Taylor: My career in events began in college where I worked for the student body hosting events for our campus. That then brought me to becoming a banquet server after college for a few years. I really am thankful for that time as it taught me what having a hospitality mindset with clients looks like. My overall goal was to land a sales manager role for a venue and when a family friend reached out about a position at Cantigny Golf & Park doing just that, selling banquet events and weddings, I fell into my role at Cantigny with a welcoming (& coaching) team by my side. Now I can say I have been through four years of events at Cantigny and am loving every minute of the doors it has opened for me as I recently was promoted to Assistant Director of Sales!

What do you love most about what you do?

Taylor: What I love most about work is the uniqueness of each day. One day I could be working with couples on their wedding menus and plans for their big day, and another day I will be showing a corporate client the rooms for a three-day meeting. Some days I might be up from my desk all day with events or tours, and another day might be quiet at my desk, but no one day is alike which I absolutely love about my job! Of course, seeing a brides face light up as she enters her reception is one of the most rewarding feelings as well, how could that not be something you love about a career in events. 🙂

When looking for a venue, what should every Bride know?

Taylor: When looking for your potential wedding venue every bride should ask the question: will you work with MY vision? At the end of the day, your sales manager should be working with you to create YOUR wedding vision, not their own, or last weeks brides vision, but YOURS. It is important to know how flexible a venue is with décor, menu, bar options, vendors coming into the space, and your staff at the venue, to accomplish your dream. You should never settle on an “ok” wedding experience, so make sure your list of must-have’s can be accomplished before picking your venue.

What is the best part of having your wedding at Cantigny?

Taylor: Cantigny is set apart from other venues in that Cantigny has “gardens, museums, and venues, oh my!” Options are always great to have and at Cantigny couples have plenty, (so make sure if you are booking a venue tour you leave yourself plenty of time to explore while you are here). We have three reception venues varying in style and capacity, along with seven ceremony sites for 2021! There is plenty to do before or between your ceremony and reception as well with the Robert McCormick Museum, First Division Museum, Gardens to explore, and of course the 27-hole Golf Course and driving range! You could spend more than an afternoon and evening at Cantigny so we love that couples really have plenty for their guests to enjoy besides just a simple venue space for their reception.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Taylor: So I may sound like a “party-pooper” and not a “party-planner” but when I am not at work I love to spend time recharging… so one may call me an introverted home-body when I am out of the office. I spend time with our Corgi puppy, Digby, and my husband and I enjoy fishing after work in the summer months, and a good puzzle in the winter months.

Hear it From the Expert, Our Watson Bride Gabby