08/24/2026
Some Moments Deserve More Than a Party. They Deserve an Experience.
I have had the privilege of planning celebrations for many years. A lot of them have been weddings. But my career in events has never been limited to weddings. I've produced large charitable galas, milestone celebrations and private events. I've worked with corporate donors, committees, celebrity participants, venues, caterers, designers and countless creative professionals. I've managed events ranging from intimate gatherings to celebrations of approximately 1,500+ guests. And long before I became an event planner, I worked in hospitality. All of that experience taught me something important.
A successful event isn't simply about planning a party and selecting a theme. It's about understanding why people are gathering there. A nonprofit gala may need to inspire generosity while giving donors an extraordinary experience. A corporate holiday celebration should make employees or clients feel genuinely appreciated. A milestone birthday or anniversary should feel personal, not like a generic party with someone's name added to the décor. A private dinner may involve only 30 guests, but those 30 people should feel as though every detail was considered specifically for them. Behind all of those experiences are the things guests rarely see: budgets, contracts, vendors, menus, transportation, timing, staffing, rentals, entertainment, design, logistics and dozens of decisions that have to work together. That is where experience matters.
As fall and the holiday season approach, I am opening my calendar to a select number of corporate, nonprofit and private events in addition to my wedding work. Fall galas and fundraisers, corporate and client events, holiday celebrations, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, private dinners and special celebrations. Whether you need comprehensive event planning or an experienced professional to help develop the concept, assemble the right team and manage the details, I'd be happy to have a conversation. Because after more than 30 years in events and hospitality, I still believe the best celebrations begin with one question: How do we want people to feel when they leave? Everything else should be built from there.
Wendy Hartigan
Founder, Angel of Hearts Weddings
Events • Hospitality • Client Experience
