and head for the hills to Burlington, Vermont to attend Champlain College. I graduated from their business program in 2010 with honors, majoring in business management, double minoring in Event Management and Marketing. Post grad, I have spent my time in full-service catering, bar services, staffing and event manager. I have executed hundreds of events; from curated 12-person dinner parties to 3000+ person festivals, and everything in between.
In support of the wedding industry, I became a board member of the Vermont Association of Wedding Professionals in 2013. I was awarded the “Industry Member of the Year Award” from the Association in 2015, and went on to serve two terms as board President 2017- 2023. During my active years as president, I joined forced with my very talented collage, Talena Companion of Premier Entertainment and Events, and we became heavily involved in paving the way for the wedding industry in the wake of pandemic, including being an active member on the reopening committee for the State of Vermont regarding events and weddings.
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I have been the person fluffing the bride’s train before she walks down the aisle, and the person on the other end of the walkie-talkie with the fire chief ensuring a smooth evacuation of a large event due to lightning and thunderstorms. I have executed efficient, timely dinner service for 450 guests, and kept a wedding party calm when Grandma needed an ambulance just as the ceremony was about to begin. I could go on - the point is, I have seen it all, and more importantly, dealt with it effectively.
What makes a good event producer is three-fold (in my opinion). One: It’s extensive experience on the ground floor of many events. Most importantly understanding the logistics, from power distribution to potable water plans, to guest experience and the importance of ambiance. Two: It’s having positive relationships with other event professionals and a gold-star reputation from colleagues and previous clients alike because, I assure you, it’s not for nothing. And three: It’s about having a little humor. Because how boring if you can't laugh a little along the way? These events are the most important days of your life. They’re going to be so exciting, amazing and filled with love and laughter - half the fun is getting there.
So there you have it. That’s my story. Give me a call, let’s talk over dirty martinis, let’s bring your event to life. You’ll have the right person behind you.
Photography by Ashley Largesse