Socialite Events: The Team Behind Your Extraordinary Celebration
Meet Your Wedding & Event Planning Team Based in Durham, NC
As your dedicated planning team, we bring together technical precision and heartfelt dedication to telling your story at your event. At Socialite Events, we create experiences that feel both seamless and personal — in Durham or wherever you’re planning your event. We’ve carefully cultivated relationships with the area’s most talented vendors and most gorgeous venues to create a day you (and everyone you invite) will always remember.
Weddings
Private Events
City Events
Corporate Events
We plan and manage…
We believe in the power of partnership. Our team works with couples, families, and organizations to ensure every detail of their event goes off without a hitch — and to ensure a smooth process from Day One.
Our Event Planning Services
We know that trusting someone to help plan your event is a big step. We never take that trust for granted, which is why we have a very clear planning process and leverage tools that keep you “in the know” as we work.
Using our innovative five-step planning system and modern approach to event planning, we transform your vision into reality while making the journey as enjoyable as the celebration itself.
High-Touch Event Planning in Durham, NC (& Beyond)
When clients ask what types of events I plan, my answer is simple: "I do weddings, parties, and birthdays – the celebrations that bring joy." (And yes, I still cry at every wedding we coordinate.) I also love to create corporate events and team gatherings that break the mold — and leave people talking for all the right reasons.
One of my proudest moments was when a couple asked me to officiate their wedding. It wasn't just about planning their celebration anymore; they trusted me to be part of their story in an even more meaningful way. That's the kind of connection we build with our clients.
When I'm not crafting exceptional experiences for our clients, you'll find me spending time with family and friends, especially in my favorite role as an Auntie. My nephew has taught me that the best moments in life are worth celebrating, and that's exactly what we help our clients do.
Owner of Socialite Events
There's something magical about celebrations that bring people together. As someone who has maintained friendships for over 30 years and who loves spending time with my family, I understand the profound impact of meaningful gatherings. My journey into event planning (starting in 2008!) stemmed from this deep appreciation for moments that matter.
Here at Socialite Events, I’ve been able to blend my technical and organizational skills with the creative elements that make our events truly stunning. I’m proud of how we’ve been able to leverage technology to bring a modern approach to our process, creating a seamless experience for our clients. After all, we are planning some of the biggest events of their lives!
Vanessa Payton
Behind every flawless celebration is a carefully curated team of professional experts. We bring together:
Arie is our right-hand and collaborating genius, with over 20 years of experience. As our lead planner, she’s well-versed in multicultural, diverse wedding planning and is a pro at logistics, vendor management, and overall event management!
Vanessa is like family to the Socialite Events staff... because she is. She has been with the team since its inception in 2008, and is amazingly in sync with the processes and vision of her Sister and Owner, April! Vanessa brings efficiency and execution to life every time. She works wonders behind the scenes. Vanessa gets the business of weddings and events and gets what it takes to make one fabulous!
The Socialite Events Team
Arie Bobbitt
Briana Mondie
Briana is an upbeat, bubbly master at problem-solving. Guests always love her and she is extremely talented at putting clients at ease on their big day. Fun fact: Socialite Events actually planned Briana’s wedding in 2022!
Socialite Experiences
Socialite Events exemplifies professionalism in all aspects and it truly showed the day of our wedding.
April and her team were AMAZING to work with. My husband and I contacted her fairly close to our wedding date and she was able to accommodate everything on short notice. April and her team ran the day so seamlessly, that we were unaware of any hiccups that may have occurred. From keeping in contact with vendors and our wedding party, to setting up and directing our ceremony...we don't know how we could have pulled off a more perfect day! Thank you to Socialite Events!!!
Ash ton & Shanice
Ready to Begin Planning an Event
you can enjoy?
Let's create something extraordinary together
what to expect
what to expect
Socialite
eps
s t
We start somewhere totally unexpected: the tech. We’ll guide you through the process of creating an email address for your event, accessing our project management tool, building your digital address collection, and starting your event website!
Plugging In
(The Tech Connect)
We’re hard at work making your event come to life. You’ll get monthly connection calls to review your event progress, budget, vendors, design, and more (depending on the package you select). You’ll always know how things are going.
Planning
For our full-service wedding clients, we guide you through an ongoing process as we build out the vision for your event. From table design to lighting, rentals, and more, we’re taking care of every detail.
Design
We want to make sure that the expertly crafted plan you’ve put together for your day holds up. That’s why we constantly review the plans and flow for your event, so there are no surprises to navigate.
Production
Your event is here — and everything went off without a hitch! We have a process to wrap up after your event including how to navigate vendors, testimonials, and more. (Don’t forget the thank you cards!)
Celebration