Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Jeanmaire. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

As a wedding planner and the founder of The Main Event by Kelly, I started the business completely on my own. In the early days, I was responsible for every aspect of the company, from creating my logo and branding to designing my website, managing my own marketing, and handling all accounting and administrative work. On top of that, I was also fully dedicated to client management and the detailed process of planning and executing weddings. It was a demanding and exhilarating experience, but it laid the foundation for the high standards and personalized service that The Main Event by Kelly is known for today.

From the beginning, I recognized that I needed reliable assistants on wedding days to ensure everything ran smoothly. In the earliest stages, I turned to my best friends, not because they had wedding industry experience, but because I needed people I could trust who were capable of taking direction and staying calm under pressure. No prior experience was required; the main qualifications were physical capability and the mental ability to listen and adapt quickly.

As the business grew and the demand for more sophisticated events increased, I began to expand my team by interviewing and recruiting more wedding day assistants. Through this process, I realized that for this particular role, the right personality and mindset were far more important than prior experience or industry knowledge. I sought out individuals who were naturally kind, outgoing, quick thinkers, and exceptional problem solvers. These are qualities that can’t be taught, but they are essential for representing The Main Event by Kelly with the same level of care and professionalism that I bring to each event.

Because personality is such a key factor, I’ve designed the interview process to be more conversational and casual. I aim to get a true sense of each candidate’s character and how they approach challenging situations. I ask personal questions about likes and dislikes to understand their motivations and temperament, along with situational questions like, “How would you react in this scenario?” This approach helps me identify team members who will not only excel on wedding days but also enhance the client experience with their positive attitude and problem-solving abilities.

If I were starting The Main Event by Kelly today, I would have placed even more emphasis on recruiting for personality over experience right from the start. I’ve learned that skills can be taught, but character and attitude are innate. Additionally, I would have built a team sooner, recognizing that having the right support allows for more growth and the ability to take on more luxurious and complex events.

The journey of building my team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my business. It has allowed me to focus on delivering exceptional experiences for my clients while ensuring that every event is executed seamlessly.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Kelly Jeanmaire, and I am the founder and lead wedding planner at The Main Event by Kelly. Based in Clifton Park, New York, I specialize in luxury wedding planning across the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and the Adirondacks, catering to clients who seek elegant, sophisticated, and personalized wedding experiences.

My journey into the wedding industry began with my passion for event coordination and a genuine love for creating memorable experiences. After working in high-end retail and luxury customer service, I realized my skill set could be beautifully translated into planning extraordinary weddings. I launched The Main Event by Kelly with a commitment to delivering exceptional service, attention to detail, and a seamless, stress-free planning experience for my clients.

At The Main Event by Kelly, we offer a range of wedding planning services, including full-service planning and wedding day management. Our full-service option covers every detail, from venue selection and vendor management to detailed timeline creation and on-site coordination, ensuring that each aspect of the wedding day is executed flawlessly. For couples who have managed most of their planning but want to be fully present on their special day, our wedding day management service provides comprehensive support to oversee the event’s logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.

One of the most significant challenges I solve for my clients is alleviating the overwhelming stress that often comes with wedding planning. From navigating vendor contracts to managing complex timelines, I help couples make informed decisions and execute their vision without the anxiety of handling everything alone. My goal is to ensure that my clients can be fully present on their wedding day, creating memories without worrying about logistics.

What sets The Main Event by Kelly apart is my unwavering commitment to excellence, personalized approach, and extensive knowledge of the wedding industry, particularly in the Northeast. I believe that every couple’s love story is unique, and their wedding should reflect that individuality. By getting to know my clients personally, I can curate an experience that feels authentically theirs, down to the smallest details. Additionally, my strong relationships with top-tier vendors in the region allow me to assemble the best teams for each event, ensuring a flawless execution every time.

I am most proud of the trust and appreciation I receive from my clients. There is no greater reward than seeing the joy on their faces and knowing that I’ve played a role in one of the most important days of their lives. In 2024, The Main Event by Kelly achieved its highest revenue to date, and 2025 is already 95% booked, which is a testament to the reputation I’ve built for delivering exceptional experiences.

For those considering working with me, I want you to know that at The Main Event by Kelly, we are dedicated to turning your vision into reality, ensuring that every moment of your wedding day is unforgettable. If you’re looking for a personalized, stress-free, and luxurious wedding planning experience, I invite you to visit themaineventbykelly.com to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation within the wedding industry is no small feat, and I believe my success is rooted in several key principles:

Expertise and Experience: At The Main Event by Kelly, I bring years of experience and industry knowledge to every event. My in-depth understanding of the wedding planning process, paired with my strategic problem-solving skills, allows me to navigate complex logistics seamlessly. Clients trust me to execute their vision flawlessly, knowing that they are in the hands of a seasoned professional.

Client-Focused Approach: My business is built on the philosophy that each wedding is as unique as the couple it celebrates. I take the time to truly understand my clients’ visions, preferences, and values. This personalized approach not only results in beautifully customized events but also in an exceptional client experience that leads to lasting memories. Client satisfaction is at the core of everything I do, and I take pride in exceeding expectations at every turn.

Genuine Relationships and Industry Collaboration: One of the most rewarding aspects of my business has been building authentic relationships with both clients and industry peers. I believe in treating every vendor and partner with respect and genuine care. My strong connections within the industry allow me to bring together the best teams, ensuring each event is executed to perfection. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, I’ve built a network of trusted vendors who share my commitment to excellence.

Passion and Authenticity: I truly love what I do. My passion for wedding planning shines through in every detail, from the initial consultation to the final send-off on the wedding day. This genuine enthusiasm is contagious and helps me form meaningful connections with my clients, making the planning journey enjoyable and memorable for them.

Authenticity in Business and Branding: I believe that staying true to myself and my brand is essential to building trust and credibility. I’ve never tried to imitate others or follow trends that don’t align with my values. Instead, I focus on showcasing my unique approach, my personality, and my vision for luxury wedding experiences. This authenticity resonates with clients who are looking for a planner they can relate to and trust wholeheartedly.

These core values and principles have not only helped me build a strong reputation but have also allowed The Main Event by Kelly to grow organically through referrals and positive word of mouth. I am incredibly grateful for the trust my clients place in me and for the opportunity to create unforgettable experiences that celebrate their love stories.

If you’re considering a wedding planner who is deeply committed to excellence, client satisfaction, and authentic, meaningful experiences, I invite you to learn more about my approach and services at themaineventbykelly.com.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

At The Main Event by Kelly, my most effective strategies for growing my clientele have been rooted in three core areas:

1. Overall Online Presence:
A strong online presence is essential in today’s digital age. I’ve strategically built my brand through a combination of social media, SEO, and strong website branding. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, allow me to showcase my signature style of elegant and sophisticated weddings while engaging directly with potential clients. My content is carefully curated to reflect my brand’s luxury aesthetic, helping me attract clients who resonate with this vision.

In addition to social media, SEO plays a critical role in driving organic traffic to themaineventbykelly.com. By optimizing my website with relevant keywords, creating high-quality blog posts, and maintaining an intuitive user experience, I consistently rank high on search engine results pages, making it easy for prospective clients to find me. A cohesive and polished website that reflects my brand’s identity further establishes trust and credibility, encouraging inquiries and bookings.

2. Genuine Relationships with Local Venues and Vendors:
Building authentic and meaningful relationships with local venues and vendors has been instrumental in growing my business. I believe in fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the wedding industry, and this approach has naturally led to valuable vendor referrals. By consistently delivering exceptional service and maintaining professional integrity, I’ve built a network of trusted partners who are eager to recommend The Main Event by Kelly to their clients. These referrals are especially powerful because they come from sources who are already trusted by potential clients.

3. Excellent Client Satisfaction and Word of Mouth Referrals:
There is no better marketing strategy than a satisfied client. My commitment to delivering a personalized, stress-free, and luxurious planning experience has resulted in exceptional client satisfaction, leading to word of mouth and client referrals. When couples and their families feel genuinely cared for and see their vision brought to life with flawless execution, they naturally become advocates for my brand. Many of my new clients come from personal recommendations, proving that exceptional service and heartfelt connections leave a lasting impact.

By combining a powerful online presence, authentic industry relationships, and unparalleled client satisfaction, I’ve been able to grow my clientele organically while maintaining a consistent brand voice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themaineventbykelly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themaineventbykelly/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellycjeanmaire/
• Other: https://pinterest.com/themaineventbykelly