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ABOUT
Afton Events got its name from its founder, but it takes a village to bring a wedding to life! The team is made up of women with extensive event experience from various backgrounds, each bringing their own unique skill set to the table.
Meet everyone below, and we'll meet for drinks later!
meet afton
Afton Vangsness, Owner and Lead Planner
Hi, I'm Afton - the lead wedding and event planner around here, and your new fangirl! I am a Type A personality - organized, detail-oriented, and bossy, with a Type B mindset - creative and free-spirited. Combining these traits with my years of experience in the events industry, led me to launch Afton Events, a Chicago wedding and event planning company. I am a firm believer that every wedding and event should be a direct representation of the client and an expression of who you are. I LOVE all of the pretty things involved with weddings, but I also LIVE for a detailed timeline and all of the little logistical details. I specialize in making the process FUN and a constant celebration. My favorite part about being a planner is taking the stress off of others so they can truly enjoy their day!
I live in downtown Chicago with my husband, 3 year old daughter, and my Chihuahua. In my spare time, I love experiencing all of the Chicago restaurants, watching all the shows Bravo has to offer, and I am always down for a cocktail!
MEET THE TEAM
LEIGHANN
Leighann is always on top of her game, and style is where she shines! With a true eye for design, she always makes sure every wedding detail is picture perfect, ensuring your day is everything you envisioned and more. She is outgoing and makes couples feel at ease. Leighann has a background in graphic design and large-scale events (including the Super Bowl!). She has been with Afton Events since 2020.
In her spare time, she loves doing yoga, traveling, and meeting new people! She also got married in Chicago in 2025!
KATE
Kate is professional, organized, and always ready to make things happen! She is an event logistics expert, having background in higher education events. Her can-do attitude makes her essential to executing wedding days. Kate is detail oriented and always ensures she has everything covered for our couples, so they don't have to worry about a thing! She has been with Afton Events since 2023.
In her spare time, she loves going out to eat, being with her dog, and traveling home to the East Coast. She also got married in Chicago in 2023!