Who We Are

Sholeh Munion, CMP
Sholeh Events

Sholeh’s philosophy towards her work extends beyond just planning, combining problem-solving with building personal relationships with clients, going beyond the logistics and focusing on understanding each client’s individual vision. This client relation ethic mirrors her own values over the last 20 years, having championed community-building, and supporting other small businesses, notably those owned by women and minorities. 

Emmanuelle Escandar
EE Event Co.

Emmanuelle has planning events for 15+ years. Along with her financial management & business background, She combines timing, financial goals, branding, coordination, and client, guest and vendor relationships to make an event successful. She plans an array of events. Emmanuelle is also the co-host of Thursday Therapy Chicago, a monthly venue open house and industry networking event.  Emmanuelle is  the co-founder of Chicago Event Group, a venue management company.

Michelle Sunder

Bustle and Lace

Michelle has built a career in the events industry in Chicago over the past 17+ years, working in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She brings expertise in planning everything from intimate backyard soirees to 750-person black-tie galas. She founded Bustle and Lace in 2017 as a "side-hustle" and now runs the company full-time. Her work is fueled by her love and passion for weddings and a dedication to curating unforgettable experiences for her clients. 

Rachel MacQueen
Firmly Rooted Events

Rachel has been coordinating and planning weddings for 4 years and runs her business full-time. FRE specializes in wedding day management often referred to as “day-of coordination”. Rachel’s team works in Chicago and the Chicago area and loves helping couples focus on the fun with their down-to-earth, “day-of” coordination. 

Janelle Martin
Comprehensive Coordinations

Janelle is passionate about creating experiences that allow people to feel connected, supported, and fully present in the moment. With a background in hospitality, nonprofit programming, and social work, she brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to every event she supports.

Hagir E. Hasbrouck
Day-of & Co.

Hagir launched her second act as the founder of Day-Of & Co. after remarrying and relocating to the Chicago area. Previously, she spent more than 15 years in political and government affairs in Washington, D.C., where she represented foreign governments, global companies, and industry associations, leading bilateral initiatives and high-profile events. A global citizen who has lived in several countries, traveled to more than 25, and speaks five languages, Hagir brings a collaborative, culturally informed perspective to every event and relationship.

Rebecca Pope
Something Profound Weddings

Based in Uptown Chicago, Rebecca’s many passions have led her to build a holistic approach to relationships and weddings. As the “Leslie Knope” of weddings with over a decade of experience, Rebecca offers planning, coordination, consultations, premarital and officiating support.

Blair Woerfel
BW Studio Events

Blair has been a natural event planner since childhood, orchestrating everything from the best slumber parties to successful non-profit fundraisers before focusing on custom weddings and social events. She founded BW Studio in 2016, combining her passion for connecting people in celebration with her skills as a trained interior designer, bringing a keen eye for aesthetics and flow to every event.

Alexa Sweeney

Monarch Creative Events 

With a background in finance and operations, Alexa brings a calm, organized presence to the chaos of wedding planning. She discovered her passion for this work while planning her own wedding and now loves helping couples honor both their ceremony and celebration. As a mom of two and a big believer in faith, she cherishes the flexibility this career brings. She is the logistical fairy godmother who leads with heart (and let’s be honest—she loves to talk), making sure every detail is handled so her clients can actually enjoy their day.  

Shelby Wagner

Myrtle & Sage

Shelby brings a love of beauty, people, and stories to weddings and events. From music teacher, to conference coordinator, to event and wedding coordinator in Oxford, England, Shelby has gleaned and honed the skills to curate well-organized and beautiful weddings and events. Upon returning to Chicago in 2024, Shelby leaned into her passions and started Myrtle & Sage Events. She cherishes each opportunity she’s given to step into people’s lives and, through her warmth and expertise, to alleviate her clients’ stress, free them from details to focus on presence, and curate a day that represents so much more than just pretty things.

Chayla Ellison

CC Ellison Events

With 10+ years as a nonprofit event venue director specializing in weddings, galas, and corporate events, Chayla Ellison brings deep expertise in operations, logistics, and small business management. Now a freelancer, she supports local planners and venues with calm, capable event execution — while also offering high-touch home and garden services to clients in Chicago’s South Suburbs. Her work is rooted in purpose, guided by systems, and delivered with warmth and precision.

Rojin Babayan
Baroj Events

With a decade of experience as a Data Scientist, Rojin developed strong organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and thorough preparation. Transitioning from the technology industry to follow her passion, she founded Baroj Events. As an immigrant in Chicago with a multicultural background, Rojin is dedicated to working with a diverse group of couples, turning their wedding dreams into reality.