Megan Estrada
FOUNDER & LEAD EVENT CONSULTANT
Megan Estrada is a seasoned wedding and event industry professional who has been in the event planning and hospitality industry for over 20 years. She has managed and arranged hundreds of events, including: weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs and non-for-profit fundraisers. In 2011, after spending years as a Director of Catering for luxury hotels, she decided to bring her experience and insider industry knowledge to the client and establish NSWE Events.
Megan prides herself on helping clients stay organized, keep within a budget and attain the wedding or event beyond their initial expectations. She believes that unique events require extra creativity, not necessarily expenditures. The goal is to produce the most creative and individual event within the conditions designated by the client.
Megan is an expert in contract negotiations with venues, caterers and vendors, providing ease to the process and enabling clients to include more of their wish list to their event. She approaches coordinating events professionally to provide a creative and logical method to the process.
In 2020, Megan Estrada established the NACE Covid-19 Task Force, in Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York, which worked with state and city government to create the reopening guidelines for the events industry. She is an events industry leader having held the position of National Advocacy Committee Chair for the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE).
To read more about Megan Estrada, Click Here.
Photo by Cristina G Photography
Natalie DeRoss
EVENT CONSULTANT
Natalie is a NSWE bride that fell in love with our process during the planning! As a Catering Director for 10 years, and a certified Event Planner, she brings a wealth of knowledge planning weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate, non-profit, marketing, and association events. She is a Board Director and founding member of the WIPA (Wedding International Professional Association) Chicago Chapter. She comes from a large Italian family, where she was raised to ensure every family event went off without a hitch. She thrives on personal connection, and is all about the details. She is a caretaker by nature and does everything possible to ensure her NSWE clients take the time to breathe and enjoy the moments of their events.
Photo by Tamara Gruner Photography
Issabelle Frial
EVENT COORDINATOR
Issabelle is an event and wedding planner with over 10 years of experience creating celebrations that are personal, joy-filled, and unforgettable. Originally from Vancouver, Canada and now based in Chicago, Issabelle brings a global perspective, a love for thoughtful details, and a hopeful romantic’s heart to every event. A self-proclaimed romantic and lover of life’s little details, Issabelle creates events meant to be felt, remembered, and celebrated long after the day itself. With a steady, detail-driven approach and a deep commitment to her clients, Issabelle creates a planning experience that feels seamless, supportive, and stress-free - so you can relax and truly enjoy every moment.
Katie Kurtzner
EVENT COORDINATOR
Katie is a NSWE bride turned employee and native to the North Shore. After a 10 year career in the education world, Katie joined the team eager to assist in coordinating events for our clients. Her organization and attention to detail are her greatest strengths, which are essential in the wedding/event planning process. Katie also enjoys tapping into her creative side to enhance an event through graphic design, handwritten calligraphy and crafts, including invitations, place cards, custom signage, etc. She loves sharing her skills with the NSWE community.
Photo by Amy Aiello Photography
Kristin Johansson
EVENT COORDINATOR
Kristin is a seasoned hospitality and events professional with a career spanning over two decades. Beginning in restaurants and later moving into catering and event leadership, she has overseen a wide range of events—from intimate celebrations to large-scale galas—with weddings as her true passion. Known for her calm presence and ability to navigate complex personalities and high-pressure moments, she ensures every event feels seamless and enjoyable for clients and guests alike. Her deep industry experience and client-centered approach have earned her lasting relationships and continued referrals, and she remains most fulfilled when a celebration ends with guests calling it an unforgettable day.
