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!"

Nicole 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 Nicole: 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."

Mickaela Grimaldi
Management Assistant   |  Associate Planner  |   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 and event planning. Mickaela takes great pride and joy in helping to bring celebrations to life, no matter how large or small. She is ready to help in any way she can to make your event all it can be!
 
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.”

Maggie Frankenbach
Associate Planner  |  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
Associate Planner   |   Event Assistant

Abby Heilmann, recent 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
Event Assistant

​Kylie Gent, a student at Dutchess Community 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…”

Amelia Smith
Social Media & Marketing Assistant  |  Event Assistant

Amelia Smith, daughter of Paula Smith, has been a major beneficiary of her mom’s event-making magic throughout all of her 21 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. A graduate from The Hotchkiss School and now a senior at Georgetown University majoring 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 is a also a member of the Jack Crew, overseeing the care, training, management and social calendar of Georgetown's beloved bull dog mascot, Jack. She is eager to tell Your Event’s story through social media. 
 
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.” 

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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.