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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
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!
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!
Morgan S
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.
Jen
Lead Planner
Hi, I’m Jen!
I’ve always had an undeniable passion for bringing people together for any kind of celebration. Weddings, babies, retirements, birthdays, or “just because” days – you name it, I’ve likely planned a party for it! Seeing the joy people are overcome with at celebrations warms me, especially knowing that event began as a dream which was elevated and transpired into a reality. The excitement from that feeling alone fills the entire planning process with value and drives me to go the extra mile for you to make sure your vision is met!
My background in Business Development, Marketing and Strategic Communication has helped shape me into a selective and meticulous, yet bold and creative person. Over the past 10 years in my field, I have fine-tuned organizational skills by utilizing techniques and systems that ensure a fun and efficient process for everyone!
As your planner, what matters most to me is that (1) you feel comfortable, (2) you feel confident, and (3) your dream day becomes your reality.
Outside of the office, you can find me planning my own wedding, exploring new places with my fiancé, or staying active with our pups! Wherever I am, though, I always have my phone nearby to answer any questions you have, calm any nerves, or just to chat (I, also, love talking about literally anything). So let’s get this show on the road and start planning your special day!
Ali
Lead Planner, Social Media
In my last year of college, I got an internship with a wedding videography company. During this experience, I quickly realized my passion for the wedding industry. After going to weddings every weekend it became clear that this is the kind of industry I was meant to be in. After a few months of capturing the magic of weddings through videos I wanted to be more involved, I started as a bridal stylist. During this time my cousin was also getting married and I was helping her with her wedding planning and ended up just planning the whole thing. My cousin kept telling me how much stress it was for her to plan her wedding and I felt the exact opposite. After completing the wedding, I began my search to become a planner.
I have such a passion for my couples to make sure their day runs smoothly and is the exact vision they wanted! I will be right by your side during the whole experience. My organization skills and the love of all things wedding related has helped me plan events perfectly for my couples! We will not just become friends during the process but also continue to keep in touch long after.
I can promise a smooth, stress-free planning process that will become the wedding you have always dreamed of! I can not wait to meet you and help you plan your special day!
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!
Hannah
Lead Planner
My planning journey begins with a dog named Journey. Little did I know, he would encourage me towards a new journey, one that would involve a lesson he lives by; do what makes you happy. This Journey (yes, he actually came with that name) is my handsome buddy who we rescued this past summer, days after we got married, and this new journey is the one where I become an event planner.
Growing up, I was the sibling who planned all of the birthday parties; creating invitations, menus, guest lists, and most importantly, decorating. As I grew older, I knew that planning was for me and that my career path would somehow involve planning. I mean I get joy just from purchasing a planner (which usually takes me about two days to choose the right one). Turns out, I was right. My career did involve planning, and lots of it.
After attending Illinois State University for education, I moved to northern Wisconsin and have been working as a 6th grade teacher for the past four years. My students were my everything, but I felt my passion and creativity being put to the wayside. I found myself wanting to focus on the planning piece most of all. With the help of Journey, my husband, and the Netflix show Emily in Paris, I worked up the courage and began searching for alternative careers that involved both the time to plan and the ability to unlock my creativity that so wanted to be let out. I realized quickly in my search that event planning would be my new journey.
When I’m not spending hours scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, I can be found spending time being both a dog and cat mom, drinking coffee, enjoying quality time with my wonderful husband, riding my Peloton, and cooking healthy meals.
I cannot wait to share with you my planning skills, my creativity, my love for human connection, and my passion for helping people. I am looking forward to helping loving couples take on the journey of planning their dream wedding day.
Amanda
Administrative Director
