Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Cavanaugh.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began my career in the events department at The American Lung Association. I had many different tasks that helped plan and organize their fundraisers, mainly the Hustle Up The Hancock. After that experience, I realized I wanted a job that would allow me to be a bit more creative and utilize my upbeat personality. In 2002, I began working for Blue Plate, a large catering and event planning company. I had asked to work in the wedding department and I absolutely loved it. I started as an Event Producer and worked my way up to a Senior Sales Consultant. During my 7 years at Blue Plate I helped plan and produce over 300 weddings. I enjoyed everything from menu writing to drafting floor plans to creating time lines to planning out all the linens and equipment! After 8 years of event experience, I felt I was ready to start my own company and Clementine Custom Events was born!
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting Clementine was actually a very smooth process. I had a great time choosing the name and creating the branding. After being in the event industry for 8 years, I had many amazing contacts, mainly fellow vendors and venue reps. When I launched Clementine in 2009 it was very well received by my peers. My first year of business I coordinated 25 weddings. All of the business came directly from fellow vendors. I didn’t have anyone in my life getting married at the time so I was super thankful for all the vendor/venue support to get my business started.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Clementine Custom Events – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Clementine is a full-service event planning company. We specialize in planning weddings but we do have our hand in other social events like showers, anniversary parties, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners etc…. We really pride ourselves on customizing our planning process to fit our client’s exact planning needs. We don’t try to make them fit into a “package” mold. We really listen to what our client wants and we guide them to find the best vendors to fit their needs. We’re a team of 7 Senior Event Consultants and we all have an extensive background in event planning. We’re able to handle everything from “Full Event Planning” to “Day of Coordination” and everything in between. The best part of having a larger team is we can utilize each other with sharing information, brainstorming ideas, troubleshooting etc… We have a big network just within our own team.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I absolutely love Chicago. I’ve lived in and worked in so many different neighborhoods: Little Italy/UIC, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Lincoln Square, West Loop and West Town. My favorite thing about Chicago is the people! Everyone is so nice and generous and accommodating…. especially in the wedding industry; I’m friends with many of my own competitors! I also love how it’s always changing and evolving with new restaurants, new shops, new buildings and businesses, it really keeps you on your toes. Of course, I love the seasons (even winter!).
I least like the traffic!
Contact Info:
- Address: 833 W. Chicago Ave. Suite 401
(Appointment Only) - Website: www.clementinecustomevents.com
- Phone: 773-502-1177
- Email: info@clementinecustomevents.com
- Instagram: @clementinechicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clementine-Custom-Events-120622472699/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clementine-custom-events-chicago
©2016 Jason Brown / J. Brown Photography – www.jbrownweddingphoto.com
Image Credit:
Rick Aguilar Photography, Elena Bazini Photography, Pen/Carlson Photography, Carasco Photography, J. Brown Photography, JPP Studios, Emilia Jane Photography, Jill Tiongco Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
