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.

Laurie Wilson
Senior Planner   |   On-Site Coordinator

Laurie’s impeccable eye for detail, unflappable nature and personal flare combine to make gatherings of all sizes the best they can possibly be. Her passion for event planning and catering began while in high school and continued through college at CSU San Francisco, where she helped plan and execute concerts and events for students.  While enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, she was also active in hosting events for students and guests.  Since her graduation from CIA in 1992, Laurie has worked throughout the area on galas and fund-raisers for large corporations, exclusive resorts, private individuals and schools. 

Getting to know Laurie: What is the best thing about your job?
“Seeing the delight in a client’s face when the execution of an event comes together and is a great success!”

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 passion for creating authentic moments that people cherish.  Nichole has a Bachelor's degree in Communications from East Carolina University and a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from The New School.  After graduation, she spent three years as Executive Director at a nonprofit for children with disabilities in New York City, planning weekly activities for up to 40 children and 100 volunteers. Most recently, she spent eight years in charge of corporate events and the philanthropy program for a private equity firm in New York City. 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 brings you happiness?
“Dancing! Music with a good beat gets into my soul and makes me feel alive. I’ve always loved expressing myself through movement."

Barbara Edmonson
On-Site Assistant  |  Studio 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.”

Mickaela Grimaldi 
Social Media & Marketing Assistant  |   On-Site Coordinator

Mickaela Grimaldi brings superb organizational skills and technical know-how, along with boundless enthusiasm and a caring heart, to Your Event. Mickaela earned a degree in Business of Art and Design from Ringling College of Art in Design in 2017. Since then, she has been working in the fields of graphic design, fashion and event planning. Mickaela takes great pride and joy in helping to bring celebrations to life, no matter how large or small. Having worked closely with Paula from the conception of the business, she is poised to tell the Your Event’s story through social media. 

Getting to know Mickaela:  What’s your secret talent?
“I am an aspiring trapeze artist! It only took one class for me to fall madly in love with the aerial arts.
I am able to express myself, build strength, and create another family.”

Amelia Smith
Event Assistant

Amelia Smith, daughter of Paula Smith, has been a major beneficiary of her mom’s event-making magic throughout all of her 22 years. From a fairy fantasy birthday party to a spa day complete with beauty treatments for all her friends and their American Girl dolls, Amelia knows what a difference exceptional event design and planning can make. She is a recent graduate of Georgetown University (BS in Neurobiology). Amelia has written for Thirty Seventh—Georgetown’s fashion and lifestyle publication. She has covered topics such as seasonal spring hues, cruelty-free beauty products and meditation. She was also a member of the Jack Crew, overseeing the care, training, management and social calendar of Georgetown's beloved bull dog mascot, Jack. She knows her mother like no other, and enjoys being able to support her in making client and guests feel well taken care of and events running like clockwork. 
Getting to know Amelia:  You have a free ticket…where are you going?
“To Greece!! For sure! The Greek island, Mykonos, is definitely my top post-college vacation destination. I’m in awe of the exquisite colors and I love having close proximity to the water.” 

Maggie Frankenbach
Event Assistant

Maggie Frankenbach brings energy, enthusiasm and creativity to everything she does. She graduated from St. Lawrence University in May 2020, where she got a taste of event planning through her position as social chair for her sorority. Maggie has gained much experience during her time at Your Event which began back in 2019 with a summer internship. Now, with multiple events (and pandemic planning) under her belt, she acts as a trusted member of the team assisting in various roles such as: product resourcing, vendor communication, event design and on-site management.

Getting to know Maggie:  What makes you smile?
“My two golden retrievers, Ripley and Nala, never fail to make me happy!”

Abby Heilmann
Event Assistant

Abby Heilmann, a 2021 graduate from Roger Williams University, has found her passion for the event planning industry after helping her plan her own brother's wedding. After several years of working in hospitality, Abby is eager to see what exciting experiences working with Your Event brings.
​She is excited to learn all of the 'ins and outs' that come with bringing a client's vision to life!

Getting to know Abby:  What makes you smile?
“Holidays! The holiday season is my absolute favorite time of the year. I feel like I am my happiest during it. I love seeing all the pretty lights and the whole atmosphere changes." ​

Kylie Gent
Studio Assistant

​Kylie Gent, a student at Bard College, brings a good deal of on-site event experience to Your Event from several years in the catering field. She finds working with Paula and her team a comforting, exciting, and happy way to spend her time and is grateful for the opportunity to pitch in where needed. Kylie stands ready to do all she can to support the team and make Your Event a success!
 
Getting to know Kylie:  You have one free ticket… where are you going?
“I would go back in time to see what my family was like when they were younger. I understand wanting to go somewhere far and unknown, but the past seems pretty interesting to me. So, if you ever stumble upon a time machine…”

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Depending on the nature and needs of each event, we will collaborate with our reliable team of professional artisans, caterers, craftsmen and vendors to create environments, lighting effects, catering, floral arrangements, photography, rentals, music, entertainment, invitations and print collateral.

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Design + organization + inspiration = celebration

The high energy, detail-oriented, graphic designer, Paula Smith, launched her premium event planning and management business just a year ago at an all female friends kick-off party. Main Street interviewed her in her studio / office            in the Shekomeko Valley to find out more about her new business.

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Read about us in Main Street Magazine or download the full article.