"Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do." -Rumi
Emily Campbell has been in the event planning business since 1997. She has executed corporate and special events in over 40 countries and on five continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, also including Central America and the Caribbean.
Emily now focuses her event planning expertise in Colorado. In 2002, Emily started Bella Design & Planning and has been planning events full time ever since. Emily has an undergraduate degree from the George Washington University and a Masters degree from Regis University. Emily is a diamond level National Forensic League Speech Coach and can write a mean toast. She loves every aspect of planning and adores her team.
The Bella Team consists of five wonderful indviduals who are creative, organized and lots of fun.
Kim Nicolas is our resident comedian and fixer of all things broken. She considers herself the ultimate "wing man" and loves to make people feel well cared for (she says it's the Jewish mom in her). In addition to working with Bella, Kim is an incredible seamstress who specializes in custom home accents. Her knowledge of interior design and sewing are key to our wedding set up. Kim has a B.A. from University of Cincinatti and a M.Ed from Springfield College. Fun Fact: Kim used to be an inn keeper in Nantucket where she met her husband (who is now the general manager of the Lodge at Vail).
Josh Blanchard has been working with Bella since 2003 and is our theatre and event management specialist. He is an acclaimed actor/director and runs a "to die for" show. His eye for staging of lights, decor and overall production are critical to Bella's beautiful design direction. Additionally, Josh is the Event Manager for the Keystone Neighborhood Company and oversees the numerous festivals and performances in the area. Josh has a B.A. Arts and Performance From University of Texas Dallas and a Masters of Humanities from University of Colorado Denver. Fun Fact: Josh is a published playwright and likes to run mini marathons.
Kristen O'Connor is our youngest member of the team. She is a wonderful writer and is overseeing our wedding websites and general marketing. Kristen is a planner with Emily and often directs weddings. Additionally, she serves as a speech pathologist to our Summit County youth. Kristen has a B.A. from Indiana University and a Masters from Vanderbilt. Fun Fact: Kristen won the Irish Dancing World Championship when she was 13 (in Ireland!).
Jenni Bonenberger is our only true Colorado native. Jenni was raised in Crested Butte and knows how to throw a mountain wedding. She is a festive soul and is a work horse. Jenni often works as our assistant on wedding days. You will usually find her working in her cowgirl boots. Fun Fact: Jenni's mom used to be the mayor of Crested Butte.
