You’d expect the experienced event planners at Poppy Events, which opened in July, to be able to work magic with weddings and parties, but owners Christine Chadwick and Katy Simovski also have expertise in everything from marriage proposals to non-profit fundraisers. They credit the success of their events to establishing a connection with clients. “Once we know our client and fall in love with their stories, we take their vision and run with it,” says Simovski.

With more than 25 years of combined experience, Poppy Events capitalizes on Chadwick’s love for food and beverage paired with Simovski’s design background. The pair met while working at The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel and have since found a way to combine their love of event planning into a growing business run out of Simovski’s North Meadowcroft Avenue home and Chadwick’s Fox Chapel residence.

Poppy provides support for everything from developing a romantic wedding theme to scouting out vendors to providing treats for an office party. Coordinating celebrations as different as galas and yarn bombings, the team is prepared for any possible hiccup in an event, with Simovski once being asked to perform as a vocal soloist at a wedding. Even travel is on the menu, if clients are looking for help with a destination wedding or retreat.

Simovski says listening skills are what sets her apart. Discovering a client’s passions and creating a way to connect an event to that feeling or idea is key to bringing an event to life.

“In other words, we ask a LOT of questions,” says Simovski.

Chadwick and Simovski are social media savvy, using Pinterest and Wedding Wire to expand their brand. They also have an Instagram page and a blog on their website. They can be reached at: 412-344-2593.