I had the pleasure of working with Cindy Shanholtz of Effortless Events for our company's 100th…read moreanniversary dinner and celebration, and I cannot recommend her highly enough! From the moment we began planning, Cindy's attention to detail, professionalism, and creativity shone through at every step. Cindy took the time to truly understand our vision for the event and worked tirelessly to bring it to life in a way that exceeded all expectations. She seamlessly coordinated every aspect, from the venue selection and decor to the catering and entertainment. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her organizational skills ensured everything ran smoothly on the day of the event. The 100th anniversary dinner itself was nothing short of spectacular! The atmosphere Cindy created was elegant and celebratory, perfectly reflecting our company's history while looking forward to its future. Our guests were wowed by the thoughtful touches, from the custom table settings to the beautifully designed timeline of our company's milestones. What really set Cindy apart was her ability to handle every challenge with grace and poise. Despite the complexities of planning such a significant event, she kept everything stress-free for our team, managing all logistics and vendors without missing a beat. It was clear that Cindy and her team truly cared about making this milestone event unforgettable. If you're looking for an event planner who can turn your vision into a flawless reality, Cindy Shanholtz and Effortless Events are the way to go. She made our 100th anniversary celebration an extraordinary experience, and I can't wait to work with her again in the future! Holly Both VP Sales & Marketing, Plymouth Tube Co.

This is my 2nd posting for Cindy and her team at Effortless events. I recently hired them for…read moreanother wedding celebration in Chicago for my daughter who got married in DC. Again, they did not disappoint. Cindy's attention to detail is remarkable. She recommended the venue and took the reigns. From the flowers, decor and layout it was perfect. She suggested so many fun things...like a s'mores bar for dessert where guests assembled and "cooked" their own! We had mini individual cast iron skillets with fresh chocolate chip cookies and guests could top them with ice cream. Everyone raved about it and EE did it all...I just showed up and enjoyed it. Thanks Cindy + team!

Went here last Friday with 2 friends and my daughter! Place is very cute ! Staff is friendly …read more Painting is very well instructed . Love this place very fun and great night out with the girls ! Highly recommend!! It is byob so we had wine & snacks with us to make it a complete night

I had a lot of fun this past week at one of their painting socials. The overall concept is great…read moreand I appreciated the painting that we did that day. The live music provided a great atmosphere and the BYOB was also a bonus. The location is easy to find and the owner was there the entire time with us. We had someone replenishing paint and bringing us napkins as needed and they had cupcakes from a nearby bakery for sale which where some of the best I have had. Overall it was an enjoyable experience. Just a few things that kept me from giving it five stars. The painting area was a little too cramped. I was elbow to elbow with the people on either side of me, which made it a little hard to move around and paint. The actual brushes we used seemed to be a little worn, so they didn't paint as well. Maybe omitting one or two chairs from the tables to provide extra painting room would make it a little more comfortable? Just a suggestion, otherwise I would definitely recommend attending one of their painting socials.

They have an excellent breakfast buffet. Great food, good service…read more Gggggggrrrrrrrrreeeaaaatttttt.

From the call for reservations to enjoying brunch with my family, this was a great experience! The…read morestaff were extremely friendly, the food was delicious and the venue was very clean. A very affordable price for such fresh and delicious food. The service I was the icing on the cake! They'll be seeing me again and again!

We had a beautiful Boy Baby Shower yesterday for our daughter -in-law, Abbye, at The River Room at…read moreElements at Water Street in Naperville. We had a brunch buffet followed by a sweet table of Chocolate Dipped French Macarons, Chocolate Mousse Tarts and Lemon Bars. We had plenty refreshments with waitress served OJ/Champagne Mimosas. The presentation was beautiful, and everything was delicious. The staff was excellent. I couldn't be happier with the way everything turned out. Thanks so much!

Had my daughter's wedding there and they failed on so many levels. Food was awful, It was…read moreovercooked, under seasoned and soggy. Wait staff was running in and out like their life depended on it but unavailable to address the needs of the table, could not even get water refills which should be the bare minimum much less obtain a soda or cream for the coffee. Wine service was non-existent - a single pour and the bar staff disappeared yet I paid a pretty penny to have consistent wine service for dinner. The staff decided to take down table arrangements and all other decorations a solid hour and a half before the end of the event. They literally reached over guests conversing at tables to remove the center pieces. I could keep adding things which occurred but I think you get the overall incompetence and unprofessionalism of the evening When I spoke to management about my disappointment I was informed me that nothing they had done impacted my guests enjoyment and they did not understand why I felt they had not delivered what had been promise/presented at the tasting. They even tried to gaslight me that certain events had not occurred despite the fact that I had been there and witnessed them happening.

My experience with this team was terrible. I also fell for all the glowing reviews online only to…read morerealize that they were very unprofessional. I have also tried to leave reviews on other platforms only to find them deleted or disputed which explains the fake 5.0. I would not recommend this team.

LEGIT ANGELS. Kristin and her team are a bride-to-be's dream. PLEASE snag them up before hundreds…read moreof other brides. They are so well organized and fantastic at taking the lead and making myself (the bride) feel like I can truly kick back and relax before, during, and after the wedding. They truly made the vision of myself, Peter, and my mother come to life. Special shoutout to Gibson for designing such stunning decor, Alan for keeping me calm and holding my bouquet, and Shannon for helping fix my hair throughout the night. We are so blessed by all of you!

I hired Amy as a partial wedding planner and day of coordinator, best decision I made! I had my…read morewedding my Gallery 1028 in Chicago, Amy had worked with them before, which was a huge plus. She was able to bring my vision to life and everything turned out simply beautiful!! Amy is extremely organized, efficient, and detail oriented, but also keeps it real which I appreciate. Hire Amy, you won't regret it!!!

This review is LONG overdue! Have you ever had such an amazing experience working with someone that…read morefinding the right words to express how grateful/ thankful you are seem impossible? Thats how my husband and I have felt since our 5.18.2019 wedding! From the moment I met Amy I knew she was our wedding planner. After talking to almost every wedding planner in the greater chicagoland area I thought Amy is just too good to be true. So in true OCD crazy bride fashion I asked for references and previous brides to talk to about their experience. Amy did not even blink or make me feel totally insane which is a quality every bride should look for in a wedding planner. We thankfully chose the full planning package, because we were planning our Chicago wedding from across the country. Amy responded to every midnight email, every pacific coast phone call and never made us feel like we were alone. She kept us on budget and when we were going over budget she wasn't afraid to bring us back to reality. Amy negotiated all of our vendors and got us the best deals, I cannot stress this enough! Before Amy we were getting quoted 2-3x the costs, and for brides who hate to negotiate she was a God send. Amys wedding day timeline is better than any book or planning binder you can find, she really knows what she's talking about with a month to month breakdown that becomes like your checklist and makes sure to keep your wedding day timeline on track. Leading up to the wedding she was there to lead our rehearsal, take all of our "extra" last minute buys to incorporate into the decor, and she happily took the role of "bad guy" to nix any unwanted suggestions from our adoring family. She brought our dream wedding to life, flawlessly. She is the definition of a fairy wedding planner! If you are even considering her wedding planning service book now, I have no doubt in my mind that she will be the most highly sought after wedding planner. To this day we have family and friends that our wedding was the funnest wedding they have ever attended. We honestly owe those compliments to Amy and her meticulous planning and attention to detail. From one OCD bride to another book now you will be forever grateful that you did. Thank you Amy & team from the bottom of our hearts we will never be able to express how amazing you are! (sorry its taken us over a year to write this we love you tons!)

Without a doubt, hiring Kristen and EverLasting Impressions was the #1 million dollar decision we…read moremade in our wedding planning process. Kristen and Beth helped make our day run smoothly, flawlessly and like clockwork, and my husband and I never worried about a single thing during the day. We cannot recommend EverLasting Impressions enough and hope that all future couples reading these reviews look no further. We will certainly be recommending them to anyone that is ever looking for an event planner!

How do you write a review for someone who single-handedly made your wedding the prettiest, least…read morestressful, most enjoyable day you have ever had?? Kristen is a goddess. Right away we knew she was the right fit for us. She took the time to get to know us before we contracted, so both sides knew what they were getting into. We picked the Full Planning Package, and that allowed us to occasionally get distracted by buying a house and major job changes without worrying that we were losing track of our wedding checklist and timetable. We met frequently and every time I came away feeling more and more prepared for the day. She brought things up I wouldn't have even considered, she helped give advice but never pushed. On the day of the wedding I didn't have to think about anything but what was happening in the moment. A truly precious gift. Kristen and her assistant really went above and beyond. The day truly felt like us. Thank you Kristen for being a rock for us throughout everything!! If you aren't sure if a planner is in your budget, let me tell you that NOT having Kristen would have been a disaster and we couldn't afford to NOT have her brilliant mind and kind soul working for that one beautiful day. (PS- sorry I didn't eat enough dinner even though you Specifically made time for me to!! lol, SO EXCITED!) LOVE YOU KRISTEN!

The experience was fantastic! All phases of the event…read morecould not have better! Thanks to the whole team!

We had a wonderful 60th wedding anniversary event and stay at Kilbuck Creek! We highly recommend…read more The staff was easy to work with and kind. The house and event hall were perfect. What a beautiful setting!

When my fiancée (now wife!) and I began our search for the perfect wedding venue, we weren't sure…read moreexactly what we wanted. We had a vision of a place that combined natural beauty with a touch of vintage elegance, somewhere that felt both cozy and grand. After touring multiple venues and finding many that simply didn't fit our style, we discovered The Barn at Allen Acres. It was love at first sight, and our wedding planning journey took a delightful turn for the better. We had such an amazing experience that I felt the absolute need to write this article! Nestled in the serene countryside of Rock Falls, Illinois, The Barn at Allen Acres stands out as one of the most charming and versatile wedding venues in Illinois. As we arrived at the property, the peaceful surroundings and the majestic barn drew us in immediately. The barn's rustic charm, paired with an impressively well-maintained interior, made it the perfect spot to accommodate our nearly 200 guests. There was a welcoming, intimate atmosphere that made the venue feel like it was designed specifically for us. The space was not only ample but also flexible enough to bring our wedding day vision to life, whether that meant arranging tables for a banquet-style meal or setting up an outdoor dance floor for an unforgettable night of celebration. From the initial visit to the final goodbye at the end of our wedding day, The Barn at Allen Acres delivered FAR beyond our expectations. Guests continuously came up to us throughout the day to compliment the stunning setting. Several even mentioned how they wanted to host their own weddings or events there in the future. It's easy to see why; this barn wedding venue is truly a hidden gem, offering the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern convenience. Karen's Exceptional Hospitality Sets The Barn at Allen Acres Apart While the venue itself is undoubtedly spectacular, what truly made our experience exceptional was the owner, Karen. Wedding planning is a journey filled with excitement and stress, but Karen's support made everything so much easier. From day one, she was warm, inviting, and incredibly accommodating. It was clear that she genuinely cared about our wedding day, treating it as though it was as important to her as it was to us. Karen worked with us every step of the way, ensuring all our questions were answered and addressing every detail with care and enthusiasm. In a wedding industry where venues can often feel impersonal or even transactional, Karen's dedication was a breath of fresh air. Many wedding venues in Illinois come with a long list of strict rules and additional fees, but Karen was always flexible and understanding. Her problem-solving abilities shone through when unexpected challenges arose, and she quickly put us at ease by finding solutions and making sure everything was handled seamlessly. We never felt rushed or pressured, and there was never a doubt in our minds that Karen's top priority was to help us create the most beautiful and memorable day possible. She was truly invested in seeing us glow with happiness, and her joy was palpable as she shared in our excitement. An Idyllic Setting for Rustic Barn Weddings Near Rock Falls, IL The picturesque grounds of The Barn at Allen Acres provided the perfect backdrop for our wedding. The property's vintage charm is evident in every corner, from the beautifully decorated house on the grounds to the sprawling fields that nearly stretch endlessly under the sky. The house itself was a delightful bonus, offering an inviting space for getting ready, with decor that added a touch of nostalgia and elegance to the day. We loved the way it felt like stepping into a cozy, vintage retreat before joining our guests at the barn for the ceremony. The barn itself is not just large and impressive but also thoughtfully designed to host both intimate and larger gatherings. Our guests had plenty of space to move freely and comfortably, whether mingling over cocktails or dancing the night away. The rustic wooden beams and ambient lighting provided a warm atmosphere, while the modern amenities ensured that our guests felt at home. We even enjoyed a beautiful evening by the firepit, where the remaining guests gathered to relax and share stories as the night wound down. The barn had ample outlets for plugging in lighting, the caterer's food equipment, the DJ's collection of electronics, and more. There were also 3 bathrooms within the barn and an electronic lift for those needing a little extra assistance to get to the second floor of the barn where we performed the ceremony! The seemingly endless farm field surrounding the property made for incredible wedding photos--our photographer was having a "field day" (pun intended). There's something magical about a rustic wedding in the countryside, and the wide-open spaces gave us the perfect backdrop for timeless memories captured on camera. Additionally, the venue's convenient location made everything easy for

My daughter's wedding was held her last year and it was the most perfect venue. It is a beautiful…read moreplace. Rachel was a huge help to us and helped make the day even better. We had many compliments from guests on the beauty of the place and how perfect everything was. It was a great place to have all weekend for all our wedding festivities. You can't go wrong choosing this venue.

Fazia, at Rose Lane Styling, is amazing. My son's birthday theme was dog and Fazia had great,…read morecreative ideas. For example, incorporating (clean new) doggie bowls to use as serving ware. She had an excellent eye for detail and extremely organized (she sent me weekly email status updates and action items to do). She was able to negotiate great deals with the vendors and directly dealt with them which was amazing to get off my plate. I also had certain things that I wanted for the party (i.e. i try to be as sustainable as i can do that meant little waste, compostable plates, etc) and Fazia was able to source these items that met this demand (ie the plates matched the color theme and were cute!). Further, Fazia was very responsive. The theme, colors and vision came out so well. I definitely would work with Fazia again.

Fazia at Rose Lane is amazing. My mom found her when we were looking for someone to help plan my…read morebaby shower and although I wasn't hugely on the back end of the planning process she listened to all my ideas throughout the process and helped my dream shower come to life. I wanted it "instagram worthy" and she blew my expectations out of the water with all her little details we would have never thought of. So much so, we will be using Rose Lane for my next event which is my bridal shower.