Founded in 2007 by Aletha VanderMaas, Pearls Events is an event planning boutique with offices in Grand Rapids and Traverse City serving clients planning celebrations throughout the great state of Michigan.

We plan, design and coordinate Michigan events with our dedicated team of two lead planners, two awesome coordinators, and two assistants.

We have a studio space in downtown Grand Rapids for meetings, but because many of our clients live out of town, we also meet regularly via phone and Skype.

Aletha fell in love with events over fourteen(!) years ago while working in catering. After earning her bachelor of arts in fashion marketing, she accepted a position with the world's largest Christian communications company.

After four years in the publishing industry, Aletha infused her love for customer service, weddings & sales and marketing by creating Pearls Events. Her desire to create an event that reflects the client is her number one priority.

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 on their patio. They live in Grand Haven with their Yorkie, Olive.

Mary is a certified wedding planner and has a background in the hospitality industry. She is the lead planner for our Up North division, based in Traverse City, Michigan.

Mary joined the Pearls Events team in 2010. She loves to have fun and make people laugh, but also knows how to get the job done. Helping couples enjoy one of the best day of their lives is her goal.

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 Traverse City with her husband, Scott, their son, Braden, and their Vizsla, Cooper.

Kate joined the Pearls Events team in 2009 after 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, sons, Rafa & Luca, and their Springer Spaniel, Obi.

Amy joined the Pearls Events team in 2009. She is an accountant by day and thoroughly enjoys wedding coordinating on the weekends. She is an absolute joy to be around and we are SO thankful to have her on our team.

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 children, Olivia & Bronson. Amy enjoys baking, traveling, and watching movies in her spare time.

[photos copyright Mindy Leigh]