Hospitality has always been at the heart of this work.
A Note From Nellie
OWNER & FOUNDER · NELLIE SPARKMAN EVENTS
Nellie Sparkman
My family has been in the hospitality business since 1887, when Browne’s Irish Market first opened in downtown Kansas City. I am the fifth generation to work there, and I grew up understanding that thoughtful service and genuine care leave a lasting impression.
I later studied hospitality management at Kansas State University and completed hotel manager training at a five-star property in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where I trained across guest services, catering, fine dining, housekeeping, and operations.
Over the years, I have worked in weddings, catering, fundraising, and corporate events, but the foundation has always remained the same: details matter, and people matter even more.
Today, we intentionally take on a limited number of weddings each year so every client receives a high level of communication, support, and personalized attention throughout the planning process.
A thoughtful, guided experience from the very beginning.
our process
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Whether you are looking for full-service planning or event management support, our goal is the same: to create a celebration that feels organized, welcoming, and deeply reflective of you while ensuring both you and your guests are cared for every step of the way.
initial consultation
our process
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We begin with a complimentary consultation to learn more about your wedding, priorities, guest count, venue, and overall vision for the celebration.
This conversation allows us to better understand the level of support you are looking for while giving you the opportunity to learn more about our process and approach.
Kickstart Planning Meeting
our process
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Once officially booked, we begin with a comprehensive kickstart planning meeting designed to establish the foundation for the planning process. During this meeting, we walk through your budget expectations, estimated guest count, priorities, aesthetic direction, guest experience goals, and overall wedding weekend flow. Full-Service clients then move directly into vendor selection, design development, and logistics management, while Event Management clients receive a thoughtful planning framework and clear direction moving forward.
Your Client Lounge & Resources
our process
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Following onboarding, you will receive access to your personalized client lounge, which includes thoughtfully curated planning resources, organizational tools, vendor guidance, etiquette information, and helpful planning reminders throughout the process.
Our goal is not simply to manage logistics. It is to ensure you always feel informed, supported, and confident in what comes next.
Ongoing Planning Support
our process
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Throughout the planning process, we remain a consistent resource and point of communication for both you and your vendor team.
Clients receive ongoing guidance, monthly planning emails, timeline updates, and personalized recommendations as planning progresses.
With more than two decades of hospitality and event experience, we are here to provide clarity, reassurance, and professional insight through every season of planning.
Final Planning stages
our process
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Approximately two months before the wedding, we transition into final production and event management, finalizing timelines, confirming logistics, coordinating vendor communication, reviewing layouts and guest flow, and preparing every detail for seamless execution on the wedding day. Our goal is for you to enter your wedding weekend feeling calm, prepared, and fully present.
Wedding Day Management
our process
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On the wedding day itself, our team is on site managing setup, overseeing vendors, maintaining the timeline, troubleshooting logistics, and ensuring every detail unfolds smoothly behind the scenes.
From guest arrival through the final send-off, our priority is creating an exceptional experience for both you and your guests.
Because in the end, the most memorable weddings are not simply beautiful. They are the ones where everyone feels genuinely cared for.
Every wedding we take on is different, which is why our proposals are customized based on guest count, scope, logistics, design priorities, and overall planning needs.
Below is a general overview of our services and starting investment levels.
Thoughtfully tailored support for every celebration.
services and investment
full service planning and design
premium event management
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Structured as a 12% production and design fee based on the total project investment, plus a $2,500 event day management fee. Planning fees are divided into four equal installments, with a $1,000 retainer required to reserve your wedding date.
Designed for couples seeking comprehensive support throughout the entire planning process, this service includes vendor guidance, budget management, design collaboration, timeline development, production oversight, guest experience planning, and full wedding weekend management from beginning to end.
Full-Service Wedding Planning
services and investment
Customized planning timeline & budget framework
Vendor recommendations tailored to your priorities and style
Contract review & planning guidance throughout the process
Design collaboration with floral and specialty vendors
Guest experience & logistical planning
Final production schedules & timeline management
Ceremony rehearsal coordination
Full wedding day management with lead planner and assistants on site
what is included:
Investment begins at $12,000
Ideal for couples who have already begun the planning process but want professional guidance and organized support leading into the wedding day.
We step in to refine logistics, finalize details, coordinate vendors, and ensure the wedding weekend is executed seamlessly while allowing you to remain fully present throughout the celebration.
Partial Planning & Event Management
services and investment
Investment begins at $4,950
Vendor recommendations and planning guidance
Planning meetings throughout the process
Timeline development and logistical management
Final vendor confirmations and communication
Ceremony rehearsal coordination
Wedding day management with coordination team on site
what is included:
We’re likely a great fit if…
You value guest experience just as much as aesthetics
You appreciate thoughtful communication and organized guidance
You want your celebration to feel welcoming and personal
You prefer timeless design over overly trend-driven decisions
You value professionalism, hospitality, and attention to detail
You want to feel supported throughout the planning process rather than overwhelmed by it
amy and stephen
Nellie made the entire process feel calm, organized, and genuinely enjoyable. Every detail felt thoughtful, and our guests are still talking about how welcoming and seamless the entire weekend felt. She brought such professionalism and care to every part of the experience, and we cannot imagine having done it without her.
“From our very first conversation, we knew we were in the right hands.”
Andra and Brent
"Carrot cake topping jelly beans tiramisu lemon drops jelly beans fruitcake gingerbread brownie. Jelly-o marshmallow gingerbread candy cookie cotton candy sugar plum powder. Gingerbread fruitcake cheesecake powder cotton candy donut."
"We are beyond happy with how every detail captured our love story."
Tarah and Alex
"Carrot cake topping jelly beans tiramisu lemon drops jelly beans fruitcake gingerbread brownie. Jelly-o marshmallow gingerbread candy cookie cotton candy sugar plum powder. Gingerbread fruitcake cheesecake powder cotton candy donut."
"We can't stress enough: North Shore are the very best at what they do."
- James
"North Shore's educational resources have helped me in my own event planning business."
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Our complimentary consultation is a relaxed conversation where we’ll learn more about your celebration, priorities, and overall vision for the wedding weekend. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and determine whether we are the right fit for one another.
We intentionally take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure every client receives a highly personalized experience.
The Next Step
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