Based in Chicago, our eco-friendly event, destination, and wedding planning team helps inject personality and poise into celebrations that are well orchestrated, meaningful, and naturally yours.
Whether you are looking for day of coordination, full wedding planning services, destination travel planning or want your next event to be extra special- you deserve a planning partner who has the creativity to develop your vision, expertise to help your event go smoothly, the attitude to keep the planning fun and relaxed, and the dedication to create mindful celebrations.
Whether you are looking for day of coordination, full wedding planning services, destination travel planning or want your next event to be extra special- you deserve a planning partner who has the creativity to develop your vision, expertise to help your event go smoothly, the attitude to keep the planning fun and relaxed, and the dedication to create mindful celebrations.
Services
Our planners are down-to-earth people and believe events should be creative. We are judgement-free and won't make you feel like your quirky ideas are "bad" - in fact, we will probably love them. Carlene has always been enthusiastic about the details and obsessed with making lists!
Whether she was planning themed birthday parties at ten years old, organizing midnight viewings of super geeky movies, or helping family and friends plan their most important life moments, she was always known as the planner among those around her.While earning her Bachelor's Degree in Advertising, Carlene worked for a prestigious wedding photographer as a day-of coordinator and bride de-stressor extraordinaire.
Whether she was planning themed birthday parties at ten years old, organizing midnight viewings of super geeky movies, or helping family and friends plan their most important life moments, she was always known as the planner among those around her.While earning her Bachelor's Degree in Advertising, Carlene worked for a prestigious wedding photographer as a day-of coordinator and bride de-stressor extraordinaire.
Naturally Yours Events is a full service event and wedding planning company in Chicago. From baby showers to mitzvahs, weddings to honeymoons, no matter the size, style, or reason- we can plan all of life's celebrations. We know that no event is alike, so our first step is to get to know you to ensure your personality and style shines through in every aspect.
Carlene and her team made planning a wedding in a pandemic a very smooth experience. From our first meeting, we felt like this was the right match for us. Carlene takes the time to get to know her couples as people and not just as clients. First and foremost, her priority is to make sure the wedding is carried out with our vision.
We believe that an event that starts with exceptional detail and creativity will be truly unique and memorable. From intimate gatherings to large scale galas, we love a good party and can plan all of life's celebrations. Naturally Yours Events is a full-service event and wedding planning company based in Chicago.
Our bags are packed, where are we going with you? We know that destination travel planning takes another level of expertise, organization, and creativity. Whether you are jetting off for your destination wedding or need help planning the perfect honeymoon, we got you. Naturally Yours Events is a full-service event and wedding planning company based in Chicago.
Reviews (25)
Joe Santoro
Dec 27, 2021
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We worked with Naturally Yours Events for quite a while as we had to go through the process of rescheduling throughout the pandemic. They were always there for us and helpful reviewing contracts and navigating the tough times.
We partnered with Liz for our event and we couldn't have been happier with the entire process. She was so good at making sure we were thinking of every scenario but making us comfortable and excited throughout. Liz was extremely organized and there for us whenever we needed her. We would not have been able to have the amazing day/night we did without Liz's help leading up
We partnered with Liz for our event and we couldn't have been happier with the entire process. She was so good at making sure we were thinking of every scenario but making us comfortable and excited throughout. Liz was extremely organized and there for us whenever we needed her. We would not have been able to have the amazing day/night we did without Liz's help leading up
Leyla Aiyash
Nov 15, 2021
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I do not know where to begin.
From the consult call with one of the owners, to the planning meetings, rehearsal and day of our experience it was ALL amazing.
This company knows what they are doing, they are ELITE.
Liz B, our coordinator crushed it. I mean literally, the number of people involved in our wedding party that commented on this was laughable, they kept saying she was great and asking where we found her.
She was SO organized. She made our vision come to LIFE!
Every detail of it, even when my husband and I had opposite ideas at times. She put out fires when needed (although from my
From the consult call with one of the owners, to the planning meetings, rehearsal and day of our experience it was ALL amazing.
This company knows what they are doing, they are ELITE.
Liz B, our coordinator crushed it. I mean literally, the number of people involved in our wedding party that commented on this was laughable, they kept saying she was great and asking where we found her.
She was SO organized. She made our vision come to LIFE!
Every detail of it, even when my husband and I had opposite ideas at times. She put out fires when needed (although from my
Timothy Zelazny
Nov 03, 2021
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Kristen was SO great to work with! Friendly from the start, sincere and a great listener. We utilized NYE's day of services along with two pre-wedding meetings to help with "look". Bringing the team in early really helped us secure their recommended vendors whom were also very budget friendly. All of our guests said they had never seen a better planner. We feel very lucky and enjoyed every moment of our wedding day!!
Mat Szpara
Aug 25, 2021
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Well like most other reviews I really don't know we're to start. We were suppose to have our wedding last year in August and like many other we had to postone. We had a previous wedding coordinator and she was awful. Caused so much unneeded stress. After a while we decided it would be better to do things on our own vs with the old planner. About a month went by and we realized we had no idea what to do. I looked around and stumbled on naturally yours events based on the reviews. I called in and got a call back maybe 10 minutes later. The wedding was only 60 days away and Kristen was already booked
Lauren H.
Jul 31, 2021
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My husband and I worked with Lauren West at Naturally Yours Events for partial planning services for our October 2020 wedding... which turned into a June 2021 wedding! Starting at our very first meeting, Lauren did an excellent job of listening to my husband and I and really understanding what was important to us for our wedding. She was professional, very organized, and was great about reminding us of details that we would have certainly otherwise overlooked. When we had to postpone our wedding due to Covid-19, Lauren and Carlene were very understanding and helped us through the process of contacting
Kendall Payne
Apr 07, 2021
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Jonathan E.
Dec 26, 2020
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Carlene and her team made planning a wedding in a pandemic a very smooth experience. From our first meeting, we felt like this was the right match for us. Carlene takes the time to get to know her couples as people and not just as clients. First and foremost, her priority is to make sure the wedding is carried out with our vision. In spite of everything going on the world, her ability to pivot in this current environment and continue to provide excellent services made it all worth it.
Her knowledge of how to plan an event that incorporates sustainability and eco-friendly products was exactly
Her knowledge of how to plan an event that incorporates sustainability and eco-friendly products was exactly
Larry Layne
Oct 25, 2020
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My wife and I highly recommend Carlene at Naturally Yours Events. She spent a lot of time trying to understand what we wanted our wedding to be and helped us execute it. She was a continual blessing by protecting us from the heavy lifting of putting together a wedding and proved to be a creative problem solver.
Carlene scheduled all meetings with vendors and kept us on track the entire time to do, see, and try more options for our wedding than we expected or even knew about.
The wedding tracker created by Carlene was a wonderful planning tool and kept us super organized from the first planning
Carlene scheduled all meetings with vendors and kept us on track the entire time to do, see, and try more options for our wedding than we expected or even knew about.
The wedding tracker created by Carlene was a wonderful planning tool and kept us super organized from the first planning
Michelle Cornell
Sep 17, 2020
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I reached out to Naturally Yours Events to help with Day of Coordination for our wedding and was not sure of what to expect. Kristen contacted me and was so thorough in our initial conversation, I was hooked! We worked with Carlene for our wedding on September 26th, 2020. She was incredible. Her help and support made our wedding go off without a hitch. She was extremely supportive throughout he whole process. I cannot say enough about their work!
John H.
Mar 27, 2020
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It was unanimously recommended to have a "day of coordinator," and we couldn't agree more. Kristen and NYE were 100% worth it. We shopped around getting recommendations from vendors and friends. We were drawn in by NYE website complete with their mission statement, core values and planner bios. Our initial phone call was with Kristen, and her enthusiasm and talent for her job were immediately evident. Her organization, attention to detail, energy and professionalism were top notch. If we ever had a question or needed an opinion on a decision, Kristen provided honest, helpful information
Grace F.
Jan 16, 2020
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Where do I even begin? Kristen wowed me from our first phone call with her thoughtful questions and genuine enthusiasm, and it only got better from there.
We engaged NYE for "day-of" coordination, but it was SO much more than that. My (now) husband and I had an incredibly thorough introductory meeting with Kristen months before our wedding date, and another two weeks before in which she walked us through every single detail of how we wanted our wedding to go. I had been feeling very overwhelmed by the entire wedding planning process at that point, but Kristen made all the little details
We engaged NYE for "day-of" coordination, but it was SO much more than that. My (now) husband and I had an incredibly thorough introductory meeting with Kristen months before our wedding date, and another two weeks before in which she walked us through every single detail of how we wanted our wedding to go. I had been feeling very overwhelmed by the entire wedding planning process at that point, but Kristen made all the little details
Sam C.
Nov 17, 2019
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I 100% assumed going into wedding planning that we would get judged by any coordinator for having a lower-than-average budget. But Kristen made us feel like we were planning the social event of the season. She was absolutely the type-a, can-do attitude that I was looking for. Everything got done and I have no clue what problems might have happened that night. I can only imagine the stressed out mess I would have been without her!
Nicole V.
Jul 03, 2019
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My husband and I said this again and again: hiring Carlene (and NYE) was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. We went with full wedding planning, and it was the right choice for us. It's difficult to plan a wedding when you're not sure how much each potential vendor may cost, and you want to be mindful of budget. I am the type of person to endlessly research vendors and reach zero decisions (hello, recovering perfectionist!) and Carlene helped allay my fears and feel empowered to make decisions.
Not only did she help us assemble a killer team of vendors (all of whom I
Not only did she help us assemble a killer team of vendors (all of whom I
Victoria S.
Jul 02, 2019
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Carlene and team are amazing! She worked with us to plan a wedding while we lived overseas, which was a challenge, but she made it easy. She's detail-oriented and thorough, and I really enjoyed working with her.
You can tell she's got the experience to make planning and execution flawless.
In particular, I loved how smoothly the day itself went. If anything went wrong, I didn't know it. She was tough where she needed to be as my family can be a handful.
If you're looking for a wedding planner, NYE is your team!
You can tell she's got the experience to make planning and execution flawless.
In particular, I loved how smoothly the day itself went. If anything went wrong, I didn't know it. She was tough where she needed to be as my family can be a handful.
If you're looking for a wedding planner, NYE is your team!
Kelsey F.
Jun 24, 2019
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We could not recommend Carlene and Naturally Yours enough! Carlene was very supportive throughout the whole process and really listened to what we wanted by recommending amazing vendors that aligned with our "vision" perfectly. The day of our wedding was a dream. Carlene made me feel calm and like I could truly relax the day of our wedding. She was so organized and everyone in our wedding party complimented our smoothly the day went. We are so happy we met Carlene. Hiring Naturally Yours is a must!
Suzanne S.
Apr 23, 2019
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Lauren & team flawlessly coordinated our wedding in Chicago in April. She was very thorough & thought through aspects of the wedding I hadn't even considered. Her hard work, organization, & energy all helped me & my (now) husband enjoy our day with family & friends. I am so grateful for her support to make me feel confident & comfortable heading into (what can be) a very stressful day. Thanks to the NYE team for their management tools that made it easy for us to stay connected throughout the last 45-ish days prior to the wedding.
Sean W.
Nov 17, 2018
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I cannot recommend NYE (particularly Lauren) enough. My wife and I were very reluctant to spend money on a wedding coordinator, but after our venue abruptly shut down 4 months in advance of our wedding, we decided that we would need the extra help.
We ended up going with Lauren at Naturally Yours, and couldn't be happier. We met with her about 3 times in the months leading up to the events, each about 1-2 hours long. She made sure to take into account our exact vision of the wedding, and hammered out all of the details we would have never even thought of. She corralled all of the vendors
We ended up going with Lauren at Naturally Yours, and couldn't be happier. We met with her about 3 times in the months leading up to the events, each about 1-2 hours long. She made sure to take into account our exact vision of the wedding, and hammered out all of the details we would have never even thought of. She corralled all of the vendors
Chandler G.
Oct 19, 2018
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We were initially skeptical about paying for a day-of coordinator, but I am very glad we did. We worked with Lauren, and she is a total professional. She is organized and anticipates problems. On the day of our wedding, we worried about nothing as Lauren had every detail under control. This was a huge relief in our ability to actually enjoy the day. Considering how much money is spent on every other detail of the wedding, it's worth the extra cost to actually be able to enjoy it.
Kari O.
Sep 11, 2018
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As a former event planner (non-wedding), I couldn't imagine hiring a wedding coordinator, but Kristen at NYE was the best decision of our wedding.
I interviewed a few coordinators in the process of hiring, and Kristen was a clear choice for me. She was someone who I instantly knew had her "sh*t" together, but also someone that I wanted to be friends with after the wedding.
From the first to the last meeting, email, phone call, etc. Kristen NEVER failed to impress me... I couldn't have done it better myself. She incredibly communicative, HONEST in the BEST way, and super helpful
I interviewed a few coordinators in the process of hiring, and Kristen was a clear choice for me. She was someone who I instantly knew had her "sh*t" together, but also someone that I wanted to be friends with after the wedding.
From the first to the last meeting, email, phone call, etc. Kristen NEVER failed to impress me... I couldn't have done it better myself. She incredibly communicative, HONEST in the BEST way, and super helpful
Kelsey W.
Aug 25, 2018
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After interviewing with a few different wedding coordinator groups, we decided to go with Lauren from NYE. We have zero regrets with this decision! We actually signed the contract without meeting Lauren in-person, but after a few minutes on the phone with her, we knew it was going to be a great fit and that she knew what she was doing.
We hired Lauren for the 2-month lead up and for day-of coordination. This was money well spent. We had busy schedules with work, and she kept on track with all the details. We had two in-person meetings with her that were very thorough. She pointed out so many
We hired Lauren for the 2-month lead up and for day-of coordination. This was money well spent. We had busy schedules with work, and she kept on track with all the details. We had two in-person meetings with her that were very thorough. She pointed out so many
Stacey D.
Aug 13, 2018
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After talking with several different coordinators, we chose to hire Kristen at Naturally Yours Events as our day-of-coordinator for our wedding. She was an absolute dream to work with! From day one, Kristen was always there to answer any questions we had and offer suggestions when needed. Her responses were always prompt, extremely clear and organized, and tailored specifically to our needs. She kept us on track throughout the process.
Meeting with Kristen as our wedding date neared was always fun, relaxed, and relieving. Early on, she provided an amazing, comprehensive planning tool that we would
Meeting with Kristen as our wedding date neared was always fun, relaxed, and relieving. Early on, she provided an amazing, comprehensive planning tool that we would
Holly W.
Dec 26, 2017
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Carlene was our wedding planner for our wedding on 9/16/17 and our wedding day went off without a hitch!
We mainly worked with Carlene but also interacted with her associate Kristen who was excellent. I was a very nervous bride and Carlene helped put me at ease. She is absolutely excellent at dealing with vendors and somehow always made things happen. If you're debating whether or not you need help on your wedding day, let me tell you- I was so grateful to have Carlene's assistance throughout the wedding planning process because otherwise I probably would have lost it! Carlene possesses
We mainly worked with Carlene but also interacted with her associate Kristen who was excellent. I was a very nervous bride and Carlene helped put me at ease. She is absolutely excellent at dealing with vendors and somehow always made things happen. If you're debating whether or not you need help on your wedding day, let me tell you- I was so grateful to have Carlene's assistance throughout the wedding planning process because otherwise I probably would have lost it! Carlene possesses
Colleen Sweeney
Nov 12, 2017
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Krista P.
Jul 06, 2017
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I can't even begin to describe how amazing Kristen and the whole team at Naturally Yours Events is. I wish I could give Kristen six stars!!
When I began my wedding planning, I wanted to spend as little money as possible. Cutting costs and making sure I was choosing vendors that were necessary and were price-appropriate were huge. At first, I really didn't think I needed a wedding planner, but I was so wrong. I can't imagine my wedding without Kristen, and I know my amazing day would not have been possible without her assistance and care. Kristen was like a friend throughout the
When I began my wedding planning, I wanted to spend as little money as possible. Cutting costs and making sure I was choosing vendors that were necessary and were price-appropriate were huge. At first, I really didn't think I needed a wedding planner, but I was so wrong. I can't imagine my wedding without Kristen, and I know my amazing day would not have been possible without her assistance and care. Kristen was like a friend throughout the
Zachariah F.
Oct 03, 2016
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Can I give 11 stars?
I trust Kristen with my life. She is organized, supportive, an advocate, a calming presence. She gets it done, she makes it fun. She saw our vision of our wedding and she made it happen. Imagine your wedding without Kristen checking in, smiling at you, taking care of you and putting out fires (no real fires... that I know of!!) at a moments notice. I couldn't possibly!
She is the talk of the bridal party. Everyone LOVES her and we love her more. I can't say enough about her wonderful personality, her professionalism, her planning, her execution, her communication
I trust Kristen with my life. She is organized, supportive, an advocate, a calming presence. She gets it done, she makes it fun. She saw our vision of our wedding and she made it happen. Imagine your wedding without Kristen checking in, smiling at you, taking care of you and putting out fires (no real fires... that I know of!!) at a moments notice. I couldn't possibly!
She is the talk of the bridal party. Everyone LOVES her and we love her more. I can't say enough about her wonderful personality, her professionalism, her planning, her execution, her communication
