About Us
Who we are
Paula Smith
Owner & Director
Paula Smith comes to the event-planning field by way of a long and distinguished career as a graphic and package designer specializing in art direction and project management. For 25 years, she has owned and operated Paula Smith Designs Inc., serving clients primarily in the gourmet food, home furnishing and cosmetics industries. Paula has overseen numerous high-profile product launches and publicity events—directing the efforts of designers, illustrators, photographers, editors and production departments to achieve the desired results on schedule and within budget.
Paula’s limitless imagination, epic multitasking abilities and upbeat disposition have also made her the go-to person in her region for organizing fund-raisers and community celebrations. The more pro-bono event-planning work she took on in the not-for-profit sector, the more she came to realize how rewarding it was to create joyous, beautifully designed celebrations that bring people together. Starting her party-planning company, Your Event, was a dream come true for Paula. She relishes the chance to draw on her distinctive background and diverse skill set to make any celebration uniquely memorable. Put simply, no one can throw a party like Paula!
Getting to know Paula: What makes you smile?
“The freedom to work from my heart and witnessing the joy it brings to others."
See Paula's Design Portfolio
Read about us in Main Street Magazine or download the full article.
Meet Our Team
Hillary Henderson
Senior Planner | On-Site Coordinator
Hillary Henderson has been working in the event space for nearly two decades as a fundraising professional. From large galas to small dinner parties, and most recently, virtual events, Hillary has experience in all elements of the event planning process. She is known for her bright personality, ability to multitask and attention to detail. Her passion and energy are contagious, and she loves bringing creative vision to life. Hillary is looking forward to working on events with the Your Event team.
Getting to know Hillary: What makes you smile?
"A beautiful hike in the Hudson Valley!"
Nichole Reyes
Senior Planner | On-Site Coordinator
Nichole Reyes brings a passion for creating authentic moments that people cherish. With over a decade of event planning experience in New York City, Nichole understands the details are what make an event special. In her free time, she volunteers with local nonprofits and plans exciting adventures to go on with her young family. Nichole has a Bachelor's degree in Communications from East Carolina University and a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from The New School. She is excited to be a part of the Your Event team and to help create incredible memories.
Getting to know Nichole: What makes you smile?
“Seeing the wonder of everyday life through my children's eyes. To see the awe and excitement of simple things, makes me want to help others make their own magical moments."
Jodi Groves
On-Site Coordinator
Jodi Groves has been working in the hospitality field for almost a decade. Her great eye for detail has helped her in hosting and planning large-scale events to intimate dinner parties and everything in between. Her attention to all the slightest details will ensure your special event exceeds your highest expectations. With her combination of dedication and creativity, Jodi and the Your Event team will bring your dreams into reality.
Getting to know Jodi: What makes you smile?
"The wonderful sounds of laughter and stories being shared at family dinners."
Kelly Carter
On-Site Coordinator
Kelly Carter has always had a passion for event planning. She believes that life should be about positivity and celebrations. From getting guests up to dance while accompanying her brother with his DJ business to bringing themes to life for family and friends’ parties and gatherings, she has truly enjoyed the execution of details and the joy it brings to others. Kelly has ample experience working in the restaurant industry and for diverse events at a venue space in the Hudson Valley. Her smile, energy, and caring and fun loving attitude makes her a joy to work with. She is over the moon with excitement to have this opportunity to work with an amazing team and bring people’s special moments to life.
Getting to know Kelly: What makes you smile?
“Dancing! Music with a good beat gets into my soul and makes me feel alive. I’ve always loved expressing myself through movement."
Jean Cook
On-Site Assistant
Jean Cook brings a thoughtful balance of big-picture vision and meticulous attention to detail to every event she supports. With degrees in Communications and Educational Psychology, Jean is deeply attuned to the people behind each celebration and understands how thoughtful planning creates meaningful experiences. Known for her calm presence and ability to anticipate needs before they arise, she ensures every detail is handled seamlessly. Jean’s quiet confidence and follow-through make clients feel supported, prepared, and truly in good hands.
Getting to know Jean: What makes you smile?
“ Putting a smile on someone else's face.”
Barbara Edmundson
Studio | On-Site Setup Assistant
Barbara Edmundson has over five years of culinary experience, a majority of those under the direction of Laurie Wilson. Prior to entering the culinary industry, her time was exclusively devoted to party planning for birthdays, holidays and special events of her husband and four children and various other family celebrations. She is excited to bring this energy to the Your Event team and working to make your celebration a memorable one.
Getting to know Barbara: What makes you smile?
“Definitely my family! My children are scattered all over the country and one overseas, so any time we can all be together, makes me smile.”
Karen Douglass-McGhee
Bookkeeper | On-Site Assistant
Karen started her hospitality adventure catering at a young age while working with her father, CIA chefs and instructors for events ranging from small dinner parties to full-scale weddings. Working behind the scenes in the kitchen and moving to the front of house, prepping room and tables, she realized years later that her knowledge and passion for the event business was destined to re-boot.
At Your Event, Karen works behind the scenes as our bookkeeper. Witnessing her peering over the stacks of receipts, paperwork and her Quickbooks screen over to the hospitality baskets and welcome totes being assembled on the center island (sweetly and persuasively asking to stay late and help), we knew she needed to join the on-site team.
Getting to know Karen: What makes you smile?
"Seeing the look on my children's faces when they are doing something they love."
Shawnna McKibben
On-Site Assistant
Shawnna McKibben looks forward to contributing passion, creativity and heart to every event she supports with the Your Event. With degrees in Organizational Leadership & Communications, Counseling, and Business Administration, Shawnna brings the skills necessary to stay highly organized, effectively communicate, and approach each event with calm confidence.
Getting to know Shawnna: What makes you smile?
"The opportunity to give back to my community. There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing I can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Being able to support, uplift, and contribute in meaningful ways is what inspires me every day."
Rhonda Cayea
On-Site Assistant
Rhonda Cayea had worked in a retail business for over thirty eight years. Her passion for design and an eye for detail in all aspects of her job led her to a place of happiness and success. In addition to design the job included event planning, buying, display and managing staff.
She has experience in banquet work in restaurants and outdoor weddings. Rhonda especially enjoys collaborating with associates on special projects and seeing the completed job bring satisfaction to everyone.
Getting to know Rhonda What makes you smile?
"My family’s happiness and sharing holidays with all of them whenever possible!"