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 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.
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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 Edmundson
On-Site 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.”

Claudia Self
On-Site Assistant

Claudia has spent a lifetime helping family and friends celebrate the moments that really matter, from bridal showers to baby showers and nearly everything in-between. She found a gift for hospitality working in the AGA Cooking School started by her mother-in-law, Catherine Self. There she found her niche, laying the table, arranging the flowers, and shepherding the students. She has since built on her love for planning and decorating in both events and home interiors. Joining Paula and her team of experts is an exciting event for Claudia and she can’t wait to help make your event a success too! 

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Getting to know Claudia: What brings you happiness?
"What is the word for the combined emotions of love/joy/peace/contentment that I feel when a great plan is brought to realization through the harmonized efforts and shared enjoyment with my perfect team of friends and family...I just call it "happiness."
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Dani Seipp
Administrative Assistant  

Dani Seipp comes to Your Event with a passion for individualizing events to make the day special for everyone involved. Her attention to detail and penchant for organization, combined with more than eight years of experience in marketing and public relations, makes her a great fit for the Your Event team. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Marist College and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. Dani is excited to work alongside Paula in the studio to ensure that every detail of your special day is perfect! When not at work, you can find Dani in one of two places; at the firehouse where she is an officer and loves serving her community, or at a local race track helping racers follow their dreams!

Getting to know Dani:  What brings you happiness?
"When I can make a positive impact on someone else’s life. Whether it is big or small, having a meaningful experience with someone can leave a lasting effect on both parties!"

Chiara Farcher
Event Design Assistant

Chiara was raised by two loud boisterous artistic Italians. Her childhood home was full of color, art and food…… a lot of fresh homemade Italian meals.  All of this planted the seeds for her love of gathering, entertaining and art.  She has worked in Marketing, as a Cafe Owner, Home Stylist and Event Manager.  All paving the road that lead to Event Design. Creating visually entertaining spaces that give folks a strong desire to want to unwind and have a good time is truly her passion.  She believes the measure of true success is in the wonderful memories we make with the people we love. Each and every event is unique but all have one common goal, The Art of Celebration.  
Getting to know Chiara:  What brings you happiness?
"Watching my babies sleep. The blissful peace, safety and snugly comfort I imagine they feel really just warms my soul and makes me smile."

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.