Knot Too Shabby Events - Wilmington, NC Event Planning, Design & Wedding Management
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Knot Too Shabby Events, Erin L Taylor Photography, Wedding Planner, Melissa Burton, Owner, Principal Event Planner, NC Wedding Planner, Lady Boss,
Erin L Taylor Photography

ABOUT MELISSA BURTON:

​OWNER + PRINCIPAL EVENT PLANNER

I'm Melissa Burton and I was born and raised in the nearby coastal town, Southport, NC. I feel blessed to have grown up there when it was still a sleepy, fishing town with live oaks sprailing over the roads and only a couple blinking lights. But after high school, I was also ready to explore. At 18, I decided to get out of the small town and solo travel to New Zealand on a gap year, which gave me the opportunity to meet and work with all different types of people in a whole new surrounding. I jumped into a new life and culture, which taught me to adapt quickly and adjust to each situation. Upon returning from my trip, I attended and gratuated from Appalachian State University with a major in Communications Advertising and a Business Marketing Minor. I was going to work in an ad agency and that was my future. Until I moved back to Wilmington and didn't get that advertising job. So I took a bartending gig and ended up waiting on some folks in the wedding and events industy. They had a venue and they were looking for a venue manager. I'm a people person and organized. I could do that. It was perfect!
I was the Event Manager at The River Room in downtown Wilmington for over 4 years so that's where I started planning and coordinating weddings. I got to know all of the vendors and expanded my network and fell in love with weddings. After a while, I realized all of my OCD ways, meticulous party planning and organizational skills could create a career that I was actually passionate about so I started Knot Too Shabby Events in 2014. ​​
Fast-forward to today, all of my friends and family say this all makes sense and they're not surprised I'm doing what I'm doing. I've always been the party planner among them. With every homecoming reunion, bachelorette, baby shower, birthday party, spring break trip, family vacation, or whatever, I was planning something. I even got my entire 5th grade class to work together to plan a surprise party for our teacher and the principal even was in on the plan. If I can get 10-year-olds to convince their parents to go out and buy snacks (I made a list and assigned people), I can handle your rowdy wedding party. I once had an elementary teacher recognize just how meticulous I am that she felt a desire to write a sweet letter home about it to inform my parents. Oh, they already knew! I may have just found my calling because it was only natural that I became an event planner! We're a special breed.
So, what's my favorite part of it, you ask?
It usually happens around 8:00/9:00pm once all the formalities are over and everyone is just having a good time. I get to sit back (for a quick sec) and watch everyone dance, laugh and play, all while thinking I had a big part to do with that and it's super rewarding. I take in the centerpieces, the candlelight and all the little things that went in to get us there. When our couples are having the time of their life, without worrying about the details because they know we're handling it, we're happiest. Holler at me when you're ready to plan one hell of a party! 
​

To schedule a consultation or inquire about any of our event planning services, fill out our Contact Form.
Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,
Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,
Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,
Photos: Erin L Taylor Photography

Meet Our Lead Event Planners

Katelyn Mattox

Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner, Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography


​Katelyn and Melissa met in college and knew they were so similar in lifestyle and attention to detail, they naturally became housemates and close friends. Since Katelyn moved to the Wilmington area in Fall 2017, she’s been Melissa’s right hand woman for all Knot Too Shabby events! Katelyn’s degree and career in social work lent her a great opportunity to get really good at fine-dining service. Pair that with Katelyn’s crafty side and hyper attention to detail and design, Katelyn found the perfect outlet for her passions: event coordination and staffing! Katelyn works a full time job during the week in homeless services, yet, watch her switch gears and focus her attention on our Knot Too Shabby clients by helping them curate a beautiful event – guaranteed to provide you and your guests a memorable, amazing occasion!

kristan cottle


​​
Kristan joined Knot Too Shabby Events in March 2021, bringing her expertise in social media, website management, and on-site event execution. A proud graduate of UNCW with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a concentration in marketing, Kristan has quickly become an essential part of our team.
With nearly a decade of experience in the service industry, Kristan is known for her intuition, reliability, and calm presence. She has a remarkable ability to anticipate both team and client needs—often appearing right when she’s needed most. Now stepping confidently into her role as a Lead Planner, Kristan is committed to making each couple’s vision come to life with creativity, care, and precision.
When she’s not orchestrating wedding day magic, you’ll likely find her exploring the outdoors with her dog or curled up with a good book and her cat by her side.
Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,
Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography

Meet Our Event Assistants

​Jared ​AllBright

Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,
Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography

Lead Assistant

The moment we met Jared, we wanted him on our team. Jared's extensive restaurant management and customer service experience makes him the perfect fit - not to mention, he's an all around people-lover! You can find Jared escorting a grandmother to her seat or carrying an umbrella over your head. Whatever the tasks, he's up for it and that's why we love him. When not working with KTSE, Jared stays busy with a variety of hospitality endeavors and is living the Cape Fear life!

Lexi Quirk

Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,
Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography

​Assistant

Lexi began her career in events working as a lead coordinator in Colorado before she moved to Wilmington in 2023. Lexi's experience and sweet personality make her the perfect new addition to the KTSE team. You can find Lexi lifting weights and encouraging clients to be their best self as a personal trainer. Lexi has a kind way of whipping our guests into shape to ensure they have an amazing time at each and every wedding. I just wouldn't challenge her in an arm wrestling competition.

​Jenna gabriele

Picture
Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography

Assistant

Jenny from the NJ block moved to Wilmington, looking for a career change that would incorporate her love of people and organizing events. During the week, she works remotely with big advertising companies, so we're honored she spends the weekends with us. Jenny's bright personality lights up any room, but her Northern upbringing also means she doesn't take any shit. Whether a rowdy groomsmen or drunk guests, she can handle it! 
Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,
Knot Too Shabby Events, Knot Too Shabby Events Team Photo, NC Wedding Planner, Owner, Principal Event Planner, Lead Event Planner, Lead Event Assistant, Event Assistant, Intern, Internship, Group Photography, NC Weddings, NC Planner, NC Wedding Planner,

Want to Intern at Knot Too shabby Events?

Are you fun, outgoing, detail-oriented and customer service driven?

​Apply now for our Fall 2025 internships by sending your resume and cover letter to ​Melissa!




​

Testimonial:


"My husband and I had the privilege of working with Melissa Burton at Knot Too Shabby Events this past year and a half. My daughter was married on September 28, 2024. Melissa took care of everything, answered all my questions and gave excellent advice. My daughter had specific requests that she wanted for her wedding and Melissa filled all her wishes and dreams. The day before the wedding and the wedding day went perfectly. Everything was mapped out for us so we didn’t miss a beat. I was never worried or was anxious at all durning the wedding because I knew Melissa had it covered. Her staff the day of the wedding was perfect also! It’s amazing how it all came together, I can’t wait to see pictures so I can look back at every detail. You can’t go wrong with Knot Too Shabby and Melissa! I’m going to miss her!"
- Pam, mother of the bride in September 2024
airlie gardens tented wedding, wilmington nc wedding planner
Halle Morgan Photography
Contact
[email protected]
​910.540.0553

Mail
​PO Box 1467
​Wilmington, NC 28402

OFFICE HOURS
​
Tuesday - Friday | 10:00am - 6:00pm | 
Emails received on Fridays may not be responded to until the following Tuesday.
Tying the details together one knot at a time.


All content and photography is owned by Knot Too Shabby Events unless otherwise stated. 
© Copyright Knot Too Shabby Events 2025

The Knot Best of Weddings - 2025 Pick Knot Too Shabby Events
knot too shabby events winning weddingwire couples' choice awards
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