3 minute read
Hunt Country Events — At Your Service
Hunt Country Events — At Your Service
By Michele Husfelt
Catherine Allen and Jennifer Saunders, cofounders of Middleburg based Hunt Country Events, became acquaintances and then friends long before entering the business world together.
Volunteering on the same committees at their children’s school, they discovered a unique blending of their talents that led to a valued partnership in the event planning business. Jennifer started the venture on her own as more of a fun side gig to help out friends, but after several years she realized she needed help to turn her passion into a business.
Enter Catherine, with not only the gift of hospitality but also the expertise of organization and administration. As a team, Jennifer remarked, “We had different gifts, but the same vision.”
Jennifer, the daughter of an Air Force fighter pilot, spent 12 years living outside the United States, fostering her love for international cuisine and travel from a young age. The military lifestyle also necessitated a need for organization and resourcefulness, and a professional education in interior design simply added to her numerous skills.
Catherine, a native of Montreal, has two decades of expertise in the hospitality industry, working at renowned establishments such as Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Concord Hospitality, where she was general manager and human resources manager for their Canadian properties.
From Washington D.C. to the ski slopes of Pennsylvania, and many locations in between, the two women have organized events of varied themes, sizes, and budgets.
Their portfolio includes tailgate parties, celebrations of life, boutique weddings, graduations, retirements, horse and hunt events, corporate and small business events, family and class reunions, bridal and baby showers, church celebrations, community events, and more.
One of the larger events was a corporate weekend ski trip for 225 employees. The two took care of all bookings for accommodations, tickets, meals, transportation, and fun swag bags. The proverbial great time was had by all.
At a celebration of life service, the pair worked diligently to honor and remember a much-loved grandmother by resourcing linens, floral arrangements, and other decorations in her favorite colors of pink and green. Another special touch was a tiered lemon cake created from the woman’s own coveted recipe, and, as one family member commented, “Don’t tell Grandma, but I think this was better than hers!”
Another highlight was the opportunity to plan a three-day reunion for a college sorority of women now in their 60s. From securing the perfect space to coordinating the itinerary with local venues, perhaps the best part was being invited to the cocktail party where they danced and joined in the festivities of these former clients who became newfound friends.
Catherine and Jennifer acknowledge and say they feel privileged as their clients bring them into their homes and invite them to be part of their special celebrations.
“We want their events to be personal and intimate, a boutique feel rather than a cookie cutter experience,” Catherine said. “We find great pleasure knowing we’re trusted by our clients and made to feel like an extension of the family in many instances.”
Whatever the occasion, wherever the location, no matter the budget, Catherine and Jennifer would love to bring their creativity, professionalism, and expertise to your next event. While you may start out as clients, you’ll likely part as friends.
