Events by Jenni makes every occasion special

By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer
    PRESQUE ISLE — What began as a way to promote college events at the University of Maine at Presque Isle has blossomed into a business for Jenni LaChance, of Presque Isle, owner of Events by Jenni.
Photo courtesy of Jenni LaChance
    MAKING MEMORIES — Events By Jenni, owned and operated by Jenni LaChance, of Presque Isle, is in the business of making any occasion a memorable one. From weddings to birthday parties and benefit functions, Events By Jenni can help create just the right atmosphere, working to create exactly what a client wants for their special day or evening. Pictured from left are: Megan White, assistant; Karen Kane-Roby, bride; and Jenni LaChance.
    “While in college, I loved putting together events. One year a friend of mine was getting married and needed some help, so I rolled up my sleeves and got right into helping her. I loved doing it and decided that was what I wanted to do,” said LaChance, acknowledging she’s not one to pass up a good time. “I love a good party and the joy that comes from volunteering for a benefit.”
    This marks LaChance’s third year in business, with each year creating more interest in her services.
    “I just finished my third wedding season. Total, I have been planning events for six years, including while working with Kappa Delta Phi NAS Kappa Mu Chapter,” she said.
    LaChance said she’s willing to go wherever she’s needed to make any occasion special.
    “I’ll go as far as clients need me to,” she said.
    When asked what her favorite function was, LaChance said it was a tie.
    “I’d have to say it’s a tie between weddings and benefits. Weddings because you really get to know the couple over time — I always cry at them too. I get close to the brides; they become my girls. Benefits are amazing because they give you a chance to give back,” said LaChance.
    Of all the elements involved in her work, LaChance said it’s the creative aspect she said is the easiest.
    “I’d say the easiest part are the projects — crafting and putting things together. I try to offer something unique to each event. I love working on them,” LaChance said. From centerpieces to table dressings, she said she loves the chance to add that special touch to each event.
    Time, on the other hand, can sometimes make things difficult.
    “Keeping things running on a schedule can be the most difficult aspect. All events need a time line and sometimes things come up. You have to be able to be flexible and roll with it. But it does get difficult at times,” the event coordinator said.
    LaChance said she charges based on the event and a client’s budget.
    “People think that an event coordinator has to be expensive. I think the trick is to be able to fit into every budget,” said LaChance.
    She said the ability to listen and pick up on a client’s interests is important in her line of work.
    “I always make it a point to listen to what my clients want and do that for them. If I am asked for my opinion, I try to show it, not just tell it. When faced with questions like color schemes, I try to do mockups to give the clients an idea of what the final product will look like,” LaChance said.
    Services include event planning and decorations.
    “I help my clients set their budgets, pick venues and vendors, and then pull it all together. I do a lot of the decorating and do make custom (non-floral) centerpieces,” she said.
    Any time of year is a great time to celebrate, according to LaChance. And every idea can be made great with the right planning.
    “I have not met a theme yet I did not like. All of my brides have been creative and have come up with amazing thoughts. I am just glad they chose me to make their dreams come true,” she said.
    LaChance credits several of her friends for being able to coordinate the various functions she’s hired to work on.
    “I have some great assistants. None of this would be possible without the help of my friends Megan White, Hannah Gartley, Samantha Grier and Samantha Marie White. I would totally be lost without them,” she said. “Along the way we’ve had some extra crew members as well. They know who they are and I thank them so much.”
    LaChance is planning a special event this weekend to give the public an opportunity to see what her business is all about.
    “I am hosting a business launch at Cafe Sorpreso on Sept. 19 from 1-4 p.m. This will give people a chance to meet me and see what my business is all about,” said LaChance.
    For more information, e-mail and Facebook work best. E-mails can be sent to starcitycoordinators@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/starcitycoordinators.