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.

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."

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."

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.”
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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."

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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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We are thrilled to see Tanya & Arin featured in
​ Westchester Magazine Weddings!

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"The wedding took place on a picture-perfect, sun-doused fall day as the combined families carried out Armenian traditions against the backdrop of the scenic Hudson Valley. A special moment took place before the ceremony when the time-honored and cherished red-and-green sash ritual was held, as was done in the old country."

We are so proud to see Sarah & Eddie grace the cover of the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of Saratoga Bride!

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"After four years of long distance, we found ourselves still very much in love and
excited to finally be together again.
On the 10th anniversary (to the day!) of Eddie asking me to be his girlfriend, he asked me to marry him. It was an easy YES! from me."

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.

"Paula Smith and Your Event were the absolute best team! She is attentive, thoughtful, honors our choices & vision, and creates calm in all the wedding chaos. I cannot recommend her more—we knew we were in the best of hands!
—Ava F. [Bride]

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