Making your day feel like you
Naperville Wedding Planner
Meet Katie - The Heart Behind Willow + Waylon Events
Hi! I’m Katie, the owner and lead planner of Willow and Waylon Events, based in Downers Grove and proudly serving couples in Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, and throughout Chicagoland, as well as in Milwaukee. I’m so glad you’re here.
So, where did the name Willow and Waylon come from? It’s a tribute to my children—their middle names, to be exact. Family means everything to me, and weddings are an extension of that love. Creating a business rooted in both felt like the most natural thing in the world.
After spending more than a decade in the wedding and events industry, I took a leap of faith and started my own company. I wanted to do things differently—to offer a more personal, hands-on approach where every couple feels seen, heard, and fully supported. Starting Willow and Waylon Events has allowed me to blend my creative passion with years of industry experience, bringing proactive planning, and seamless execution to every event.
What I Bring to your Wedding Day
With a deep love for logistics, I’m here to bring your vision to life—without the stress. My role is to be your guide, advocate, and calm in the chaos so you can enjoy every step of the journey. Here’s how I help:
Guide you through the planning process with calm, clear communication
Handle the details (big and small) so you can enjoy the fun parts
Collaborate with trusted vendors and stay ahead of any hiccups
Make your wedding day feel effortless, joyful, and completely you
“From the very beginning, she impressed us with her incredible attention to detail and exceptional organization.”
- Madison + Emily