Meet Carlos – our visionary founder with over a decade of experience in Chicago’s hospitality and entertainment industries. His journey includes coordinating events with catering companies at iconic venues, and he even spent time managing events at a restaurant operated by the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. With a degree in Musical Theatre performance, he’s performed and worked behind the scenes for live theatre productions nationally and internationally, and has worked on network TV shows and movies, uniquely influencing his abilities as a coordinator and designer. He’s lent a hand to events of all types and sizes, ranging from intimate backyard gatherings and social networking events to charitable fundraisers and opulent luxury weddings.
We’re not just in the business of event planning; we’re dedicated to creating extraordinary memories that last a lifetime. Celebrations by Carlos is the cultivation of a dream – a passion for curating experiences that spark emotion and create lasting memories. This passion ignited within Carlos at an early age; taking any drama, music, or dance class he could find, he was interested in the captivating allure of live productions and the spectacle that went along with them. He found himself appealed by the way the things he saw on stage worked, even more than the on-stage effect it created. This interest fueled his inspiration to experiment with setting scenes for the one man shows he’d subject his family to as a kid, leaving them in awe of his creativity… and also very annoyed.
Carlos’s event planning roots run deep with a large and vibrant family. His dad, one of fifteen siblings, and his mom, one of seven, instilled in him the values of community and celebration. Amidst this lively atmosphere, even a seemingly modest gathering turned into a grand affair that Carlos was eager to assist in planning. It was within this embrace of kinship, dancing with his cousins, and enjoying the Mexican food his ethnic family made that Carlos found his love for curating unforgettable memories.
As he journeyed through life, Carlos’s talent for orchestrating events grew alongside his experiences. From high school parties in his parents’ basement to lending his talents to friends and family, he honed his craft, mastering the art of transforming moments into memories, regardless of the occasion’s scale. Besides hosting his own events, Carlos has planned and hosted parties ranging from intimate wine and paint nights to a nonprofit organization’s fundraiser banquet dinner with over 400 guests in attendance.
His hospitality experience began in restaurants, working his way from hosting, bussing, and dishwashing to becoming a catering manager for a restaurant group in Chicago’s West Loop. His experience includes working as a bartender, server, and catering captain at weddings and galas under industry-leading catering companies in popular Chicago venues, and as an events manager at Heineken Pub97 at the Chicago Fire Pitch owned by the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. Carlos’s experience in the event industry give him a unique perspective into curating events of all types and sizes. He uses past experiences to make even the smallest celebration personal to the host and memorable to their guests.
Armed with a degree in Theatre Arts, Carlos possesses an acute attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics. His training in costume, lighting, and set design has endowed him with a profound understanding of the intricate details that transform a vision into a reality.
The world of theater isn’t just a backdrop for Carlos; it’s a canvas for his creativity. From gracing national and international stages to featuring in movies and TV shows, he’s immersed himself in every aspect of the theatrical world, influencing a unique perspective on the importance of teamwork, on-the-spot decision-making, and adaptability. His work behind the scenes as a production manager has equipped him with invaluable insights into the mechanics of orchestrating seamless productions.
This artistic background has become an integral part of Celebrations by Carlos’s DNA. Carlos’s unique perspective breathes life into every event. Whether it’s creating captivating experiences or crafting thematic elements that truly make an event unique, you’re partnering with a visionary who turns any occasion into a celebration to remember. Celebrations by Carlos isn’t just event planning; it’s the intersection of artistry and meticulous execution that turns visions to reality.
From the initial consultation to the last dance, we handle the tasks you’d rather leave to someone with experience, or we can take on the entire planning process, allowing you to be a guest at your own event. With personal assistance and concierge services for event hosts, we’re your partner-in-planning every step of the way.
Personalized documentation keeps your budget, guest list, and vendors in check, leaving you free to celebrate your moment. Our systemized approach to event planning ensures every detail is considered and nothing is left to chance. From checklists and itineraries to budget and guest information, our personalized planning tools allow us to handle all the details while you celebrate your moment.
When we take the design reins, you can trust that every element will blend seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that captures your vision. From a custom designed backdrop to full event styling, our decor services add a touch of personality to any celebration. Whether you’re transforming your own space or dressing up your dream venue, we’re here to bring it to life.
Let’s talk flexibility. Our à la carte services are tailored to provide the DIY planner with exactly what they need without any unnecessary expenses. For anyone who prefers a guided experience, we’ve also created Full and Partial event planning packages, customizable to your unique needs. Multiple payment options and flexible payment plans make Celebrations by Carlos your premiere choice for event planning in Chicago.
Extraordinary Events… Anywhere.
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