Founded in 2007 by Aletha VanderMaas, Pearls Events is an event planning boutique serving clients planning Michigan celebrations, with offices in Grand Rapids and Holland.

We plan, design and coordinate Michigan events with our dedicated and professional team of four planners and four assistants.

Aletha fell in love with events over twelve 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 service, marketing & weddings by creating Pearls Events. Her desire to create an event that reflects the client and flows seamlessly 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 Rapids with their Yorkie, Olive.

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, son, Rafa, and their Springer Spaniel, Obi.

Amy joined the Pearls Events team in 2009 as an intern, but stayed on as an associate coordinator because we loved her so much. 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 daughter, Olivia. Amy enjoys baking, traveling, and watching movies in her spare time.

Mary is a certified wedding planner and has a background in the hospitality industry. She 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 Rockford with her husband, Scott and their Vizsla, Cooper.

Jessica's bio coming soon!

Lauryn is a recent graduate of Western Michigan University. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communications and is excited to enter the adult world.

She is the middle of three children and grew up in Niles, Michigan. As far as the grand plan of her life, she has no idea where she will end up, but has recently been interested in event planning and is eager to learn from Pearls Event throughout the 2011 season!

Libby is a recent college graduate from Grand Valley State University, where she earned her degree in Communication Studies and Studio Art. In an effort to combine the two, she began to look for internships in event planning. We are so excited to have Libby with us for the 2011 season!

Aside from learning about event planning with Pearls Events, her time is consumed by a job in the Accounts Payable department at Grand Valley State University, traveling (preferably overseas), a beginner's ambition to practice yoga, reading food blogs, and spending time with her wonderful boyfriend Kevin. She currently resides in Coopersville with her parents and her adopted Blue Heeler/Lab mix, Jasper.

Stephanie is currently a student at Kuyper College and Cornerstone University studying strategic communications and biblical theology. After planning birthday parties, showers, and graduation open houses for friends she realized she wanted to be involved with events professionally. She is here to help out in anyway for each client and the Pearls Events team.

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys working on her style blog, entertaining at home, spending as much time as possible with friends, trying new experiences with her boyfriend, shopping and playing with
her puppy.

She is excited to join the Pearls Events team this summer and can't wait to learn all that comes with event planning.

[head shot photos copyright Mindy Leigh]