The Sarah Kathleen Events Team
Experience, Passion, Dedication, Innovation
Sarah Rodriguez
Founder
“A wedding is a party, not a performance. If at the end of the day you are married to one you love, then everything went perfectly!” - Sarah
Sarah began her journey as a wedding and event planner way back when she was a child, throwing parties for anybody that would attend. After focusing her studies in the hospitality world, she knew this industry was the right path. What better way to bring all of her interests together while having fun with everyone around her? Sarah obtained her bridal consultant certification and worked as an intern at a couple of local event venues before eventually taking a job at an audio visual company that focused on large scale events and incorporated the very best in event technology. It was here that Sarah learned how to create her custom 3D event renderings that are such a unique service for our clients. After a few years, it was time to strike out on her own! Sarah Kathleen Events was founded in 2015 and has been growing ever since. Sarah loves working with her team and clients on creating one of a kind events that leave lasting memories. It’s such a special day to be a part of! With her skills ranging between various different areas, she enjoys not just the planning and designing, but also food and wine pairings, incorporating creative AV and lighting techniques, graphic designing, and overall mood creation. When she isn’t throwing fabulous parties, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Jim, drinking wine and eating cookies, and relaxing at home with her dogs.
Abigail Anderson
Lead Planner
Your wedding should be all about celebrating the love you share – let me help lead the way so you can stay in the moment and enjoy the magic!” - Abigail Anderson
Abigail’s passion for weddings dates back as far as she can remember, from family weddings to Say Yes to the Dress, and hasn’t let up since! For Abigail, it is all about the love story and allowing her couples to be in the moment during the process and on the big day! With a background in business and marketing, Abigail is no stranger to organization and has an eye for details. Weather it is breaking down spreadsheets, aligning party favors, or making sure your veil is straight as you step down the aisle, Abigail is there to help. Abigail has been with Sarah Kathleen since 2018 and has worked at venues all across Illinois and the neighboring states. When she is not busy planning weddings, Abigail can be found traveling, hiking with her dogs, reading a good book, or enjoying a glass of wine. Abigail favorite current wedding trends? Grazing tables, champaign walls, white bridesmaids’ dresses, and custom cocktails!
Alyssa Donlan
Lead Planner
“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might!” - Alyssa Donlan
Alyssa grew up in the Chicago suburbs where she fell in love with playing tourist. From exploring new places to meeting new people, and, of course, trying new foods, Alyssa felt inspired into the life of a designer. Alyssa spends time scouring Pinterest for new inspirations for cooking, fashion, and of course, wedding design. But what makes her so unique and so right for your special event? With Alyssa, relationships are a priority. At the heart of everything Alyssa does is her family and close friends. She gives them one-hundred percent of herself and plays a genuine and supportive role in their lives. Alyssa will go over and above whatever is needed to care for the people she’s most invested in. And she’s completely invested in her clients. With that same commitment and devotion Alyssa gives to her family, she shares with clients that hire her. She is intensely dedicated and passionate. Alyssa has exquisite attention to detail and a fresh creativity. Her clients can be sure to have a stress-free, stylish, and fabulous experience from start to finish. Although there are many aspects to wedding design that she loves, Alyssa’s favorite part is getting to know each couple and connecting with them on a personal level. She wants to know their story, hear their dreams, and make one of their most important days truly perfect and unforgettable.
Hannalori O'Connell
Lead Planner
“In a world full of trends, I want to remain a classic.” - Hannalori O'Connell
Hannalori got her start in the hospitality industry in 2015 while working towards her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and event planning at the University of West Florida, where she also planned events for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. After moving back home to Chicago in 2017, she ventured into many other aspects of the industry- working in venues, tent rentals, party supplies, bridal gowns, and floral production- giving her insight into all of the different aspects that create an unforgettable event. Hannalori has dubbed herself the “day-of timeline pro” and loves watching her couple’s vision come to life, while making sure the rest of the team is on schedule and moving the party along! She now resides in New Eastside, where she is always excited to explore one of the hundreds of downtown venues. She is a dog mom to her mini yorkie, Moose Jonas, and is the world’s biggest Jonas Brothers fan!
Holly Zientara
Lead Planner
“Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.” - Holly Zientara
Passionate about design and being a true romantic, Holly joined Sarah Kathleen Events to pursue her passion in event planning.In college, Holly excelled in both Psychology and Interior Design. This knowledge & expertise is the strong base she draws from in order to work with clients in creating successful events. Pivoting after college, Holly began a career in the food industry. She possesses an extensive catering background with over 20 years experience, working at some of the most demanding catering companies in Chicagoland. Thinking ‘outside of the box’ and being nimble are Holly’s middle names. She enjoys keeping up with current trends and anticipating upcoming ones. Holly enjoys a challenge, has a superb attention to detail, feels comfortable in sticky situations, and has been told she has the patience of an angel. Holly is a wife and mother of a precocious 4 year old boy, so she naturally possesses the ability to multitask while keeping a sense of humor. Holly strongly believes the most important part of event planning is knowing her clients, on a more personal and detailed level. Understanding client needs, wants, and wishes are imperative to her planning process. Holly recognizes each event is distinctive and important. An event is not simply about a cake topper or napkin color, it is about the feeling you get when you create unforgettable memories, that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Brianna Wywrot
Lead Planner
“May your love story be as magical and charming as in fairy tales". - Brianna Wywrot
Bri is a sucker for weddings and that is what sparked her interest in becoming a wedding planner! Bri joined Sarah Kathleen Events in 2022. She loves being a part of making the couple's wedding day everything they imagined! She has 10+ years of customer service experience that comes in handy to stay organized and on task. In her free time, Bri loves exploring Chicago with her husband, going to new restaurants, traveling to her favorite place ever (the beach), and attending country concerts.
Jody Langbauer
Lead Planner
“A wedding is an event, but marriage is life. Make it memorable!” - Jody Langbauer
Jody Langbauer has a bachelor’s degree from Troy University in Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management. She has a passion for planning and organizing all aspects of life!! She grew up in southern Alabama and now lives in the suburbs of Chicago, IL with her husband, their cocker spaniel, and a new baby on the way. She loves traveling and spending her free time exploring the outdoors. While traveling throughout the United States is what led her to peruse the hospitality industry. She fell in love with the hospitality industry when she worked at the Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, CO in events and fine dining. From there she continued her work in the hospitality industry in Orlando, FL with The Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott.
Kara Neeley
Lead Planner
“We’re all a little weird and, life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love” - Kara Neely
Kara got her start in corporate event planning, but has since fallen in love with weddings! She is a very detail-oriented person. his helps her focus on even the smallest aspects (that sometimes turn out to be the most important) when she’s helping you create the day of your dreams! She loves that she get to develop a personal relationship with each couple – Kara feels that it is truly the key to making each event a unique and special affair to remember! She’s often found helping friends throw birthday parties, baby showers, benefits and any other type of fun get together! When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places!
Loraine McConnell
Lead Planner
“Wherever you go, whatever you do, do in love! - Loraine McConnell
Loraine’s aspirations to become a wedding coordinator started after planning her own wedding. Ever since she was a teenager, she always loved helping to coordinate dances and events with student council. Loraine’s keen eye for detail and perfection helps make your special day everything you could have dreamed of. She is very passionate and hardworking to ensure event day is flawless and stress free. Her current favorite wedding trend is gold geometric terrariums, candles, and lots of greenery! In her spare time she enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her husband and puggle.
Luis Reveles
Lead Planner
“Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale. I want to be the one to help bring that fairy tale to life!”- Luis Reveles
In just a blink of an eye, the world can change and Luis’ world changed when he met Sarah from Sarah Kathleen Events about 9 years ago. With his funny, caring, and creative personality, he was brought on as the first ever Sarah Kathleen Events intern. Since then, Luis has moved into a role as a lead coordinator and enjoys helping his clients live their fairy tale. A true romantic himself, Luis is passionate about helping to showcase every love story while making sure each event is visually stunning. He has an active and dynamic approach to work and getting things when it comes to flipping a room from ceremony to reception. With his friendly, helpful, and polite way of doing things he makes a great Wedding Coordinator for Sarah Kathleen Events. He is also an avid baker and often whips up cupcakes and other tasty treats for the team! When he isn’t working on weddings, Luis loves being around his family- especially his new baby niece!
Annabelle McEvoy
Lead Planner
“The greatest thing you can hold onto in life is one another. Let’s have fun planning your forever together!”- Annabelle McEvoy
Annabelle’s passion for event planning started from a young age. That desire led to her majoring in Event Planning and Creative and Professional Industries in college. Throughout her studies in Virginia, Annabelle was very involved in weddings. She started as a decorator and assisted with wedding set-up during her freshman year. She then moved into an assistant wedding planner position for the next few years. Upon graduation, Annabelle wanted to continue helping brides create their vision and plan their special day, which led her to start with Sarah Kathleen Events in 2023.
Kris Castaldi
Lead Planner
“Weddings are a celebration of love. It’s not about how pretty everything is, it’s about the people and their story. I love hearing the stories! Let’s work together to tell yours!”- Kris Castaldi
Kris discovered floral design as a high school freshman and fell head over heels for the floral industry, and eventually the events industry as a whole. Several decades and millions of blooms later, Kris was ready for a change but wasn’t ready to leave the event industry, so she pivoted into wedding planning. She loves tying all the personal details into one big beautiful event that is as unique as the couple celebrating the newest chapter in their lives. When not working on a wedding, Kris can often be found dreaming up or running a school event at one of her two daughters’ schools. She and her husband are also active Swim, Softball, Music, and Theater parents. When not at practice or rehearsal, they can usually be found at a beach somewhere, preferably in the water or planted in the sand with a good book.
Jessica Velazquez
Lead Panner
"To Love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." - Jessica Velazquez
Jessica has had a love for event planning ever since planning her own quinceanera. Since then she has planned many of her friends and family events and has come to enjoy all of the behind the scenes steps Jessica started with Sarah Kathleen as an intern and has worked her way up to a lead planner. She enjoys making her clients dream wedding into reality and works behind the scenes to ensure that everything is running flawlessly.
Emily Thornton
Lead Panner
A few years later she joined the team officially as a planner! Her favorite part of wedding planning is seeing two people so in love sharing the day with their favorite people. She graduated from St. Norbert College in 2020 with a BA in Communication & Media and has been living in Lakeview East in Chicago working for a consulting firm. In her freetime, you can find Emily on the lakefront trail rain, snow, or shine or searching for the best espresso martini in the city.
