For over 25 years I have been a wedding and event planner helping couples all over Central Kentucky create their memorable wedding weekend. I also produce the Lexington Wedding Expo, an event held twice a year since 2004, that brings engaged couples and wedding professionals together to aid in the planning process. I am, an avid hiker, and dipping my toes into backpacking, having completed several 20 – 60 mile trips on the Sheltowee Trace and the Appalachian Trail. Hoping to do a lot more in 2022. I love getting together with friends, spending time with my mom and daughters, and my adorable grandson. My reading list lately includes a lot of books on thru-hiking and I find that I am becoming a history buff. In the winter I like to needlepoint and sew.
Q: How long have you lived/worked in Lexington?
I moved to Lexington in 1977 to attend UK and after graduation, decided to make it my home.
Q: What led you to your current career and why do you love it?
I worked in corporate environments for 10 years but needed the flexibility that being self-employed would offer. Event planning gave me the freedom to be more hands-on raising my kids and enjoying their school and sports activities. I’ve always felt like the wedding industry found me, a series of freelance projects introduced me to the industry and I liked the work and the people and settled in quickly. I love the people, so many goods, hardworking people devoted to giving their clients exceptional experiences.
Q: What would you like for people to know about your job/business?
That event planning, as glamorous as it may sound, is a lot of work and you need a particular skill set to plan events, run your business, make time for family and yourself.
Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration?
So many people who mentored me when I was getting started. They cut my learning curve in half, hands-on is how you learned when I started. I have two things running through my head when I plan events, first, I know that I am going to learn something, I just hope it won’t be painful and you are only as good as the last event you did. No one will remember the 500 that went perfectly, only the one that didn’t. Those thoughts keep me on my toes. And of course, when in doubt, what would my mom do? She is the smartest woman I know.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington and what is your go-to item on the menu?
I am a Malone’s girl from way back. Favorites are Kale and Quinoa Salad with Salmon, the Calamari and the Sushi.
Q: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I want to go to Europe. England, Scotland, France, Italy. So much history and beauty. You learn so much by discovering other cultures.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?
It’s just pretty, with rolling green fields and revitalization going on all over the city, I feel it’s coming into its own. It has a lively downtown nightlife, a variety of sporting events to attend, and a vibrant concert and theater calendar.
Q: Where do you take friends and family from out of town when they visit?
Depending on the time of year, Keeneland, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Red River Gorge, the Bourbon Trail and Antiquing.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Traveling and Hiking more.
Q: If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?
Hillary Clinton or Martha Stewart
Q: Where can we find you on your day off?
In the Red River Gorge
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to Europe and section hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
That I had breast cancer in 2015. I only told 7 people at the time. Scheduled surgeries and treatments around my events and completed all of them.
Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?
Social Media advertising. I tried and then hired an agency to do it for me.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show & what are you currently binge-watching?
My favorite show is West Wing, I’ve watched it 7 times through. My favorite current show is the Great British Bake Off. I don’t cook at all, but I am fascinated by the process.
Q: What do you feel is an essential part of your daily or weekly routine that contributes to your overall well-being?
Covid and an extra busy 2021 took me out of my routine, but now that my season is over, I am looking forward to going back to the gym, eating better and getting ready for spring hiking.
Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would your co-star be?
Steve Martin, he’s funny, quirky, and has a good grasp of the human condition. No one does it better.
Q: Who is your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
The Eagles for relaxing or Train for driving.
Q: If you could give advice to any group of people, what would it be?
Put your family first and take care of yourself. Don’t spread yourself too thin, learn to say no. If you do that your clients will get the best you have to offer.
