Megan Estrada
FOUNDER & LEAD EVENT CONSULTANT
Megan Estrada is a seasoned wedding and event industry professional who has been in the event planning and hospitality industry for over 20 years. She has managed and arranged hundreds of events, including: weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs and non-for-profit fundraisers. In 2011, after spending years as a Director of Catering for luxury hotels, she decided to bring her experience and insider industry knowledge to the client and establish NSWE Events.
Megan prides herself on helping clients stay organized, keep within a budget and attain the wedding or event beyond their initial expectations. She believes that unique events require extra creativity, not necessarily expenditures. The goal is to produce the most creative and individual event within the conditions designated by the client.
Megan is an expert in contract negotiations with venues, caterers and vendors, providing ease to the process and enabling clients to include more of their wish list to their event. She approaches coordinating events professionally to provide a creative and logical method to the process.
In 2020, Megan Estrada established the NACE Covid-19 Task Force, in Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York, which worked with state and city government to create the reopening guidelines for the events industry. She is an events industry leader having held the position of National Advocacy Committee Chair for the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE).
To read more about Megan Estrada, Click Here.
Photo by Cristina G Photography
Natalie DeRoss
EVENT CONSULTANT
Natalie is a NSWE bride that fell in love with our process during the planning! As a Catering Director for 10 years, and a certified Event Planner, she brings a wealth of knowledge planning weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate, non-profit, marketing, and association events. She is a Board Director and founding member of the WIPA (Wedding International Professional Association) Chicago Chapter. She comes from a large Italian family, where she was raised to ensure every family event went off without a hitch. She thrives on personal connection, and is all about the details. She is a caretaker by nature and does everything possible to ensure her NSWE clients take the time to breathe and enjoy the moments of their events.
Photo by Tamara Gruner Photography
Jennifer Tello
EVENT CONSULTANT
Jennifer is an experienced wedding planner based in Chicago, where she has resided for the past decade. With over six years of experience in the industry, Jennifer brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to every event she undertakes. Having traveled extensively, Jennifer infuses her events with cultural elements, adding a unique and personal touch to each celebration. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and passion for creating unforgettable moments, Jennifer is dedicated to making each couple's dream wedding a reality. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, her commitment to excellence ensures that every aspect of the event is executed flawlessly. With Jennifer's guidance, couples can relax and enjoy their special day knowing that every detail has been expertly managed.
Katie Kurtzner
EVENT COORDINATOR
Katie is a NSWE bride turned employee and native to the North Shore. After a 10 year career in the education world, Katie joined the team eager to assist in coordinating events for our clients. Her organization and attention to detail are her greatest strengths, which are essential in the wedding/event planning process. Katie also enjoys tapping into her creative side to enhance an event through graphic design, handwritten calligraphy and crafts, including invitations, place cards, custom signage, etc. She loves sharing her skills with the NSWE community.
Photo by Amy Aiello Photography
Cate O'Meara
EVENT ASSISTANT
Cate is a calm and creative event professional who discovered her love for events while planning a surprise anniversary for her parents. Cate pursued her passion by studying Hospitality and Event Management at Indiana University. During her studies, she interned with NSWE Events, where she honed her skills and learned exceptional hospitality and service. With a foundation rooted in both academic knowledge and practical experience, Cate is dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for clients.
Photo by Amy Aiello Photography
