Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Andonoplas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Frank. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a banker and started to help friends with their weddings in the early 90s. I realized I had a passion for Weddings, and then started a part time business. When the dream job I worked so hard for at the bank fell through, I decided to follow my passion and go full time with Weddings. I’ve have distinguished myself amongst other wedding consultant as one of 71 Master Wedding Planners in the world, Named Event Planner of the year, awarded the Penner Award from the Association of Bridal Consultants for passion and excellence to the Wedding industry as well as being and inducted into the Chicagoland Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame recently. Additionally have been recognized for my expertise by winning awards for weddings and events that I have produced such as the Gala Award, numerous Chicago Excellence Awards, BIzBash and DePaul University’s School of Hospitality Industry Award. I have been featured in Wedding and Lifestyle magazines all over the world and on every local television station, as well as The Early Show and 20/20 nationally.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have learned over the years that there are some people that you can never make happy, no matter what you do. I have had an over the top wedding earlier in my career that was a nightmare because I let the client control me, and tell me what to do. While this was horrendous, the lessons (plural) I learned was something you can’t learn in a book or a seminar.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am known for my level of service to my couples and their families as well my attention to detail. My goal with every Wedding that I produce is to personalize it. The details should reflect the couple’s style. I take only one wedding per weekend to insure my total commitment to that client, and none other. I am known for unexpected and out of the box details that guests talk about for years to come.
What were you like growing up?
I was creative. I loved arts and crafts. I loved to decorate for the holidays. All came from my Mom. I had and still do have a passion for theater and the arts. I loved Saturday Morning cartoons, riding my bike and ice cream from the Good Humor truck. I also still love board games.
Contact Info:
- Address: Frank J. Andonoplas, MWP
Frank Event Design
5555 North Sheridan Road, Arcade Level
Chicago, Illinois 60640 - Website: www.frankeventdesign.com
- Phone: 773-275-6804
- Email: frank@frankeventdesign.com
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.
