About

Quite literally since the moment we met, the bond we’ve shared as sisters has been incredibly close.

We spent weekends baking cookies and putting on homemade dance recitals, picked out each other’s clothes (then immediately stole them away for our own), shared in the same sports choices and extra curricular interests, and most importantly, we found pure, unbridled joy in simply celebrating life - big moments, small gatherings and anything in between.

Regardless of whether our many projects or passions were a success, it was clear early on that, together as a team, we were meant to dream big and tackle life side by side. Armed with Kirstie’s strong sense of compassion, Mallory’s driven personality, and a mutual love for design and logistics, Elevate was brought to life.

Thanks to loads of determination, an intense love for our clients and community, and countless reams of checklists, we have grown to become one of Wisconsin’s premier event planners, lauded for our timeless style, refined intuition, and comprehensive approach to our clients’ plans and design. 

From the moment we meet you to the minute your head hits the pillow on event day, we aim to provide you with everything you need to feel completely prepared and genuinely excited to host your event. Whether you’re seeking assistance from our team to plan, design, and execute your dream event from start to finish, need a boost in confidence with a personalized style or design consultation, or are simply looking for a reliable, organized professional to execute your dream day, we are here to help you achieve, and elevate, your vision; creating a truly unique and intentional experience.

the Sisterhood

Mallory

Mallory works side by side with her sister and Co-Founder, Kirstie, to manage all business and team operations. As Creative Director, she also assists with the curation and oversight of the design aesthetic and production quality of every contracted event, celebration and editorial. With an exceptional attention to detail, uniquely trained eye and timeless but approachable intuition, Mallory ensures that every event makes an impression, tells a unique story, and flows with ease.

Outside of Elevate, Mallory also enjoys life as sister, wife, and mother to a rescued pitbull and toddler, Vaughn. Cooking, floral design, and home improvement projects are some of her other favorite pastimes, and she firmly believes that every occasion deserves a glass of something bubbly.

Kirstie

As Event Director, Kirstie oversees the planning, production and execution of all of Elevate’s contracted events, while also directing large scale weddings, social and corporate events for her own clients. Working hand-in-hand with Mallory to manage all day-to-day operations, Kirstie relishes in her role as team lead: running trainings, check-ins, managing schedules, and ensuring a thriving and productive environment. Being a naturally forward-thinker, Kirstie is continuously brainstorming for our team and clients ways to push the envelope, make an impact, and guarantee that every event is awe-inspiring and intentional.

In her free time, Kirstie enjoys teaching and taking classes at Barre Code Madison, traveling as much as the wedding season allows, and spending time with Jesse and their Great Dane, Phoebe. She is a proud sister and Auntie, and finds joy in the small details of life.

Mallory

Mallory works side by side with her sister and Co-Founder, Kirstie, to manage all business and team operations. As Creative Director, she also assists with the curation and oversight of the design aesthetic and production quality of every contracted event, celebration and editorial. With an exceptional attention to detail, uniquely trained eye and timeless but approachable intuition, Mallory ensures that every event makes an impression, tells a unique story, and flows with ease.

Outside of Elevate, Mallory also enjoys life as sister, wife, and mother to a rescued pitbull and toddler, Vaughn. Cooking, floral design, and home improvement projects are some of her other favorite pastimes, and she firmly believes that every occasion deserves a glass of something bubbly.

Kirstie

As Event Director, Kirstie oversees the planning, production and execution of all of Elevate’s contracted events, while also directing large scale weddings, social and corporate events for her own clients. Working hand-in-hand with Mallory to manage all day-to-day operations, Kirstie relishes in her role as team lead: running trainings, check-ins, managing schedules, and ensuring a thriving and productive environment. Being a naturally forward-thinker, Kirstie is continuously brainstorming for our team and clients ways to push the envelope, make an impact, and guarantee that every event is awe-inspiring and intentional.

In her free time, Kirstie enjoys teaching and taking classes at Barre Code Madison, traveling as much as the wedding season allows, and spending time with Jesse and their Great Dane, Phoebe. She is a proud sister and Auntie, and finds joy in the small details of life.

Get to Know Us

Mallory

Kirstie

What do you love most about your sister?

She's empathetic and forces me to be a nicer, more understanding person.

She's driven and somehow makes the “balance” between work, life and motherhood look easy.

Current food obsession?

Sushi or pho - always and always.

Endless tacos and guacamole.

Strongest character trait?

I’m decisive.

I’m compassionate.

Red wine, plants, and a good statement earring.

A fresh manicure, sparkling water, and my daily planner.

Three things you can’t live without?

Hidden talents?

Martha-Stewart wannabe.

Collegiate dancer.

Wedding day signature?

Boutonniere-pinning extraordinaire.

Forever perfecting the event details.

Always in your closet?

Oversized blazer.

Versatile jumpsuit.

Days off?

Family hangs and Oscar noms, all likely involving a charcuterie board and wine.

Frequent the barre studio, exploring a new store, coffee shop or cuisine, and car rides with the dog.

Walk-up song?

Freedom by Beyonce.

Grown Woman by Beyonce.

Meet the Team

Renee Tantillo

Senior Planner and Designer / Team Manager

Renee is our multi-talented design, production and training guru. Armed with the trifecta of an education in interior design, background in business management, and experience in the fashion industry, Renee is passionate about incorporating modern classics and fresh trends to create the perfectly curated moment that will leave a lasting impact. She prides herself on her meticulous organizational skills and careful attention to detail – ensuring her clients have the best experience from the initial phone call to the final toast (cheers!). On event day, you can find her seamlessly producing and directing setup and installation, while also bringing a level of expertise, comfort and assurance to any situation. 

On her days off, you can find Renee at local festivals, enjoying a Brewer game with her husband and two boys, or playing with her rescue dogs at the park - each occasion calling for one of her signature shoe moments.

Kelsie Rice

Senior Planner and Designer

Kelsie’s caring and compassionate personality paired with her impressive multi-tasking abilities makes her uniquely qualified to assist all of Elevate’s detail-oriented clients. With a background in Communications, Kelsie excels in logistics and ensuring swift and thorough contact among all parties involved in an event. When it comes to design, she loves to think outside of the box and get creative to make each event she’s a part of beautiful and full of unique and intentional details. Because of the utmost care and attention she devotes to every single one of her clients, Kelsie is notorious for relishing in lots of hugs, dress fluffs, and the sharing of many happy tears. 

Kelsie adores her family, high-school-sweetheart-turned husband, Jason, and their German Shepherd, Teddy. In her free time, she enjoys trying new cuisines and experiences, home and art projects, and spending quality time with her friends.

KATIE STORMER

Associate Planner / Content Manager

Katie is our in-house ray of sunshine - if you're ever in need of a smile, giggle, or quick pick-me-up, Katie will deliver. With a background in Communication Arts and Digital studies and a photography business, Katie has a keen eye for details, using her expertise to ensure perfectly styled images and assisting with the creation and management of the team's galleries. Katie also carries vast experience in capturing high school seniors and families, and excels at wrangling a large wedding party or bringing out someone's personality. She also greatly values the creation of lasting, meaningful relationships with others and cheering them on throughout all of life's special moments.

In her free time, Katie enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends or traveling, spending time outdoors, and trying new restaurants (bring on the wine and cheese!) with her boyfriend of 8 years, Lucas. 

APRIL HARDING

Associate Planner

April is highly driven, competitive, and ambitious, which translates beautifully into her role as one of Elevate's top-notch coordinators. With a background in childhood education, April spends a good deal of time thinking through logistics and preparing for every moment within a day, while also understanding that flexibility is key. April is extremely passionate about providing an experience that is momentous, positive and memorable, loves finding beauty in the everyday, hearing and sharing inspiring stories, and empowering others to be their best selves in every way possible.

When she is not spending time at weddings or at school, you can find April hiking or being active with her husband, Nick, spending time with friends, traveling, or trying new places and experiences. She adores an adventure and tries to live every day as though it is one.  

Our Valued Teammates

Meredith Stiles

CRM & Event Assistant

Eve Jewson

Event Assistant

Camille Gorman

Event and Branding Assistant

Anna Watson

Event Assistant

Lily Jansa

Event Assistant

Philosophy

We aim to tell our clients’ stories in an honest, meaningful and luxurious way by infusing core components of their relationship, their mutual interests, and their personalities in some of the most important moments of their lives. We exist to lighten the emotional burden with a simple, refined and comprehensive approach.

We promise to tell your story in a meaningful way that reflects the heart of who you are. We will take your event from a vision and elevate it to a quality, unforgettable experience.

At Elevate Events we care deeply about the love, attention, and level of detail we give each of our clients. We promise that from beginning to end you will receive a high-end experience on the biggest days of your life. Your story matters to us.

From the beginning, I had a very clear vision for the day but knew that my type-A personality might prevent me from enjoying the celebration if I had to keep worrying about details.

Enter Elevate Events, who made sure that everything I had planned in my head came true in real life. It’s strange to think that someone you didn’t know a year ago could have such an impact on some of your most important memories, but I’m so glad that we will think of Elevate so fondly when we think back on our most special day - its a true testament to how much the Elevate team puts into making sure their brides and grooms have a dream day.

Elevate Events brought the design of our wedding to the NEXT LEVEL. You spend so much time dreaming of your perfect day - how it will look, how you feel, how your guests will enjoy all the fun details you dream up; but it's truly the ladies of EE that can bring all of these things to life!

Elevate Events is all about making your event run flawlessly from planning through to the finish. They bring a keen sense of design, attention to detail, and professionalism to every part of the event. They are well connected in the weddings and events industry and provide a fresh, unique perspective to make the event feel authentic and personalized.

Working with the Elevate Events team was a breeze. They really helped take away the "wedding planning stress". Our wedding was everything we imagined and more.