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Meet the Team
Jenna Culley Events launched in 2012 under the creative direction of CEO & Creative Director, Jenna Culley, and has been serving Twin Cities' couples, families, corporations and foundations since. Our team believes that, while planning an event or wedding can never truly be stress-less, we can give you confidence in the decisions you make and the vendors you choose so that when you get to the day-of, you can fully enjoy it, knowing that every detail is being handled. We love working with a wide variety of clients and couples, can handle everything from planning to production and specialize in event design. Book your consultation today to speak with one of our team members and get your customized proposal.
Jenna
Jenna Culley is a born and raised Wisconsin girl but began her career in New York working at high end, private clubs learning how to plan, execute and design over-the-top events. When she returned to the Midwest, she launched Jenna Culley Events (previously known as Jenna A Events) in the Minneapolis - St. Paul area and brought all of that big city experience layered with her small town smile. She now has a team of planners that hold her same service-driven values and perfectionist tendencies. Jenna lives in Oakdale with her husband, Justin, and their three children, Cate, Ava and Wyatt.
HEIDI
Vice President, Director of Operation, Lead Planner
Heidi Almendinger is an integral part of the JCE team. Heidi has 24 years of experience in the wedding and events industry including bridal and menswear, but also working in the catering and venue world. Since joining the team in July of 2021, Heidi has not only planned numerous weddings, but improved the day to day office operations as well as the logistical aspects of the business. Her favorite part of planning weddings is seeing it all come together in the end and helping turn our couple’s dreams into reality. Heidi lives in Farmington with her husband and two daughters.
ERIN
Administrative Specialist
Erin Rothmeyer has juggled living between Minnesota and Wisconsin her whole life. Right after graduating from UW-Stout, she started with Jenna Culley Events as Jenna’s very first event assistant. In 2016, Erin stepped away from the company to pursue other passions for about five years, but returned to the team at the beginning of 2022 - and we couldn’t be more excited! Erin is our Administrative Specialist. You will hear from her via all of our social media channels; she is behind the scenes getting everything prepared for our lead planners, as well as taking care of all of the day to day office tasks. When Erin is a part of wedding days, her favorite part is when the couple does a Reception Room Reveal. Seeing the vision become reality and in tip top condition is the best! Erin lives in Shakopee with her husband and two kids.
KATIE
Lead Planner
Katie works on both the Jenna Culley Events and Linen Effects teams and has been with us since August of 2023. You'll find her at the Receptionist Desk at Linen Effects while also working hard on planning weddings and events for JCE. Katie has had many different roles in the past which all involved planning events - from being a Youth Leader to Jr. High & High School students, to an Admin for the fellowship department at a large local Lutheran church, which eventually led up to being the fellowship director. Before coming to LE & JCE, she was a Sales and Event Manager at a venue in Northeast MPLS. Katie's favorite part of a wedding day is the first look - that specal moment for the couple before their big day starts. She also loves the personal touches and details the couple adds to really make their day their own. Katie lives in South Minneapolis with her husband, son, and daughter.
LEAH
Lead Planner
Leah Gangl has always wanted to be an event planner. Helping people make lasting memories is her mission. After getting her degree in Communications and Event Planning from UW - Eau Claire, Leah held positions in several different industries. She became skilled at planning small town launch events, larger non-profit fundraisers and even planned events in New Zealand. She shifted her focus to wedding planning in 2019 and now enjoys being a lead planner with our team; working with couples with the same passion and desire to create an unforgettable day. She specializes in thrifty and alternative weddings- “thinking outside of the box is my specialty!” In 2021 she added on wedding artistry and graphic design. Creating custom artwork, signs and large-scale décor to accentuate a couple’s personal style. Her artwork was published in the Minnesota Bride Magazine Fall/Winter 2021 and Spring/Summer 2022. Leah lives in Oakdale with her husband and three daughters.
SARAH
Lead Planner
Sarah Shimota grew up in a small town in Minnesota with a very large family, so to say she is experienced with large events is an understatement. While Sarah’s background is in nursing and coordinating care, she has loved helping friends and family coordinate their wedding days. Sarah has been a part of the team since 2021, starting as an assistant planner, and worked her way towards being a lead in 2022. Her favorite part of any wedding day is after the ceremony and right before the reception. “All of the guests are tucked inside the reception area, and the couple has this moment where it’s just the two of them… they are just beaming at one another - giddy with excitement to continue the rest of their dream day and the rest of their lives together”. Sarah has recently moved from city life to country life with her boyfriend and her sweet pup, Murph.
PAIGE
Lead Planner
Paige was born and raised in Minneapolis but lived around the US after graduating high school before returning back to Minneapolis in 2020. She is a big picture thinker and an arranger of all things. She loves coordinating the chaos and juggling multiple moving parts at once. Paige has a background in design and elementary education and was a classroom teacher for several years--talk about coordinating chaos! Paige currently lives in St. Paul with her husband and their two cats.
SARA
Lead Planner
Sara has been passionate about planning since childhood, a skill that naturally evolved into a career in event coordination and wedding planning. With over 15 years of experience in leadership and event management, she has organized everything from themed parties and destination weddings to large-scale fundraisers and healthcare mission trips. As the director of a healthcare nonprofit, she coordinated mission trips to Belize, ensuring medical care reached those most in need. Sara finds deep meaning in the emotional significance of wedding vows, creating celebrations that beautifully reflect each couple’s unique story. She thrives on problem-solving, blending grand visions with practical execution. Sara and her husband, Marc, have five adult children.
These people all thought we were pretty great. We think you will too!
