Natives of Charlotte, and sisters, Kelly and Kristen have been working in the event industry for a combined 33 years and have been designing together as Walton Event Design since 2002. With the success of their business, Kelly and Kristen have carefully selected associate designers to join their team whose passion and talents reflect those of Walton Event Design.
Kelly began her event career in 1996 as the first director of catering for Dean & Deluca in Charlotte, NC. She has worked with world-renowned culinary teams creating inventive menus highlighting seasonal and regional items for 2-1,500 guests. Her primary area of expertise now is in food and beverage selection and menu design. Kelly’s many years in off-premise catering led to her specialty in coordinating vendor services and transforming unusual and unexpected spaces into extraordinary event venues. Kelly handles all contract negotiations for vendor services, budget management and accounting. She graduated with a degree in business communications from NC State University and is married with three boys.
With a degree from University of North Carolina School of Journalism in Public Relations and a secondary concentration of Graphic Design, Kristen started in invitation and stationery design in 1997 learning the offset printing and engraving trades. From 1999-2002, Kristen was the Social Events Manager at the AAA 4-Diamond Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC. During her time at the Inn, she coordinated more than 300 ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and personal celebrations. Kristen uses her knowledge of graphics and related computer programs to design all paper goods (save the dates, invitations, stationery) and collateral material (party goods, signs, favors) maintaining creative control and vision for the entire event. Beyond graphics, Kristen focuses on linen procurement, floral design and space planning. Kristen is married with two children, a girl and a boy.
Meredith, a native Charlottean, has traveled extensively and enjoyed living in the desert Southwest of Arizona and the mountains of North Carolina prior to returning to the Queen City. She joined the Walton Events team in 2007, assisting with event installation and production. She arrived with previous corporate experience in operations and event management. Meredith’s expertise is in establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, timeline management, transportation and lodging details. She collaborates with Kelly and Kristen on all aspects of the event from conception through design to execution. Meredith’s passion and enthusiasm are indispensable during the planning process. She is married with three boys and two temperamental turtles.
Kelly Randazzo has been an event planner and catering sales professional in the Charlotte area for over a decade. Through the years she has worked for the city’s top venues including the Charlotte City Club, Charlotte Country Club and most recently as the Director of Catering for The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge.She has directed hundreds of wedding ceremonies and receptions as well as charity galas, baby/bridal showers and Bar, Bat & B’Nai Mitzvahs. Her reputation as a meticulous and mindful planner led her to work with high profile clients and guests including First Lady Michelle Obama, George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, Senator Elizabeth Dole, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, The Eagles, Neil Diamond, The Dave Matthews Band and James Taylor to name just a few. Kelly’s warm and enthusiastic personality, upbeat attitude and conscientious attention to detail have helped contribute to her success in the industry. Her thorough and constant communication and calm demeanor keeps her clients at ease while they enjoy the planning process.
Susan grew up in the Midwest and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Her pharmacy career, and her husband’s studies, landed the pair in upstate New York, where she was introduced to the clever and whimsical work of MacKenzie-Childs. Drawn to their eclectic style, she jumped at the opportunity to work at their flagship store in Manhattan, designing spectacular table displays, unique interiors and fabulous gifts. Relocating to Charlotte and professionally back in the pharmacy, Susan longed for more creative outlets. Susan began working with Kelly and Kristen in 2008, primarily assisting with event preparation and installation. Susan has earned her current title of Associate Designer and focuses on activities and amenities for our clients and their guests. Susan has a wonderful eye and knack for finding the most unique and emerging products and translating them into fresh ideas we incorporate into our designs. Susan resides in Charlotte with her husband, three children and two dogs.