Christine A. Wheat

Christine is the founder of the Christine A. Wheat Special Events Firm, LLC, an international full service event planning, coordinating, marketing and consulting firm with offices in the Capital District, New York Metro Area, Naples - Florida, Boston – Massachusetts, and Newport – Rhode Island. Over 10 years ago she started her career as a private university event planner and has come full circle to include weddings, philanthropic, social and corporate events to her repertoire.

Christine oversees all operations. Christine Wheat has become an authority on special event planning and lectures at colleges and universities throughout New York State.

Christine attended schools in Long Island, New York and Rome, Italy. She holds a B.A. in communications and graphic design and a M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.

Christine is an involved member of the American Marketing Association, Capital District Executive Women’s Golf Association, Networking Empowering Women, Saratoga and Albany/Colonie Chambers of Commerce. Christine is an active board member for the National Alumnae Association of AHN and has volunteered her time for the Executive Women’s Golf Association Breast Cancer Classic, Bellevue Women’s Hospital Gala, Girl Scout’s of the USA, Garden City Chamber of Commerce Pineapple Ball, Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropy Day, Harbor Child Care Anniversary Gala, Women’s Employment & Resource Center (WERC) Awards Luncheon, To Life’s Pink Ball, and H.O.P.E. Animal Rescue Annual Silent Auction.

Most recently, Christine has been selected to be on Town & Country's Luxury Wedding Advisory Board.

Testimonials

"I have to say that hiring Christine was the absolute best wedding decision my family and I made. She helped us choose the most amazing florist, caterer, hair & make-up artist, photographer….I could go on and on! One of my favorite things about working with Christine is that she wound up feeling like part of our family. After weekly meetings and a few visits, her expertise and friendliness really helped the whole process be as smooth as possible.

On the wedding day, I was able to completely relax and enjoy every moment, because I knew that Christine would take care of everything! All we really had to do on the wedding day was show up! I really couldn’t have asked for a better wedding coordinator, or a better wedding day." ...Jackie

"Thank you so very much for your professionalism and incredible peace your organizing brought to the event. I think an event planner needs to display calm, and you did that so well. The event went very well and I wanted to be sure you knew how grateful we were. Also on behalf of Bank of America, thanks for helping to make this event one we were proud to partner with."

"Christine, Our wedding weekend was absolutely magical and you were an indispensable part of making that dream come true for us. Your unique blend of talent, skills and patience made for a flawless execution of all of our collective planning." October 2010

"Christine, you & your staff performed a flawless operation this past Saturday...absolutely perfect" March 2010
 

Dina Zydor

Dina Zydor is the Principal Planner for the Firm's Long Island/New York Metro Area office and has been planning events for over 10 years. She started her career as a professional fundraiser and event planner for the not-for-profit sector having held positions of Director of Development and Director of Special Events. She has planned events for a variety of high profile universities and health care institutions including, New York University School of Law, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, South Nassau Communities Hospital and Adelphi University. In addition to wedding planning, Dina has extensive experience in planning corporate and philanthropic events including; galas, golf outings, cocktail receptions, auctions, large scale concerts and educational conferences. She has planned a variety of events and weddings in Manhattan and Long Island (including Hamptons and east end).

Dina volunteers as an event planner for local organizations and has planned many fundraising and youth centered events for local charities.

Dina holds a Bachelors degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.

Testimonials

"Dina, Thank you so much for all of your help with the wedding. There is no way that I would have enjoyed the wedding as much as I did (and I certainly did!!) without you there. And it went off without a hitch. You and Christine Wheat Special Events are the first people I will recommend for any and all event planning." Thank you, Jenn
 

Krysta Orzel

Krysta Orzel is an Event Director for the Firm and has been planning events for the past three years. She handles planning and coordination for our Social and Wedding Divisions. Krysta has planned and coordinated events from Saratoga Springs and Manhattan to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Krysta also manages the Intern Program.

Krysta holds a B.S. in Marketing and Finance from the State University of New York at Albany.

 

Stefanie Meigel

Stefanie Meigel is an Event Director for the Firm and has been planning events for over 6 years. She started her career as an assistant planner for a private university; planning a wide variety of events including Reunions, Alumni Fundraisers and Receptions. She now handles planning and coordination for our Social and Wedding Divisions.

Stefanie holds a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Secondary Education from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.
 

Jillian DiGiacomo

Jill DiGiacomo is an Event Director for the Firm and has been planning events for over 4 years. She has planned Gala’s, Golf Outings, Auctions, International Meetings, and Fundraising events along with PR projects for a variety of high profile planning firms, including Carla Capone Company and the ISDA. She now handles planning and coordination for our Social and Wedding Divisions

Jill has volunteered her time for the Cancer Research Foundation and Treatment Fund, CONCERN Worldwide and the Susan B. Koman Foundation.

Jill holds a B.S. in Sociology with a minor in Business from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.

Testimonials

"I just wanted to email you and let you know what a great job you guys did! Jill did an awesome job at the wedding and was a big help.” ...Melissa & Jeff
 

Freelance and Seasonal Staff

The Firm has many freelance and seasonal staff members who work events as needed. Their expertise includes meeting planners, designers, entertainers, and a large crew for installation and breakdown for event productions.
 

Employment Opportunities

We have no current job openings available at this time. Please do not send, fax, or email your resume or inquiries unless there is a job opening listed on this page. Thank You.

Internships

To all potential interns...
*Important - Please include the job title in the subject heading of your e-mail.

Intern - Event Coordinator (Spring/Summer/Fall)

Great Opportunity to break into event planning field. We are looking for a detail oriented intern who is enthusiastic, professional and who can work independently in a fast paced environment.

THE INTERNSHIP IS A NON PAID POSITION. HOURS ARE FLEXIBLE WITH WEEKEND AVAILABILITY ESSENTIAL. THE POSITION RUNS FROM JUNE - AUGUST.

REQUIREMENTS: KNOWLEDGE OF MS OFFICE AND INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Intern - Marketing/Business (Spring/Summer/Fall)

We will be considering marketing or business majors which possess strong communication. This internship will be conduction multiple forms of market research pertaining to the industry.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A COMMITTED INDIVIDUAL WHO LIKES TO MULTI-TASK & FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH NETWORKING, PROMOTING AND DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND GET INVOLVED IS ESSENTIAL. MUST BE CREATIVE AND ENJOY ASSISTING IN ON-SITE EVENT PLANNING ELEMENTS.

REQUIREMENTS: KNOWLEDGE OF MS OFFICE, AND INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Intern - Photographer (Spring/Summer/Fall)

We are looking for an organized, articulate person to assist in the photography of events. This is a great opportunity to work with many different types of events and network with other photographers in the event/wedding industry. Some of the events include weddings, social/corporate events, fundraisers & auctions.

FLEXIBLE HOURS, WITH WEEKEND AVAILABILITY ESSENTIAL.

REQUIREMENTS: MUST OWN YOUR OWN DIGITAL CAMERA EQUIPMENT. A PORTFOLIO OF WORK SHOULD BE PRESENTED PRIOR TO INTERNSHIP.