MEET SHANNON
Shannon Gail is the owner of popular Chicago-based event planning firm, Shannon Gail Events. Shannon obtained a degree in Finance from the University of Illinois and after a short stint at a downtown brokerage firm, launched the SG brand with the intent of approaching large-scale events from an investment perspective and providing stronger financial planning and advisory to the industry. Thirteen years later, Shannon Gail Events is an accredited team of event professionals, producing 80+ events per year locally, across the United States, and internationally.
Shannon’s unique business model and approach to expansion has led the team to become one of the nation’s most respected resources for all things event production. Having managed events in 26 cities coast to coast, the team’s network of event professionals spans the entire country, allowing them to orchestrate multi-location corporate, retail and brand-wide initiatives effectively and uniformly.
With a continued passion for entrepreneurship, the inner workings of small businesses, and the desire to give back, Shannon is frequently seen consulting on industry health and developments, speaking to students at local universities, and was the 2016 Marketing Chair for the Chicago Chapter of national nonprofit Wish Upon a Wedding.
When she is not working on all things SG, Shannon enjoys cooking, all things fitness, traveling abroad, sipping red wine, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and little poodle rescue, Mitzi.
MEET THE TEAM
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BRIDGET ROGERS
Bridget is a seasoned event production professional with a passion for city living, fresh flowers, photo booths, and brunch. Often seen toasting with a great glass of bubbly or toting her son, Jack and French Bulldog on various shopping and planning excursions, her years of experience in event design and venue management coupled with her broad industry network give her an invaluable wealth of knowledge and expertise in which to share with her clients.
SAMANTHA HELMIG
Growing up in the hospitality industry, Samantha has been honing her event planning skills since she was just a kid, holding countless roles with her family’s catering company and event venue. Her innate ability to think quickly and confidently problem solve on the spot allow her to defuse situations before they even arise. She is best described as the SG Team Member with the most fabulous lip color and an iced coffee in hand (regardless of season!) Fun fact – she is also Shannon’s sister!
LINDSAY GREEN
Lindsay spent 8 successful years as the owner and lead coordinator of her own Chicago-based company, Lindsay Green Weddings and Events, before making the decision to take her impressive experience and skillset to Shannon Gail. She brings with her an impeccable reputation and a deep dedication to providing her clients a truly personalized experience. Lindsay is also a Mom to three adorable daughters and lives for those perfect backyard summer nights with a great glass of white wine!
CECELIA MCINTOSH
What does Cecelia love more than a good party? Planning one of course! Prior to joining SG, Cecelia co-owned an event planning company, Deux Clare Weddings & Events, which she launched right here in Chicago with her best friend in 2015. Since then, she has devoted herself to learning every facet of the industry, developing long-standing relationships with vendors and professionals, and leading her clients through countless events. Cecelia has a strong attention to detail, loves a good spreadsheet, and in her spare time, you'll find her with her friends and family, especially her niece and nephew!
KELLY O'BRYAN
Kelly’s career in the events industry began to take shape in college, where she planned and executed events, weekends, and galas for her sorority. She further honed her experience as the Lead Assistant right here on Team SG, becoming an absolutely integral part of countless events before her promotion to Coordinator. She is the definition of a perfectionist, and her energy, confidence and “make it happen” attitude are crucial on an event day. She loves a good to-do list and plans out her schedule every single day – even time with her pup (Teagan) and horse (Diva)!
STEPHANIE BOSACK
Stephanie joins Team SG with over 13 years of experience in catering and venue management. Having worked for one of Chicago’s leading on-site catering companies, and later as the events manager of two venues in the northern suburbs, she is a true hospitality expert. With hundreds of events under her belt, she has seen it all and her ability to think quickly and problem-solve effectively reflects that. She is rarely without her clipboard and a fanny pack, loves collecting stamps on her passport, and admits to having an addiction to Anthropologie.
MARIE STRAQUADINE
Marie joins Shannon Gail with over a decade of event planning experience, ranging from small cocktail parties to large-scale trade shows with 70,000+ attendees. Prior to joining our team, Marie served as a Senior Event Manager with a convention production company as well as owner and lead planner of her own company, Heart Eyes Events, planning weddings right here in Chicago. She loves going to live concerts, visiting art museums, and organizing books by color.
KENDALL WALCZYNSKI
Kendall honed her event planning skills through years of experience in venue management and catering before finding her home here on Team SG. Her broad knowledge of the industry combined with a natural sense of organization, creativity, and the ability to stay amazingly calm under pressure allows her clients a true confidence in the process. She attributes her calm demeanor to horse back riding, a good glass of red wine, and walks in Lincoln Park (so gorg!), but we think she’s just a total girl boss!
CHRISTINE FURLA
Prior to joining Team SG, Christine spent 10 years as a sales and catering manager for one of the city’s top event spaces. Here, she developed strong relationships with Chicago vendors and event professionals, and now brings her clients a wealth of knowledge from the venue side of planning and day of management. Christine is originally from Massachusetts and loves astrology, anything mid-century modern, and neighborhood strolls with her husband and daughter!
HAVEN EAVES
Haven has been in the hospitality industry here in Chicago for over 10 years, previously serving as an Event Manager at one of our favorite and most frequented downtown venues before joining Team SG! She is creative, organized, and meticulous on the production side, with a patient personality and the ability to connect well with everyone around her. When she's not living and breathing all things events, she spends time as a fitness instructor at a Barre Studio and in her newest role: Mom to the most adorable little boy!
BRIENNE VAINISI
Brienne’s proactive, relationship-based approach to event planning stemmed early on as her sorority’s Social Chair at The University of Kansas. Since then, she has managed everything from engagement parties to park district programs, corporate events and of course weddings. Her past experiences and quick communication skills allow her to calmly and effectively manage vendors and maximize the potential of a team. She works at a quick pace and openly welcomes a good challenge (ask her about the time she went skydiving over the Swiss Alps!)
WE’D LOVE TO GET TO KNOW YOU
Photos by Tim Tab Studios