PA R T N E R TESTIMONIALS Over the years, Karen Schafer has partnered with a growing list of wonderfully talented individuals and companies, working seamlessly together to ensure that every event is a success. With a strong belief that it takes a collective effort and creative collaboration to execute the grandest of affairs, Karen has surrounded herself with the finest vendor partners in the area that share her professionalism, commitment to the client and high standards.
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S F loral & D e c or 5 W eddin g P lanner 8 P h oto g rap h y & C inemato g rap h y 9 C aterin g | E ats 10 F as h ion & B eau t y 12 E ntertainment 13 G reater D en v er V en u e N etwor k 14
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events magazine
floral & decor
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To whomever is lucky enough to meet this Lady, I had the pleasure of first meeting Karen about 4 years ago as the Director of Sales for Villa Parker. I was new to Colorado and had been running the Wedding and Events division for a floral company close to Villa Parker. The company sold and I ventured out into my own business. Our company has recently been voted “Best Wedding Florist” on Denver’s A List and received “Couples Choice Award” on Wedding Wire. Deep down in my heart, I honestly believe that I can credit a lot of our success to Karen’s belief in myself, both as an individual and as a business. There’s never been another person that I’ve seen dedicate themselves to anything quite like Karen does. Her ability to disarm, paint a vision, promote, follow though, provide unreal customer service, oh my goodness this list could go on and on. Karen was relatively new to her position at Villa Parker when I first met her, to watch her wall of Thank You cards grow over the last four years to cover over two walls in her office from other couples that have also fallen in love with her is unbelievable. I could only strive and aim to provide the level of service that Karen does for her friends/clients. You are not only her client, I guarantee you will become her friend as well. Everyone around town knows what Villa Parker is, even more know who Karen is. Her presence through hard work on social media and her continuous networking/social butterfly skills are impressive to say the least. Any business would be lucky to gain such a loyal soul. Her dedication to make sure the job not only gets done, but far exceeds all expectations is so apparent. Our hearts are sad she may no longer be our direct point of contact for Villa Parker, but are eager to see her wings spread and watch her fly elsewhere. All the best, Shannon Martinez, Owner & Designer | The Olive and Poppy 720.443.1314 (b) | 303.264.4043 (c) | www.theoliveandpoppy.com
To Whom It May Concern, It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend Karen Schafer. Karen Schafer and I met at Villa Parker in early January 2015. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Karen, and came to know her as a truly valuable asset to absolutely any team. She is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard working. Beyond that, she is an impressive professional who is always thinking of the client first. Her knowledge of events and expertise in hospitality was a huge advantage to every event. People remember how someone makes them feel, and Karen makes everyone feel special. She put this skill-set to work in order to make every client and outside vendor feel like part of a family. Along with her undeniable talent, Karen has always been an absolute joy to work with. She is a true team player, and always manages to foster positive discussions and bring the best out of other employees and vendors. Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Karen to join your team. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that she will be a beneficial addition to your organization. I would hire Karen without hesitation. Please feel free to contact me at 720.297.6190 should you like to discuss Karen’s qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation. Best wishes, Barbara Shepherd | Candlelight Ambiance 720.297.6190 | info@candlelightambiance.com | candlelightambiance.com
There are event vendors that you have to work with and then (if you’re lucky) there are event professionals like Karen that make work a joyful and productive experience. Karen is the type of person that makes each and every person she works with feel like they are the most valuable asset to the event process. She treats everyone with the utmost of respect and goes above and beyond to make sure each vendor is succeeding to make each event go off without a hitch. She is one of those folks that not only knows how to get the job done, but executes with a positive energy that drives the event team to success. I was so fortunate to work with Karen on a variety of events where her enthusiasm enabled all of us as event vendors to be more productive while at the same time looking forward to tackling the next event with her. Thank you, Karen, for creating a positive work environment that led to a culture of success! Kristi Pohly, Owner | Fleur Decor 303.386.6899 | kristi@fleurdecor.com
To the future fellow colleagues of Karen Schafer, It is my great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Karen. I have had the honor of working with Karen over the past four years, and I can state with confidence that she is a motivated, reliable and hard working person with a high degree of integrity. As such, I expect that she will be, a very positive addition to any event management team. Throughout the years, Karen has always spoken to her deep hospitality roots. Having 10 years in the meeting and events industry myself and many experiences in working with Marriott’s; I didn’t fully understand the Marriott way until working with Karen. She truly display’s an honorable characteristic and provides exemplary service to all of her clients. These characteristics are those of which I look up to and have taken the opportunity to reach out to her in being a personal mentor. As a co-worker, I’ve often wondered how one person can make such a huge impact on each person’s personal life that they meet. And, Karen has managed to do it. In my own words, “The amount of effort given, is like Karen giving a little piece of herself to every single client.” She has the ability to ensure not only that each client has a satisfying and successful event, but more so, goes out of her way to rectify those who don’t. Karen Schafer has my highest recommendation, and I am happy to furnish more details if you would like additional information. Sincerely, Talayna Akrie, Department Head, Event Services and Meeting Planner | Douglas County Libraries 303.587.0150
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events magazine
wedding planner
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I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Karen on a styled wedding inspiration shoot held at the Villa Parker wedding venue, where she is the Director of Sales and Events. Not only is Karen extremely kind and gracious, you can tell that she truly loves the venue and wants to help make each and every event (whether it be a wedding inspirations shoot or real wedding) the best it can be. On the day of the shoot, Karen went above and beyond to make myself and the other wedding vendors feel welcome, and assisted us as we were trying to get everything cleaned up so that we could all get out the door as soon as possible after a long day. I highly recommend Karen and the Villa Parker to any engaged couples searching for a beautiful wedding venue and an enthusiastic, attentive and warm venue representative. Thank you for all of your help Karen - I hope to work together again soon! Lauren Groeper, Wedding Planner & Designer | Chancey Charm Denver 720.457.4252 | lauren@chanceycharmweddings.com Karen is the bee’s knees. She is quick to respond, eager to help and extremely resourceful. Tandem Events has had the pleasure to work with Karen on many occasions; whether it was on site at Villa Parker, bridal shows or across seas with her connections in Italy –hence the resourceful part. If you are planning an event or attending the event itself, you will find that she remains kind, calm and collected through it all. I would recommend Karen at Villa Parker any day. She will keep your event, and mind at peace. Kendra Kimball, Owner & Lead Designer | Tandem Events 303.482.7562 | kendra@tandemevents.com I have had the honor of working with Karen for the last three years. Karen’s work ethic, dedication to her clients, and passion for her job show in everything she does. She takes pride in what she does and will always step in to help and to make sure her clients are a hundred percent happy. She has also been a great mentor and leader within the events community. Her vast array of knowledge and her willingness to share and help is something I have always looked up to. Laurie Twombly, Wedding Planner | Marilee & Grace Wedding and Event Design 310.709.6093 | laurie@marileegrace.com
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events magazine
photography & cinematography
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Karen not only shows the utmost in professionalism, but her dedication to not only her job but her community is unmatched. She has a passion for her clients and her community and clearly believes in lifting everyone she is around up with her. It is always a truly collaborative effort, never selfish in her quests, it’s always about the whole of the event and making it the best it can be for everyone involved. She also clearly believes in client experience above all else. All the events I have seen her run have been flawless and she’s always cheerful and yet you hardly notice her presence. In short, Karen is amazing. Her dedication to each project, each client, and her community make her an amazing asset to any company. Sarah Roshan, Owner/Wedding Photographer | Sarah Roshan Wedding Photographer 303.905.9740 | sarah@sarahroshan.com To Whom It May Concern: With her relentless motivation and her knowledge of the wedding and event industry, Karen would bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to any event management team. I know she would be an excellent fit for any company.. Karen and I have both worked in the events industry over the past 4 year together. During that time, I have gotten to know Karen quite well and can thoroughly vouch for her character and abilities. Karen has been a pleasure to work with. She treats her clients and vendor partners like family, and always wants to help others in the event industry succeed with their events by handing out advice, vendor referrals and the like. With her relentless motivation and her knowledge of the wedding and event industry, Karen would bring a wealth of knowledge and skills. I know she would be an excellent fit for your company. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Ali Horner, Owner | Ali & Garrett Wedding Photographers 720.226.2415 | weddings@aliandgarrett.com There aren’t enough words to fully describe Karen, her talent, skills and work ethics. I fully recommend her to anyone looking for a true professional that consistently delivers 5 star service. She is a very compassionate, hard-working, dedicated, one of a kind event professional who enthusiastically puts her heart and soul into all she does. I have seen Karen personally jump in and work industry event meetings, bridal shows and style shoots when others in her position would sit back and let someone else do all the work. She is the best at connecting professionals to each other and creatively problem solving any situation. Karen is a priceless addition to any team! Lisa Mares, Producer/Director | Mares Productions and Mares Media 303.918.7725 | info@maresvideoproductions.com
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events magazine
catering | eats
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To whom this may concern:
I am delighted to provide you with a reference for Karen Schafer. Karen has been an industry leader in many ways but her best attribute is her constant continuation of making sure each and every client is treated with the absolute best customer service. Karen is personable, professional and one of the most gracious individuals I have had the pleasure of working with. Karen is focused on creating partner relationships with her vendors, which is where I came to know Karen, during her time at Villa Parker. She not only became one of our favorite vendors to work with but also one of the most respected. Karen has a natural ability to connect with everyone and make sure that each event is a lasting memory to her clients. I highly recommend Karen, you would be lucky to have her join your team. Best regards, Dana Jones, Director of Sales | Occasions Catering Denver 1789 West Warren Avenue, Englewood, CO 80110 303.789.1867 office|info@occasionsdenver.com | www.occasionsdenver.com
Karen is completely dedicated when it comes to her clients and partners. She is a fierce advocate for people, an active connector, an incredibly positive influence, and an astute observer. You always want Karen on your side, and if she’s there you know it based on her constant efforts to promote you and better your world. Jeremy Bronson, President/Owner | Occasions Catering 1789 West Warren Avenue, Englewood, CO 80110 303.789.1867 office | 303.638.3814 cell Jeremy@occasionsdenver.com | www.occasionsdenver.com
I have only worked with Karen for a little over a year and wish that it had been so so much longer! Her professionalism and graciousness is beyond compare to so many others in the wedding and event industry. She brings true meaning to the word “hospitality” and provides an example for everyone else to follow. I would recommend her for ANYTHING, not just tasks within the hospitality industry, because she is so hard-working and driven that she would find a solution to any problem thrown at her, and find an efficient and professional way to make it happen. I know when I am working with her that everything will be handled and taken care of and that is a comfort that doesn’t consistently present itself within our line of work. I am so saddened to know that I will no longer be working alongside Karen, but know that whoever gets to, will not only be very lucky to be doing so, but will also be working alongside one of the best. Kari Wyrick, Event Specialist | A Spice of Life Catering + Events 406.351.2331 | KWyrick@aspiceoflife.com
I’ve know Karen for 4 years now working closely with her clients when booking their caterer. The level of service Karen provides each client is so unique. She connects with the bride, the mom, mitzvah child and even the vendors. She ‘bends backwards’ for every event as if she was plan no her own personal one. I can depend on her for additional details and insight of the client when bidding for events because she takes the time to learn more about her clients. She is always willing to help you if it is work or personal. Donnah Phipps, Sales & Events Manager | Elevated Catering 720.987.6617 | donnahphipps@gmail.com
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events magazine
fashion & beauty
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Karen’s customer service skills far surpass the average bear‌ Working in the bridal industry for over 15 years I have had the opportunity to work with all levels of industry professionals and I would rank Karen at the top in her field! Karen has a passion for creating a relationship with her customer providing the highest level of professionalism, attention to detail, and customer service. I am always comforted knowing my brides are in the best care when they are working with Karen. I would highly recommend Karen if you are looking to add an amazing team member to your company, she will not disappoint! Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Heather Struna, Owner | Wedding Treasures Bridal & Tuxedo 303.660.0200 I weddingtreasures1@yahoo.com
I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Karen Schafer as a valued partner in the event community. I have worked with Karen for over 3 years in the wedding and event industry here in Denver, Colorado. Karen is one of the most highly regarded people in the industry due to her amazing talents of planning, organizing and taking care of her clients. Her connections in the industry are astounding and she is always able to find the right fit for her clients whenever they are in need of additional vendors or service providers. Her work ethic and endless dedication to her place of employment would make her a huge asset to any organization that she joins. I highly recommend her for any event management position, as I know that she will be an invaluable part of any team. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to speak with you. Tori Apodaca, Owner | Bronze and Beautiful Bridal 720.570.6848 | tori@bronzeandbeautiful.com
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events magazine
entertainment
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Karen is the most generous soul. She goes out of her way to share her contacts, experience and expertise. She is an overachiever in every measurable way. As a a true professional, she is both unflappable and kind. She shows consideration for her clients and colleagues while maintaining the standards of the venue. We have the highest respect for Karen as a person and as a colleague. She is simply outstanding! Suzanne Barlow, Owner | Masterful Musicians 303.670.6756 | suzanne@masterfulmusicians.com
Karen is one of the hardest working event professionals I have ever met. She will make an exceptional asset to whomever is lucky enough to have her. We have worked with Karen on many occasions in several different areas of our industry. She is not afraid to climb a ladder or get her hands dirty especially when it insures the success of an event. Karen shows her appreciation for our industry and what she does. I have never not seen her at networking events connecting and making new friends. One of the best in the business. Yan Volodarsky, General Manager | Elite Entertainment 303.422.3218 | yan@myelitedj.com
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events magazine
greater denver venue network
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August 18, 2016
To whom it may concern,
August 18, 2016 August 18, 2016 On behalf of the entire Event Services Team at one of Denver’s largest venues, I am happy to write this letter of recommendation for Karen Schafer!
Toitwhom it may concern, To whom may concern, Karen is a dedicated event leader with a positive attitude, an eye for detail, a passion for customer experience and a savvy event marketing professional.
I have known Karen for many years and am consistently dazzled by her social media marketing and print
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she chooses. I have known Karen for many years and am consistently dazzled by her social media marketing and print
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She is patient, knowledgeable and I have no doubt that Karen will continue to excel in whatever career she chooses. She is patient, knowledgeable and I have no doubt that Karen will continue to excel in whatever career Dawn Williams
she chooses. Director, Event Services
I am happy to provide a personal and professional reference for Karen and welcome the opportunity!
DCPA I am happy to provide a personal and professional reference for Karen and welcome the opportunity! 303.572.4466 Dwilliams@dcpa.org
Kind regards,
Kind regards, Dawn Williams Director, Event Services Dawn Williams DCPA Director,303.572.4466 Event Services DCPA Dwilliams@dcpa.org
303.572.4466 Dwilliams@dcpa.org
The mission of the Greater Denver Venue Network is to foster a professional referral network that generates further bookings for the unique venue members located in the Denver area and provides opportunities for: referrals, networking, career leads and support, venue resources, round table discussions pertaining to the event industry and continued stimulation of the greater Denver event venue economy.