ABOUT MELISSA BURTON:

​OWNER + PRINCIPAL EVENT PLANNER

My name is Melissa Burton and I was born and raised in the nearby coastal town of Southport, NC. I spent time traveling to New Zealand after high school, 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. As a business owner, I use these skills every day. After college graduation from Appalachian State University, I moved to the familiar and lovely Wilmington, which led me to my perfect job! 

I've always been the party planner among my friends and family. With every homecoming reunion, spring break trip, family vacations, and more, I was planning something. So it was only natural that I became an event planner for a living!

​I was the Event Manager at The RiverRoom in downtown Wilmington, NC from September 2011-May 2015. It was there that I quickly realized my passion for coordinating and designing weddings and events. I knew this was something I wanted to do forever so I started Knot Too Shabby Events in 2014. Watching the planning and work all come together during a beautiful event is the most gratifying feeling for me. Seeing the glowing smiles on an overjoyed bride and groom is priceless. When hosting a surprise birthday party for a blushing lady, I experience the same precious memories. Moments like these are why I love my job and what I do.

To schedule a consultation or inquire about any of my event planning services, call 910.540.0553 or email knottooshabbyevents@gmail.com.
Photos: Erin L Taylor Photography

Meet Our Lead Event Planner

Katelyn Mattox

PicturePhoto: 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 during the week as Program Director of the non-profit NourishNC, helping food insecure kids get healthy and nutritious meals. 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!

Meet Our Event Assistants

Kayla Tharrington

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Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography

Lead Assistant

Kayla began working with Knot Too Shabby Events in January 2017 as an intern and quickly moved up to be one of our assistants. Kayla is the lead assistant for our team and her attention to detail even impresses Melissa. Kayla is a lover of the outdoors, pretty things and lovely people. Kayla has an ability to relate to all of our clients and make them feel at ease on the event day. Her favorite aspect of her job is to see all our hard work come to life on our clients' wedding day.

Sher
Goheen​

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Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography

Assistant

Sher isn't the newbie anymore and really focuses on getting to know our clients and vendors. Sher is great with people and can warm up to anyone! Sher is eager to learn everything she can about the business to help your day go as smooth as possible. Growing up in an artistic family has given her an eye for detail and color. Sher is always there to lend a helping hand. She's passionate about adventure, craft beer and love. ​

​Jared
​AllBright

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Photo: Erin L Taylor Photography

Assistant

The moment we met Jared, we wanted him on our team. Jared's extensive restaurant management, customer service experience, and he's just an all around people-lover, which makes him the perfect fit. 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, Jared is selling dream homes for River Lights and spending time with his partner in this amazing town. We're pretty sure he's not moving back up North anytime soon! 

Meet our Intern Kiera!

PicturePhoto: Erin L Taylor Photography
Kiera Stevens is our Spring intern so be sure to introduce yourself if you see her tagging along. Kiera is a student at UNCW, receiving a degree in Recreation & Tourism Management with a concentration in Hospitality and Events. Kiera spent last semester in Lisbon, Portugal so she's well traveled but loves being here at the beach. When Kiera isn't working with Knot Too Shabby and putting in hours with her sorority, she's chillin' with her pup and dreaming of Summer. 

Want to Intern at Knot Too shabby Events?

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

​Then apply now for our Summer 2020 internship. Send your resume and cover letter to
​Melissa at knottooshabbyevents@gmail.com.



Testimonial:

"From beginning to end- absolutely a top-notch experience working with Melissa from Knot Too Shabby Events. She is the BEST in her business. I honestly could not imagine going thru this process without her! I was having to plan a wedding from across the country, at a venue I had never even seen until a few months before our big day. I had a great experience with every single vendor she put in front of me. Her keen eye for detail, focus, extreme organization and responsiveness (she would always text/call/email back RIGHT away) always impressed me!! If you are looking for a wedding or event planner, I can tell you that you are doing yourself a disservice by NOT hiring her. Our wedding (and everything leading up to it) was absolute perfection! Thank you Melissa for everything!"
- Alana, bride on November 17, 2017



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