About Us

We have 3 professional event planners and 3 event assistants on staff and we absolutely love what we do! Our team can assist with multiple weddings each weekend, so please contact us for availability and to set up a complimentary consultation!

Jessica Pennington
Owner & Lead Planner

Hi, I’m Jessica! I’m a lover of all things sparkly, a huge fan of cherry almond cupcakes, ORGANIZED to a fault & a self-proclaimed Workaholic. I love to laugh and I’m obsessed with weddings. But more importantly, I’m obsessed with helping couples create a unique, one of a kind wedding, while also helping them to keep their sanity (and actually enjoy their engagement!) I’m a born people-pleaser and I love the thrill of finding someone the perfect linen, putting together a flawless timeline, or helping someone track down the perfect detail to complete their day.

My favorite part of the wedding day is the end of the night when we get to hug the bride & groom---I love seeing countless hours of planning turn into a successful, seamless event! I tear up during ceremonies, I’m a sucker for a good first dance song, and above all, I absolutely LOVE what I do! I have a degree in public relations and have had my hand in planning events since 2002. Since opening Stella Event Design in 2007, I’ve helped over 90 couples plan amazing weddings along the lake shore!

Brittany Johnson
Event Planner

Hello! I’m Brittany Johnson, I’m a lover of traveling, shopping, sunsets (and the beach!) and most importantly, I’m an organizational POWERHOUSE. My favorite part of a wedding is when the bride walks down the aisle—the emotion in those moments is overwhelming. I couldn’t live without my computer, and if your wedding cake is chocolate, you can bet you’ll catch me eating a piece! I joined Stella Event Design in 2009 as an event assistant and was hooked! In 2010 I graduated from Taylor University with a degree in communications and joined team Stella as an event planner.

I love pop music and my secret obsession is One Tree Hill (we all have our guilty pleasures!) When I’m not planning weddings, thinking about weddings, reading magazines, or dreaming about my own wedding (someday) you can find me running, travelling, or beaching. I call Grand Rapids, Michigan home and work with brides throughout the West side of Michigan!

Mary Beth George
Event Coordinator

Hello there! I’m Mary (known to some as Beth) and I’m a funny, flan-loving event planner! I’ve been working with Stella Event Design since 2008 and I love the thrill of helping couples plan their perfect day! I love weddings because they represent all that we want to be a part of—love, unity, beauty and family. My mothers pearl ring is my prized possession, and I adore sushi, raspberries, rain storms and confetti cake. If I could plan a celebrity wedding, I would help Justin Bieber tie the knot (but I have a feeling I’ll be waiting a while!) I have a degree in counseling from Great Lakes Christian College and a passion for working with people. When I’m not at a wedding you can find me relaxing in my hammock, reading, or spending time with my husband BJ and son Liam!

Kayla Weems
2011 Event Assistant

Hi, I’m Kayla...vocal jazz enthusiast, macbook lover, carrot cake fanatic and an event assistant here at Stella Event Design. I’m a senior at Grand Valley State University, where I’m studying hospitality & tourism management, and learning the ins-and-outs of becoming an event planner. I love everything about weddings… this is such a large milestone in life and I love seeing the couples completely in love and happy during this amazing day. I’m a lover of all things pink, anything that sparkles, and basically anything girly. When I’m not working at weddings I enjoy dancing, watching movies, and window shopping.

Blair Kronner
2011 Event Assistant

Hi, I’m Blair! I’m a senior studying hospitality and tourism management at Grand Valley State University and I joined Stella Event Design for their 2011 season as an event assistant! I love weddings because the venues are beautiful, the cake tastes amazing, and it's funny to watch people get down on the dance floor. My favorite wedding moment is pinning boutonnieres on the groomsmen☺ I love chimichangas, rustic camping, 90’s soft rock, and confetti cake with cream cheese frosting! If I could plan anyone’s wedding, it would be Bradley Cooper…but only if I was the bride! When I’m not at a wedding you can find me tanning on the beach, thrifting, or buying fluffy socks.

Lexie Scarbrough-Innes
2011 Event Assistant

Hi, I'm Lexie! I'm a lover of raspberry gelato, I adore wedding cake and I'm a Michigan State Spartan! I joined Stella Event Design as a 2011 event assistant and I love getting to assist with weddings filled with happy people, good food, and great times. In my spare time I enjoy the beach, running, shopping and eating! I love any and all music and I'm a sucker for a good cupcake or anything that sparkles!