getting to know the team

Editor’s Note: Back in February (before all of this COVID-19 craziness), we asked our Spring intern to write a blog about our team to show off our new headshots from Erin. We hope this peek into who we are as a team shows you now, more than ever, why it is so important to hire a professional event planning team. We are here to help any and all couples affected by COVID-19 – just ask.  We’re here to guide you through this process with expertise, agility, and attention to detail, whether it be during a pandemic or *knot! 
​

Want to know what kind of people make up the Knot Too Shabby team? My name is Kiera Stephan, and I am the current intern for Knot Too Shabby! At the beginning of this year, I was super excited about what my internship with KTSE held in store for me, but I really did not know what I had gotten myself into. Needless to say, it only took my first team meeting on that Wednesday night to realize that these people are not only team members, but a family. The amount of laughter and genuine conversation that took place during the briefing for the upcoming wedding that weekend made me feel like I had found the perfect group to learn from. The Knot Too Shabby team is a genuine and warm family that I am grateful to be a part of, and I want everyone else to get to know them like I have! Below are a series of short interviews that I did with each member to show a side to them that you may not get to see at first glance! 

---

Melissa Burton (aka the Meticulous One):
​Owner + Principle Event Planner 

What is your favorite flower and/or favorite dessert?

​"Sooo many but I'd have to say banana pudding, key lime pie and any kind of cheesecake. Does cheese count as dessert?"

What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington?​

"Anything with a view and a glass of wine. I really love the sunset cruise with Wilmington Water Tours and then a nice dinner with lots of small plates at Dram + Morsel. Top it off with a walk down the River walk and then call it a good night."

What is something funny about you?

"I literally spill coffee on myself every day. I either overfill the cup or forget where my mouth is. You'd think I'd learn after years and years of daily coffee but it's still a thing and I can admit it."

Why do you love being the owner of Knot Too Shabby Event?

"Working with all different types of people and seeing how love brings everyone together. Of course there is family drama at times, but at the end of the day, everyone is there to support the couple during their most important day. Seeing it all come to fruition on the day of when the couple sees the reception for the first time is my favorite part. #receptionreveal"​

Kiera's First Impression:

When I first met Melissa, I could tell that she had so much passion for KTSE and believed in everything that it offered. She is always looking for ways to grow and challenge her business so that she can provide clients with the absolute best experience. During the semester, she would ask me for my opinion on something because she loves seeing what other people's opinions are so that she can stay current with social trends. Melissa is one of the most encouraging and supportive people I have met, and I am so lucky to have her as a role model in this field! 

---

Katelyn Mattox (aka the People Person): Lead Event Planner 

What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you?

"I love doing crafty things with paper and vinyl. I am a total extrovert and get my energy from those around me! I love to people-watch. I am also the Program Director for a local non-profit, NourishNC, that feeds over 1,200 kids every weekend and school breaks."

What is your favorite flower and/or favorite dessert?

"I am a sucker for lilies but I really love anemones."

What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington?

"I love to walk around the beautiful Airlie gardens!"

Who is your role model or favorite celebrity and why?

"I love Kristen Bell for how real she is and she is super witty (which I like to consider myself as also)!"

Why do you love working with KTSE?

"I've long recognized that event planning is the perfect culmination of all of my skill sets. Attention to detail, organization, social work, service industry,  craftiness, and a good eye for design all meet at event planning, so I was so proud to become a part of the KTSE team, who is a killer addition to any wedding day. I love anticipating people's needs, solving problems, and connecting people to resources, so it's the perfect company for me!"

Kiera's First Impression:

My first impression of Katelyn was how personable she was. Seconds into a conversation and you can tell that she genuinely cares about what you are talking about. If you ever need anything, she will always be the one to step up and help, and learning that she the Program Director for the nonprofit, NourishNC, only supports this. As an intern, I also appreciated how she would give me tasks to do but also tell me how to do them and why KTSE has them done this way. Katelyn is super approachable and very relatable!

---

Kayla Tharrington (aka the Blonde Plant Guru): Lead Event Assistant 

What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you?

"Quirky, hard working, and a positive energy! Why you ask? Well, if you see me at work, you can't miss me and I will make sure of it!"

What is your favorite flower and/or dessert?

"Toffee roses and dusty blush peonies."

What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington?

"Early beach day midweek, no tourists, just a good read and my man. Followed up by a beer or a coffee milkshake from SUNday's."

Who is your role model or favorite celebrity and why?

"My role model is my mom. Favorite celebrity alive is Blake Lively and favorite celebrity dead is Janis Joplin (RIP). All of these ladies are extremely free-spirited and love their lives for exactly what it is. They laugh A LOT and have fun while also working their booties off."

Why do you love working with KTSE?

​"I love love love working with people and giving them the southern hospitality that I know best! I love to see the faces of all who we marry on the days of their wedding and to help be a part of something so special. I will ensure that you will feel calm, cool, and maybe not fully collected, but I will try my hardest!"

Kiera's First Impression:

When I first met Kayla, she was like a huge ball of energy, and regardless of the kind of day you had been having, some of that positive energy would always pass over to you. At the first staff meeting she was so welcoming, but at the same time was focused at the task at hand. Her attention to detail and the questions she asked regarding the upcoming wedding details showed that she truly cares about creating the perfect moment. She is also a super calming presence for the bride and bridal party on the big day!

---

Sher Goheen (aka the Extrovert) : Event Assistant

What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you?

"I am positive, outgoing, and helpful!"

What is your favorite flower and/or dessert?

"I love ranunculus."

What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington?

"I love going to the beach and trying new foods!"

Who is your role model or favorite celebrity and why?

"My mother! She is a strong and creative woman who always sees the possible side in every situation."

Why do you love working with KTSE?

"I love working with KTSE because every wedding in a unique experience and the staff is like one big family."

Kiera's First Impression

When I first met Sher she was very inclusive and took the time to give me some tips on working my first wedding! Being a student at UNCW as well, was comforting to me because she was also balancing crazy course loads and extracurriculars while pursuing a career that she wanted. She is super determined and always eager to help. 

---

​Jared Allbright (aka the Optimist): Event Assistant 

What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you?

"I am outgoing, honest, and sincere. I try to look at the bright side of things! The consummate optimist! Love friends, parties, games (video and trivia). I am a self-proclaimed nerd!"

What is your favorite flower and/or dessert?

"I LOVE desserts! Tiramisu, creme brulee, fruit parfait, pies, puddings, cake, ice cream. Can you eat flowers?"

What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington?

"I like meeting new friends and enjoying the social southern friendly charm that is all over ILM!"

Who is your role model or favorite celebrity?

"I really look up to NPH. He is an amazing queer role-model, family man, great husband, and father."

Why do you love working with KTSE?

"The PEOPLE! Not only the amazing crew (and they are the best!), but the clients we work so closely with make it very special."

Kiera's First Impression:

My first impression of Jared was his infectious smile. He radiated confidence and positivity without effort and always looked for an opportunity to make others laugh. He loves to give out hugs when greeting or saying goodbye. He is very customer-oriented in everything that he does, so much so that he will usually do something without having to think twice about it. Jared does so much behind the scenes to help the day go on without a single hitch! 

Vendors

Venue: Bakery 105
Lounge + Farm Table: White Birch Rentals
Place Settings: Party Suppliers & Rentals
Photographer: Erin L. Taylor Photography
​Plants: The Blonde Plant Guru
Melissa's Hair + Makeup: Tyler Kent Salon 

A HUGE thank you to all of our vendors for helping us create these beautiful headshots! We are so thankful that you were able to help showcase how special and genuine this team is!