raleigh | durham | cary | chapel hill | charlotte
About us
Meet the team
Kiss stress goodbye with Southern Skies Events! From day one to day-of, the Southern Skies team is here to make sure you enjoy the planning process.
We are a team of passionate, creative & experienced planners, here to help design your dream day, allowing you to focus on sweet moments with friends & family.
Whether you're hosting an intimate backyard wedding or an elegant black-tie affair, working with the Southern Skies team guarantees you and your guests will receive exceptional care from people who are driven to turn your dream into reality.
Emily Ann Photography
OWNER, LEAD PLANNER
Jen Shaefer
Hello and welcome! I'm Jen and I'm the owner and lead planner at Southern Skies Events.
I was born in the Midwest, but grew up in Raleigh, and feel so lucky to be living my dream creating modern, elegant events! I started in the industry 10 years ago as a dishwasher, and worked my way up to planner. While I've been part of close to a thousand events in my time, I've personally led over 300, and absolutely LOVE what I do.
When I'm not planning an event, you'll find me playing sports (I'm an athlete at my core), hanging out with my family or exploring Pinterest boards.
I'd love to meet over a cup of coffee or glass of wine to learn more about you & your event vision! Check out our contact form and feel free to ask for me specifically or for one of my amazing teammates.
Meet the Team!
Originally from Massachusetts, Kelsey brings a bright energy to any event. While she has an eye for details, her genuine love for each couple makes her extra special.
As a newlywed herself, Kelsey connects with brides on a deeper level and knows how to be most helpful during a typically stressful time. Her favorite part of any wedding is watching kids steal the show with their adorable dancing, and she’s a big fan of neutral color palettes this year. “Add a pop of green floral and I’m in Heaven!”
kelsey smith
Another NC transplant, Brandi has a true talent when it comes to planning. Her professionalism & sweet disposition are a powerful combination, and with hundreds of events under her belt, you can breathe easy.
Brandi loves navy color schemes, seeing new trends incorporated into weddings, and of course– signature cocktails! When she’s not planning, you can find Brandi training and cuddling her new puppy, Scout.
braNDi ladue
Event Sales & planning
Event sales & planning
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Even though she was born and raised in Florida, Krista has no shortage of true southern hospitality. Her excitement and passion for weddings is obvious upon first meeting. You’ll feel like you’re talking to a friend as she walks you through everything our team has to offer.
In her spare time, Krista can be found snuggling with her rescue pup, Cali, watching a true-crime marathon, or pre-planning her own dream affair.
Krista cavalieri
Maura sniegoski
Our most recent addition and new mom, Maura is the happiest person you'll meet and absolutely one of a kind.
Having been in the industry for years, she has extensive knowledge of weddings, corporate & private events to help you choose the perfect package. Make sure you check out her own incredible Baltimore wedding, featured on our site!
When Maura's not talking to couples & clients, she's laughing and loving life alongside her husband, John and son, Jack.
event sales
event sales
Wedding Packages
Starting at $1,500
Event Management
Partial planning
Complete planning
Starting at $3,000
Starting at $5,500
A La Carte Offerings,
Package Add-Ons & Savings
Complete Planning Check list (with due dates to keep you on track!)
Take the planning into your own hands, but with the help of some written guidance we’ve gained from our 10 years of experience in the world of weddings- mailed directly to you! Upgrade to a planning package at any time.
Use Southern Skies owned décor to save on things like votive holders, easels, vases and mirror squares.
Decor
A LA CARTE
PACKAGE ADD-ONS
Your right-hand woman or man has done their job for months. Let them enjoy the event standing by your side, and let your personal attendant take care of everything else. From the time you start getting ready to the time your bridal party is announced into the reception, your personal attendant can find your misplaced phone, grab you a drink, or act as an extra set of hands for the morning-of.
Save-the-Dates & Invitations
This could be the rehearsal dinner or even a brunch the morning after for your out of town guests. You give us the number of people and a reasonable budget; we’ll find a place, make the reservation, and coordinate the meal.
You order the goodies, we build the bags and drop off at the hotel(s) for your guests.
Let us fuss with the printer or take care of hand-scripting the names for your seating chart. Provide us with the names & seating assignments, we’ll do the rest.
Place Cards or Seating Chart
Welcome Bags
Other Weekend Festivities
Personal Attendant
SAVINGS
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HitchSwitch Name Change Service
Whether you’ve heard horror stories, know how much work is ahead, or just don’t have the time to call all those credit card companies, we’ve partnered with HitchSwitch to alleviate the stress. Their packages range from $39-$99, and provide you with pre-stamped and addressed envelopes, along with the correct paperwork to get everything in order with your new signature. See their website (Hitchswitch.com) for more details.
You pick out which ones you want, and we’ll take on addressing, stamping and sending to your guests; Talk about a time saver!
15% Off
$400
$250
$4 each
$100
$250
Corporate Events
From Grand Openings to Firm-Wide Conferences & everything in between, trust the Southern Skies team to handle it all.
We are a team of passionate, dedicated, creative thinkers, who work with our clients to ensure every detail is taken care of. We pride ourselves on providing professionally & flawlessly executed events so you can focus on success.
*Venue Sourcing
*Budget development & management
*Registration management
*Transportation & Travel logistics
*Catering & menu selection
*ADA accommodations (closed captioning, improved-listening devices, etc.)
*Creative design
*Agenda creation
*AV set-up & coordination
*Vendor management
*On-site event management
*Speaker management
*Volunteer management
Meeting services include but aren't limited to:
Private Events
For any occasion worth celebrating, let Southern Skies turn your vision into reality!
Our team of creatives come to the table with unique ideas & trends to help make your event even more unforgettable.
Contact us with more information and we'll work with you to design a custom package to meet your needs.
Quinceañeras
Bat Mitzvahs
Bar Mitzvahs
Birthday Parties
Baby Showers
Holiday Parties
Proms
...and more!
"I was calm and confident on our wedding day, because I knew Jen had made sure everything was perfect!"
"Jen is kind and professional, but most importantly she is a great teammate."
Read Full Reviews
Lora Gore Photography
Kate FIne Art
“I was calm and confident on our wedding day, because I knew Jen had made sure it was perfect!”
“Jen is kind and professional, but most importantly she is a great teammate.”
See more reviews
"In the 15 years I've been ordained and doing weddings, you are--by far--the very best, most organized, most pleasant and engaging coordinator I've ever had the pleasure of working with."
"Southern Skies' services are the best money you can spend on your wedding and yourselves."
Client Reviews
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