PHOTOGRAPH BY HEATHER COOK ELLIOTT
Meet the Blue Fancy Family!
Meredith
CEO, Founder
I wasn’t always an event planner, nor did I ever think that I would some day be running a company. It was one of those dreams that we all have tucked away…one of those dreams that we say we might “some day” follow, but deep down, don’t actually believe is a part of our reality.
I began my post college life as a music teacher. My job was rewarding and my students were my life. Twelve years went by, during which I had earned my masters degree in administration. I began to think like a business woman, and was beginning to feel the entrepreneurial side of me bubble to life. I woke up one summer morning to the realization that I had been teaching my students to listen to their hearts and follow their dreams, but I had never once taken my own advice; I realized it was time. Within a week, I resigned from my position. If I was going to make a significant change, I knew that it could not be a gradual process. I spent the next month creating a business plan, a website, and specific branding ideas. Within two months, I launched Blue Fancy Events. I have never looked back.
Today, I am surrounded by a team of hard-working and compassionate people that carry out the Blue Fancy philosophy to its fullest degree. This company wouldn’t be where it is today without the hard work of my amazing staff, supportive family, and our incredible clients.
Morgan L
COO, Lead Planner
Some people have said I live my life with rose-colored glasses on, and I won’t deny it. I love all things wedding-related, and family and friends know me as the one to happily volunteer to plan, organize, and make things pretty. My calm demeanor, out-of-the-box thinking and organization have assisted me in planning events big and small, and my passion for working with people often results in me buddying up to Grandma at the reception, or twirling the flower girl.
With an extensive background in event coordination, you can rely on me to make planning your wedding simple, fun, and most of all, stress-free. My first foray into the wedding industry was working as a bridal stylist, where I quickly discovered my love for working with brides and making a vision come to life. I soon found myself striving to do that on a larger scale!
I can ensure a smooth and enjoyable planning process that will bloom into the wedding of your dreams. When I’m not fluffing dresses, I can be found cheering on the Badgers, traveling to new places or doing yoga. I can’t wait to begin the journey to your big “I DO!” with you!
Morgan S
Administrative Director, Lead Planner
After graduating from UW-Madison I spent two years serving with an educational non-profit. My first year I had the privilege of tutoring and mentoring ninth grade students.For my second year I moved to Milwaukee to serve as a team leader and I quickly fell in love with the city. In my free time now you can find me either planning my wedding (We’re in this together!) or doing homework as I’m working toward my Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resources.
Paige
Lead Planner
So many couples get completely distracted by the intense wedding planning process that they forget to enjoy themselves throughout their engagement. Don’t let this be you! My name is Paige Sumner and I am here to help ease the stress and alleviate any problems or concerns you may have during this process.
Before working at Blue Fancy I was a professional chef for thirteen years. I have an extensive background in banquet work, menu planning, and event coordination/execution. I have worked half of my career in Wisconsin, between Milwaukee and Madison, the other half was spent working on the warm coast of Florida. When not working you can find me at summer festivals, music concerts, fishing or soaking up the sun.
My experience within the hospitality industry has taught me how to work well under pressure and how to roll with the punches. I was also able to learn to center all of my energy and focus on one specific project. I use this same strategy when planning weddings and working with my couples. Your needs are my main focus! I can be an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on or a friend to ask advice from.
Maya Angelou said “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences and penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope,” let me be that for you. I will jump those hurdles and leap those fences to insure that you have the wedding that you have always dreamed of!
Jan
Lead Planner
Being born & raised in Louisiana, Southern Hospitality is instilled in me. I believe in taking care of my couples, providing them with the knowledge to have confidence in their decisions, and building relationships that go beyond the wedding day. My couples often express they feel right at home with me due to my calm demeanor and belief that the best wedding day, starts with a trusting relationship with the person orchestrating it.
My 12 years of project management paired with my experience as a florist and makeup artist, have allowed me to fine tune skills that serve me well in this role. I am extremely organized, vision-focused, and most of all — I honor your time and comfort. I understand that planning a wedding requires a lot of your own personal time, and when you’re with me, we are going to make the most of the time you give me and have fun while we’re at it. I am not the first one to acknowledge that my funny, sarcastic side comes out in this line of work –because wedding coordinating, if anything, should be fun and easy.
When I’m not coordinating alongside my couples, I enjoy being a wife and mother to three young boys. In my free time, I love traveling, watching a good game of Notre Dame Football, and a glass of wine. Let’s crack open a bottle, pour some glasses, and get to know each other more!
Rachel
Lead Planner
Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I love everything that this city has to offer – including some amazing wedding venues and vendors! My name is Rachel Raczynski and I am one of the Lead Planners here at Blue Fancy. The wedding planning process can be a scary, stressful time for some, but it’s my job to make sure its both fun and exciting for you and your significant other during this season of your life! This is the time where you, as a couple, should be able to thrive and shine, while celebrating the night away on your BIG DAY!
I believe in working with my couples as a team, ensuring that their needs are met, and that their voices are heard. My role in this process is to help you navigate the pre-planning and day-of coordination, stress-free, while building trusting relationships with all my clients, to create the wedding day of their dreams. I am extremely organized, focused, and want you to feel completely confident and at ease throughout this process.
When I’m not coordinating alongside my couples, I’m working with Middle and High School students as a School Psychologist. I love juggling whatever comes my way, and am passionate about supporting my clients – so trust me, we got this! I look forward to working with you in this journey towards your special day and beyond!
Sarah
Lead Planner
After planning my own wedding, I fell in love with wedding planning. Taking ideas and making a vision come to life is exciting and beautiful. I know first-hand how overwhelming wedding planning can seem, but you can rely on me to be with you every step of the way so you can focus on what is important to you! Each couple has different desires, and I love figuring out those special aspects and highlighting them throughout their wedding day.
When I am not wedding planning, I am Registered Nurse. This aids in wedding planning because I stay calm and positive under pressure. I thrive in the busyness of the wedding day and live for the moment when the bride kisses her groom. I pride myself on being organized and efficient which helps me bring my couples’ visions to life. I believe that the couples only job on their wedding day is to look beautiful, relax, and enjoy their day with their friends and family.
When I am not working I am usually playing with my golden retriever puppy or bopping around the city trying new restaurants with my husband. I can’t wait to sit down with you and begin this fun journey of wedding planning!
Milwaukee, Madison, Burlington, Lake Geneva, and pretty much everywhere else.
414.376.3414
info@bluefancyevents.com
