About The Team
Pearls Events, founded in 2007 by Aletha VanderMaas, is an event planning boutique located in West Michigan, with offices in Grand Rapids, Holland and Traverse City. We plan, design and coordinate Michigan celebrations with our awesome team of dedicated professionals.
The Pearls Events blog is a place for wedding inspiration, focusing on Michigan wedding professionals. We love bringing inspiration to Michigan couples as they plan their big day, so if you're a Michigan wedding pro, we would LOVE to hear from you and share what you have to offer Michigan brides. And if you're a Michigan bride yourself, we'd love to show off your wedding photos to inspire other Michigan brides.
Aletha fell in love with events over twelve years ago while working in catering. Promptly after earning her B.A. in fashion marketing, she accepted a position with the world's largest Christian communications company.
After marketing books for four years, Aletha infused her love for service, marketing & weddings by creating Pearls Events in 2007. Her desire to create an event that reflects the client and flows seamlessly is her number one goal.
Aletha enjoys spending time with her husband, Greg, and their son, Eames, while they work in their yard, travel the country in their Volkswagen and entertain friends in their home. They live in Grand Rapids with their Yorkie, Olive.
Twitter | @aletha
Email | aletha@pearlsevents.com
Kate has been planning events for local companies, non-profits and individuals for years. It is not only her work, but her passion, to plan stellar events. Whether it is a company outing for eighteen people, or a non-profit gala for over 300 guests, Kate brings out the best in the client. She brings that passion and experience to Pearls Events by planning, designing and coordinating fabulous celebrations for our clients.
When Kate isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and trying great food and wine. Even on her days off, she loves to entertain! Kate lives in Holland with her husband, Mat, their son, Rafa, and their Springer Spaniel, Obi.
Twitter | @RedUmbrellas
Email | kate@pearlsevents.com
Amy is an accountant by day and thoroughly enjoys wedding coordinating on the weekends. In fact, she was a Pearls Events intern in 2009 who was so meticulous, detail orientated and a joy to be around, she is back for another season.
Amy coordinated several weddings in 2009 and also has experience planning small, corporate events. If there is planning to do and details to be involved in, she loves to take part!
Amy is from the east side of the state, however came to West Michigan to attend college several years ago. She now resides in Hudsonville with her husband, Aaron and their daughter, Olivia. Amy enjoys baking, traveling, and watching movies.
Email | amy@pearlsevents.com
Mary is a certified wedding planner and has a background in the hospitality industry. She spent a few years as a catering manager before she began her career as a professional wedding planner. She loves to have fun and make people laugh, but also knows how to get the job done! Helping couples enjoy the best day of their lives is her priority.
When Mary isn't working, she enjoys a good movie, gardening, walking, boating, trying new recipes, volunteering at church, and entertaining friends & family in her home. Mary's dream is to have a healthy, happy family and be a full time wedding planner. Mary lives in Rockford with her husband, Scott and their Vizsla, Cooper.
Email | mary@pearlsevents.com
[all photos copyright Mindy Leigh Photography]
