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
knot too shabby events with client at bakery 105 wedding in downtown wilmington
George Creatives

ABOUT MELISSA BURTON:

​OWNER + PRINCIPAL EVENT PLANNER

Planning a wedding should feel exciting - not overwhelming. That’s where I come in.
​
I’m Melissa Burton, founder of Knot Too Shabby Events, an award-winning wedding planning and design company based in coastal North Carolina. I work with couples who want a beautifully curated, seamless celebration and the freedom to actually enjoy it.

With over a decade in the industry and experience producing dozens of weddings each year, I specialize in full-service planning, design, and event management. From coastal estates to private properties and refined venues, my approach is equal parts thoughtful, organized, and design-driven - ensuring every detail is handled with intention.
But what truly sets my work apart is how it feels.

I grew up in Southport, North Carolina - a small coastal town known for its charm, slower pace, and natural beauty. That appreciation for atmosphere and setting still influences how I design weddings today. At 18, I stepped far outside of that world and traveled solo to New Zealand, an experience that shaped my ability to adapt quickly, connect with all kinds of people, and navigate the unexpected with confidence.
​Those skills show up on every wedding day.
Before launching Knot Too Shabby Events in 2014, I spent over four years as the Event Manager for a historic waterfront venue in downtown Wilmington. There, I built lasting relationships with some of the area’s most sought-after vendors while gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it truly takes to execute a seamless, well-orchestrated event. That foundation continues to influence my work today - allowing me to anticipate needs, refine logistics, and manage every detail with precision and care.

At my core, I’ve always been a planner. Long before this was a career, I was the one organizing trips, celebrations, and anything that brought people together. I’m naturally detail-oriented (some might say meticulously so), highly organized, and genuinely invested in creating experiences that feel effortless for my clients. Because behind every beautiful wedding is a thousand moving pieces and someone making sure they all come together flawlessly.

My favorite moment of the day isn’t just the ceremony - it’s later, when the music is up, the timeline is flowing, and you’re fully present. No questions, no stress, no logistics - just celebrating.

That’s the goal. And that’s what I build every event around.

If you’re looking for a planner who will guide you, advocate for you, and bring your vision to life with precision and creativity - you’re in the right place.

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 Events team

​Jared

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

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.

hannah

Picture

assistant

Meet Hannah, a Wilmington local with a love for storytelling, creativity, and connection. After a few years serving her community in local government in Hyde County, she’s happy to be back home by the coast. Living in a small, rural town gave her an even greater appreciation for people, traditions, and the little moments that make life special. Hannah is always up for a new project, happy to lend a thoughtful hand, and never misses a chance to find joy in the details - whether that’s pulling off a meaningful celebration or planning her next beach day!

elizabeth

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,

assistant

Like Melissa, Elizabeth eventually got tired of the cold mountain winters and made her way to the coast where it's nice and warm. Elizabeth joined the KTSE team with a passion for people, organization, and bringing thoughtful details together. With a strong background in customer service and hospitality, Elizabeth brings a calm and welcoming presence to every wedding day. In her free time, you’ll likely find her shell hunting at the beach or relaxing at home with her two bunnies.​

alyssa

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,

assistant

Alyssa started her KTSE journey as an intern and quickly became a critical part of the team. Alyssa's bubbly personality and quick wits, on top of her hard work ethic, makes her a person you want on your team on your special day. When Alyssa isn't busy helping us make dreams come true, you can find her under the hood of a car helping her boyfriend fix an old truck or sippin' on something refreshing while the sun goes down. 
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 2026 internship 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 2026

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