Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Ames.
Hi Kate, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was a teen, I worked as an banquet server at the local country club & when I left for college I had no clue what I was going to study. My brother took an elective class to study beer & wine through the Hospitality Management Program and said I HAD to meet the program directors – I would LOVE them. So I did and he was right. (Don’t tell him that though.) I have a degree in Hospitality Management and a double minor in Club Management & Special Events/Meeting Planning. My dream job was to plan events at a private golf club, which I got to do at various club for 8 years after graduation. Took me through Detroit Golf Club, The Savannah Golf Club, a yacht club on Lake Michigan, and a handful of clubs surrounding Grand Rapids. While I adore building relationships with members and the traditions each club holds, at every club I found myself gushing the most over weddings. Something about building a foundation to support a most memorable & joyous day in a couples’ lives lit a flame that I denied at first. I never wanted to own my own business and staying in private clubs gave me a safety net to still be a part of what I loved, but I often was told I was ‘doing too much’; ie: beyond what the role pays for -and somehow that never sat right with me.
So I explored working for myself. It started small with only 3 weddings the first year and grew to 24 weddings in a few short years – through Covid nonetheless.
Hospitality at it’s core is the way guests FEEL at and after any gathering. Being the source of warmth and kindness that makes others feel welcome, comfortable & valued, fills my cup with such joy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road to get here At every new door of opportunity, I try to remember to learn & observe the current ways before making changes – but sometimes my excitement takes over and I come across as pushy instead. Learning to pause, bite my tongue and ask enough questions has been a long game indeed. With my focus being on the food & beverage service, I tend to lean into logistics of any event and that alone opens the door to constantly be improving and adapting with needs.
Also, there has is no regulation in the wedding industry, so anyone can become a vendor with little experience while looking like a rockstar on paper. Finding the vendors who are actually worth the investment and have the know-how to back it up takes time and work. Having been in the industry for 20+ years now, I’ve earned the knowledge on how to spot the winners and where the holes may be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As primarily a wedding planner, but really celebrations, with a hospitality-first philosophy- I have the honor to work with clients across all styles, as my style is approachable & relatable, but refined and informed by experience & loads of background.
I tend to focus on the logistics and motion throughout events, which in turn lead to the overall guest experience as a whole. I offer budget analysis, vendor referrals, and timeline construction & management.
Clients and vendors alike value how I meet an overwhelmed moment with structure and calmness to mitigate stress. I believe I am different from other wedding planners in my “will do” attitude. Need a big piece of furniture moved, will do. Need to tell Aunt Susie to sit down, will do. Need to get the band, photographer, and videographer on the same page, will do. Need to shift 250 guests inside inside in 5 minutes, can and will do with a smile so no one feels rushed.
I am most proud of the character and reputation I have built in the community here in Grand Rapids as a result of that will do attitude as well. Vendors will refer clients to me if they’re unavailable, along with call on me to be extra hands on their behalf. And honestly, I am happy to jump in whenever someone needs it – however I can assist. At the end of the day, most events are a celebration and every celebration deserves to be so smooth and memorable.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising about myself is that I grew up very tom-boy and would ride dirt bikes with my dad & brother. We raced as a family and I wanted to do everything the boys did. Throughout Covid, when social gatherings weren’t allowed I worked in construction with my dad even. I can use power tools & rock work boots and then change to a gown and run a smooth wedding. The swing is drastic, but at the end of the day it’s all just project management.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valleyandoakevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleyandoak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valleyandoakevents/
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/valley-oak-events/70127c963178f8ad.html
