“IT WAS KARMA, IT WAS KISMET, IT WAS MAGIC. IT DOESN’T
MATTER HOW IT HAPPENED, JUST THAT IT DID.”
WHAT WE DO
The Kismet Event Co. is a luxury event planning company, working throughout Sonoma, Napa, & Beyond.
With roots deep in luxury hospitality, we have over 30 years of combined experience managing events at private clubs, wineries, and nonprofits. Gracious & thoughtful hospitality is at the core of Kismet Event Co. offerings and is paramount to our ability to create an unparalleled service curated for each client.
The energy behind Kismet was inspired by years of prestigious member-centric planning, combined with our love of a good old-fashioned party, and an obsession for details and logistics. Creating deep personal connections and beautiful moments in time are our superpowers.
WHO WE LOVE TO PLAN WITH
The Kismet team embraces clients who are social, fun-loving, and adventurous - both in life and with their gatherings. They are bold, creative, and value fine details. We love crafting celebrations for those who have a passion for entertaining, appreciate a well-planned event, and understand the importance of hiring professionals.
We empower our clients to dream big and seek new experiences. Our motto is to take the road less traveled. (As long as there’s a map!) We welcome you with open arms, value your inspired ideas, and can be trusted to execute your vision perfectly.
When you’re ready to plan something stunning while keeping up with your thriving schedule, Kismet Event Co. is your go-to team for the perfect Wine Country event.
WHO WE ARE
We speak your language, share your love of a party, and believe every event deserves to be a masterpiece. Everyone should walk away having had the time of their lives. Bring your vision, we’ve got the rest covered.
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After growing up in charming Campbell, California I started my career producing galas, golf tournaments, and wine auctions for one of the largest non-profit organizations in San Francisco. In a pivot to the private sector, I landed as an assistant for a boutique catering company learning the ins and outs of weddings and corporate events. I then found a home at Parties That Cook planning hundreds of corporate cooking parties and team-building events for over 7 years.
When I followed the love of my life to Sonoma County I became a certified wedding planner. My background in non-profit fundraisers and corporate event management paved the way to opening my own successful Wine Country wedding & event planning business, Honey & Vine Events, which I ran for over 10 years.
With deep connections in the industry and over 20 years of event experience, some would call me an obsessive event perfectionist, but I consider this work my dream job! I love every little detail, I love to get crafty, and I love a good toast.
After meeting my match made in work heaven, Kelly Studer, we decided that it was time to join forces and together, grow Kismet Event Co. into a premier planning company in Northern California wine country.
When I’m not producing spectacular events, you can find me escaping to the beach, trying out a new recipe, or laughing over a glass of bubbly with friends. Hopefully all at the same time.
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I’m Kelly, owner and planner at Kismet Event Co. For over 20 years, hospitality has been at the core of my work. In that time, I have had the pleasure creating events for an incredible range of people and organizations, including some of California’s most discerning clients. With a passion for logistics, execution, and event management, I believe in cultivating a sense of community and connection in every event—whether it’s a corporate retreat or an intimate dinner party.
A native Californian who has lived in incredible places like San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco, I love good food, a fresh cocktail, and great friends to laugh with. You can find me dancing, playing, and hiking with my husband and our two children. I crave a good project to plan, pulling together the most surprising, crazy details for your big event. If scouring the internet for the perfect napkin ring or table runner (or disco ball cocktail glass) isn’t your thing - I’m your girl.
Before founding Kismet Event Co., I had the pleasure of working at The Napa Valley Reserve, one of California’s most exclusive wine estates, working with Members across the globe to craft memorable gatherings that celebrated the wine country lifestyle. From simple tastings to positively extravagant celebrations, the gatherings were as unique and exceptional as the Members themselves. In addition, I am proud to have spent many years with California’s largest medical humanitarian non-profit, Direct Relief. During that time, I was fundraising to support the organization’s mission and managing all gatherings, including Board events, intimate fundraising receptions, film screenings, volunteer committees, and the charity’s largest gala - the Santa Barbara Wine Auction.
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As long as I’ve lived in the Bay Area (almost 20 years!) I’ve been involved in weddings in some shape or form. I got my graduate degree in flute performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and would often perform as the ‘first violin’ in string quartets at wedding ceremonies and receptions. I also made money on the side during those years on the waitstaff for a high-end catering company that regularly catered lavish Napa and Sonoma weddings.
In 2013, I decided to combine all of my previous experiences and start my own wedding planning company, Hitch Perfect. Over the following decade, my passion for weddings and all of the beauty, love, and inevitable surprises and curveballs that come along with them only grew stronger. As with so many other event professionals, I found the need to pivot my career plans in 2020 with the onset of COVID and landed a dream job with a production team at a well-known San Francisco arts organization. For five years, I produced large-scale fundraisers for wealthy arts donors and learned that galas are basically just weddings with a few hundred more guests and no public declarations of love.
No matter the event type, I consider event production my true calling; making my clients’ visions come alive and their lives less stressful as they navigate the wedding planning process is incredibly fulfilling. My favorite thing about weddings is how unique every single one is - with the right touches, each one is a direct reflection of the couple, their culture and community, and the loved ones that surround them. I get giddy with each new inquiry: how can I make your once-in-a-lifetime event feel bespoke and authentic?
I’m thrilled to now be joining the Kismet team as a Lead Planner and bring my breadth of expertise to the heart of Napa Valley.
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Jackie is the mega-watt Lead Planner who helps to make the magic happen at each Kismet gathering. With a history in Tourism & Hospitality Management, she spent years producing non-profit events before taking on private events through Kismet Event Co in the Healdsburg area.
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Kristina joined Kismet Event Co. in the Spring of 2024 — and was instantly hooked.
With over a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Kristina brings a well-rounded creative eye to every project. However, weddings and milestone events are truly her happy place! Her ability to blend trend-driven ideas with classic aesthetics reflect her versatility and creative intuition that couples love.
Fun Facts:
– She’s a 2024 bride who tied the knot at the iconic little red chapel in Yosemite Valley, CA.
– A classically trained pianist who performed in Japan.
– From salmon fishing on the rivers of Alaska to chasing the northern lights in Iceland, she loves epic outdoor adventures.
– Dog mom to Murphy, a fox-red Labrador with serious main-character energy.
– Secret love language? A perfectly curated charcuterie board.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
When you’re ready to book , contact us and tell us about your big plans.
Check out our event service offerings to
see what we can plan with you!
Heading to Wine Country? Let Kismet Event Co. create a custom itinerary.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
KISMET EVENT CO. BRAND VALUES
HAVE FUN & BE ADVENTUROUS
We want to have as much fun as our clients! Our aim is to be open-minded to any wild, unique, and extravagant ideas you may have. Great experiences create unforgettable and meaningful memories along the way.
RESPECT & TRUST
Treat all clients, vendors, and guests with respect so we establish trust in our growing, vibrant community. The commitments we make go far beyond any contract. We hope to become your trusted planners in Wine Country.
GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY & SERVICE
Offer the highest level of personalized service to each person who engages with the Kismet team. We want you to feel completely at home and cared for while planning with us … just like you’re family.
LISTEN, BE PERSONAL & AUTHENTIC
We understand that every event is unique and should honor the individual story of each client. You want to provide a deeply meaningful experience to your guests, and we will help you by planning in a truly authentic way.
KEEP IT REAL, KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL
Provide clients & vendors with clear, organized, and professional communication. There will always be realistic and defined expectations. If an element of your gathering won’t work, we’ll tell you how to make it great.
DON’T BE THE SEAGULL, BE THE SWAN
At Kismet, we embrace the exciting, unpredictable nature of producing events. There are many ways the days can unfold. (Trust us, we know!) Through all the unexpected moments, we will keep our cool and never break a sweat.
FAQ
We create local gatherings with a luxury feel that are deeply connected to the wine country lifestyle. Here are some frequently asked questions so that you have some other great details, right from the start.
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Through our years of client-centric planning, we are wired to offer the highest level of service and attention. Combined with an element of creativity, fun, and a concierge-style approach, your gathering is sure to stand out. There’s a reason we started a company of our own, so we can focus on what matters most to you.
Our concierge-style service ensures that you are cared for every step of the way. Did you contract us for one service and decide half-way through you need a little more help? We’ve got you. Let us go above and beyond what normal planners can offer you. Many of our packages come with detailed & personalized checklists, with amenities such as access to our signage suite and complimentary place cards. You may also add-on services such as RSVP management and guest coordination.
Let’s make something beautiful together. Come and raise and glass with us!
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You and your guests will experience an unmatched level of personalized service, as Kismet gets all the most important details just right. Time is your most precious commodity. Let us take care of the planning for you and we’ll make some magic together!
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We work hard to honor your one-of-a-kind story throughout every element of your event. Kismet offers a multitude of services to ensure a fully tailored experience to every client. Our clients praise the company for our thoughtfulness, versatility, outstanding organization, planning, and creativity. We are genuine, dependable, organized, and create polished and authentic events that will leave you and your guests feeling cared for and happy. When you sign your contract, you can expect a luxury welcome packet detailing exactly when we’re available to you, how planning sessions will work, and how often we’ll connect. Most importantly, we want to have just as much fun as you! Not all planning needs to be stressful.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
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Yes! We are licensed, insured, and only work with professional & insured vendors.
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No! Our services go beyond working locally. Team Kismet loves to travel and can plan events in the most unexpected places. Get in touch and tell us where we’re headed!
LET’S CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?