The story behind the name
Brittany here, owner and creative director of 1945 Event Co. I often get asked, why 1945? How did you come up with that? I like when people ask because it gives me a chance to talk about why it’s so important to me. Growing up, my Grandparents, Nana and Papa, Grandma and Grandpa Gilmore were always there for me. My nana and I shared a love for planning and organizing parties. She taught me that everything is worth celebrating no matter how small, and that a good cake is priority when it comes to a celebration! From the time I can remember, probably 1st grade I was planning any type of sleepover or party I could come up with. My nana always encouraged my wild ideas and let me take the lead. When it came to family gatherings her and I would talk about the menu and decorations and go shopping for all the supplies. I cherish the sweet memories we have. She knew event planning was my passion and always told me to dream big. She believed in me and always made me feel like anything I did was amazing. She passed away January of 2019. I was struggling to find a name for my business I truly loved. Then 1945, the year my sweet nana Sharon was born came to mind and I knew it was perfect. Every event 1945 Event Co. does is in her honor. It makes it so special for me to honor her and live my dream through this business.
Brittany Chesney
Owner/Creative Director
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In my happy place; designing and creating.
First off, if you are reading this THANK YOU! I so appreciate anyone who takes the time to visit our site and learn more about my business. I started 1945 because of my lifelong love to plan and host events. I have always had a passion for planning events and am so blessed to have my own business in an industry that I love so much.
A little about me;
After graduating high school in 2010 I began studying Hospitality management at Central Michigan University. I then went on to study event management at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and graduated with a degree in event management. After studying the hospitality and event industry for 5 years it helped build the foundation and skill set to be the detailed organized planner I am today.
I am married to my husband Scott, we have been together 10 years and married 4 of those years. We have three fur babies. Two dogs, Roary and Rheo and a cat named Lady. We live in a home that is almost 100 years old, built in 1925. We enjoy DIY, and small home renovation projects.
I am a lover of tea, I Love Lucy, nature, home décor, music, fall, candles, sour candy, chocolate cream pie, wine, cooking, adventures and traveling!
Cheers to celebrating all of life's moments :)
Kailene Bader-Van Dyke
Assistant Event Coordinator
Hi! My name is Kailene and I am originally from Holland, MI. I just graduated from Michigan
State University with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Business with a focus in events. I
recently just enrolled in the QC Event School so that I can gain more knowledge and grow my
love for events. I currently live in Lansing, MI with my boyfriend, Jeremy and our dog Amee. I
love to travel and have been to over 15 different countries including Italy, Spain and Germany.
Aside from my crazy life, I enjoy riding my horses and showing on the Michigan Quarter Horse
Circuit in my free time. I am so excited to join the 1945 Event Co. team and to help bring your
event to life!
Alex Nazar
1945 In House Floral Designer
Assistant Event Coordinator
Laura Hoesl
Assistant Event Coordinator
I am born and raised in Grand Ledge, Michigan, where I still live in a little 1890's farm house with my fiancé Eric, rescue mutt Millie, and our hedgehog Holly. I love all things outdoors, especially camping in the UP. I don't consider myself as having a 'job' because I love what I do every day! Along with being an assistant event planner I have my own business, Lo Brands It, that offers a wide variety of services including photography, graphic design, marketing, and social media content creation. My favorite thing is the variety of people and clients I get to work with, and helping small businesses to grow in their market. It's really awesome to be a part of helping other people's dreams come true, too.
lead event coordinator and assistant event coordinator