Kate Reavey

Activist, Artist, Brainstormer, Change agent, Connector, Consultant, Designer, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Idea generator, Jewish, World traveler

Hello, I'm Kate! I found Chicago Vintage Weddings, the first wedding planning and vintage rental company of its kind. Over eight years later, I now plan weddings exclusively while my team handles our rental division. Our focus is on fresh, fun, off-the-beaten-path luxury events with a strong design focus. In 2017 I purchased and renovated our commercial space, which is now a popular small event venue as well as offices and a warehouse. While I'm in the wedding space now, my original plan was to become a veterinarian. My background is in biological sciences and gender studies, with an emphasis on conservation ecology and reproductive justice. Even though I'm on a different path now, I continue my involvement with social justice and animal rescue; Chicago Vintage Weddings partners with local organizations, organizes industry volunteer days, makes monetary and in-kind donations, and has even fostered rescue animals in our space on several occasions! Since founding the company I have been a member of the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance, serving as a board member in 2016 and helping to expand the organization via member recruitment and marketing. Promoting sustainable events and sustainable event design is an important part of Chicago Vintage Weddings' mission, and we aim to do this in the way that educates our couples and aligns with their own goals. With event planning, event rentals and an event venue under my belt, I've recently begun an industry-focused podcast with a colleague. In two weeks I will be launching a new retail space in my Chicago neighborhood which carries vintage luxury home goods as well as gifts and decor by local makers. The store, Capucine, will be donating five percent of its profits to a new charity each season; One Tail at a Time dog rescue is our first partner.

Community Engagement, Conservation Ecology, Event Design, Event Logistics, Inclusive Teambuilding, Small Business, Sustainable Events, Wedding Industry