ABOUT
begins with a story.
Every event
Whatever direction that takes us, classic, modern, refined, or layered, it should feel deliberate, not default. We have the range to take it there, and the judgment to know how far.
With us, yours is the brief.
NO TWO EVENTS ARE ALIKE.
THE STANDARD BEHIND THEM IS.
OUR VALUES
Our experience means we can think ahead, respond quickly, and resolve what you'll never see. That's the part you won't notice. Which is exactly the point. We don't leave outcomes to chance. We anticipate pivots before they become problems and keep refining until each element feels seamless.
EXCELLENCE
QUALITY
Creativity is rarely about adding more. It's about adding the right thing and knowing when the safe choice is the wrong one. A room can be beautiful and still feel predictable. What prevents that is range. We draw from different regions, traditions, and environments naturally, and it shows up in small ways. A shift in color. A change in scale. Or simply knowing when to stop.
CREATIVITY
You should never have to wonder if a vendor was the weak link. That's our concern, not yours. Every partner we work with is held to the same standard, whether we brought them in or you did. After every event, we follow up to understand if it was truly exceptional or just fine. That distinction matters.
COLLABORATION
When you share your vision, we expand on it, refining what you’re picturing into something layered and specific. Then we bring in trusted partners who understand the direction. The result feels personal and intentional, not safe or formulaic.
Exacting Standards
Measured Delivery
Distinctive Expression
Thoughtful Partnership
Jill N.
“Kristina is a creative genius. She has the attention to detail that is required for a successful event, but also the fun & whimsy to make it fabulous. She captured my vision and made my dream party come to life! She is the BEST!”
MEET THE FOUNDER
After her undergraduate studies, she took an international position with American Airlines, then joined British Airways in Paris, where she lived for several years. She returned to formal education at Cornell University's Statler Hotel School, one of the world's top hospitality programs, earning her Master's degree in Management.
KRISTINA TAHERI
From there, she joined the Four Seasons Hotel Group in Chicago before being recruited to the famed Waldorf Astoria in New York. There, she managed major social, corporate, political, and celebrity fundraising events at one of the most storied addresses in the country.
That career, broad, international, and demanding, became the foundation for Kristina Taheri Special Events, launched in 2005. Since then, she has personally led every celebration on the calendar, staying deliberately close to the work and deliberately selective about the clients she takes on.
Originally from Chicago, Kristina spent a decade on both coasts before coming home. She lives in Hinsdale with her husband — also in hospitality — their two children, and their cat named Kimchi.
Kristina's path to event planning was anything but direct, which is exactly what makes her good at it.
Annie Palubicki (Director of Development, Wellness House)
“Kristina is poised and professional and understands what guests are looking for. But she also understands what I (as Director of Development at Wellness House) am looking for - keeping costs within budget, handling fires behind the scenes, and generally helping my team keep their sanity.”
— It’s a Wonderful Life
Clients have been known to ask for the moon.
We've never been known to say no.
“What do you want?”
“You want the moon. Just say the word, and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.”
Project Manager & Event Operations
meet Peggy & Lynn
Principal Lead
meet MIJ
Event Assistant
meet anna
Event Assistant
Meet
Courtney
Event Operations
Meet
amelia
Event Operations
Meet
Melissa
Event Assistant
Meet
Allison
Marketing
Meet hilary
Event Operations
