Check Out Nellie Sparkman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nellie Sparkman.

Hi Nellie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always say my path into the wedding and hospitality world wasn’t so much a choice as it was a calling. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family that’s been serving Kansas City for generations—my family has owned Browne’s Irish Marketplace since 1887. During summers and holiday breaks, I could be found working the cash register alongside my grandmother, meeting with suppliers at trade shows in Chicago with my mom and aunt, or helping them cater weddings. My favorite? A wedding at the Midland Theatre when I was about eight years old. I still have a photo from that day—the couple had someone operating a camera in the lobby, almost like an original-style photo booth. I remember thinking it was magic.

That early exposure taught me that business wasn’t just about transactions—it was about people, relationships, and showing up with heart.

By seventh grade, I was designing PowerPoint presentations filled with wedding inspiration for my friends—long before Pinterest existed. I went on to study hospitality management at Kansas State University, where I dove headfirst into event planning. I coordinated sorority functions and helped lead the university’s homecoming festivities, including the campus-wide parade and a series of major student events. It was fast-paced, collaborative, and creative—everything I loved rolled into one.

After college, I landed an internship at the Hilton Belfast in Northern Ireland. That international experience shaped so much of my work ethic and style—from stripping linens off beds in housekeeping to bartending for the Bath Rugby team, I learned the importance of both detail and heart in hospitality. There was no task too small and no role too unglamorous—just the steady rhythm of showing up, solving problems, and creating memorable experiences for guests.

In 2007, I officially launched my business—originally focused on planning—and over time, it naturally expanded into stationery design as I began creating paper goods for my own clients. Today, I own three businesses under one umbrella: Nellie Sparkman Events, Sparkman Studio (stationery + gifting), and a lifestyle brand that reflects the heart of home, hospitality, and timeless style.

My work is deeply personal—rooted in tradition, family, and a belief that every celebration should feel like you. Whether I’m curating a wedding weekend, designing heirloom-quality invitations, or sharing my favorite dinner party tip, my approach is always the same: thoughtful, intentional, and filled with care.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most meaningful things in life, it hasn’t always been a smooth road—but I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. Building a business while raising a family has taught me so much about grace, boundaries, and the beauty of embracing each season fully. I’m still the mom answering emails at the ballfield and finalizing timelines in the school pickup line—but I’ve learned to approach those moments with intention, clarity, and a deep commitment to both my clients and my family.

When our third child was born during the pandemic, I made a significant shift—from managing over 25 wedding planning clients a year to taking on no more than 10. That change allowed me to give my best to the people who matter most. As I stepped back from weekends packed with events, my stationery business naturally grew, offering the flexibility to create during the week and be present with my family on the weekends.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that thoughtful boundaries lead to meaningful work. Whether it’s guiding clients toward what feels most authentic, creating space for creativity, or prioritizing connection over perfection—I’ve found that staying grounded in my values creates a better experience for everyone involved. At the heart of it all, it’s the people—my clients, vendor partners, and family—who inspire me to keep showing up with purpose and heart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear a few creative hats, but at the heart of it all, I’m a wedding planner, stationery designer, and lifelong hostess who believes the most meaningful celebrations are the ones that feel deeply personal.

Through my company, Nellie Sparkman Events, I offer both full-service wedding planning and event management—guiding couples through the logistics while also helping them design a weekend that reflects who they are. With Sparkman Studio, I design wedding invitations and day-of paper details that are tailored, timeless, and story-driven. I also offer gifting and lifestyle inspiration for those who want to create beauty in the everyday.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Planning a wedding is incredibly personal—it’s not just logistics, it’s family dynamics, budgets, big emotions, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. My clients know I’ll walk with them through all of it—with empathy, experience, and a strong eye for detail.

What truly sets me apart is that I listen. I mean really listen. I take time to understand what matters most to each couple, what makes their story unique, and how they want their guests to feel. My clients feel seen, valued, and heard—and that foundation of trust is what allows us to create something truly special together.

I’m not just here to manage timelines or recommend vendors. I help design a cohesive, curated event that feels like them. From the first email to the final farewell, I bring a balance of calm expertise and genuine enthusiasm. Every celebration I create is thoughtful, personal, and rooted in intention—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t be everything to everyone—and that’s not only okay, it’s freeing.

In the beginning, I said yes to everything. Every client, every opportunity, every late-night email. I thought being available and agreeable made me valuable. But over time, I realized that boundaries are what allow me to serve my clients well, protect my creativity, and be present for my family.

Now, I lead with clarity and intention. I’ve learned to trust my gut, to honor my time, and to only say yes when I know I can give something my whole heart. That shift has brought so much peace—and it’s made my work better, too.

Another lesson? People will forget the place cards or the charger plates—but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. At the end of the day, it’s not just about a beautifully executed event—it’s about care, connection, and the joy that comes from feeling seen and celebrated.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. nelliesparkman.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nelliesparkman
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/nelliesparkman
• Other: https://shopltk.com/explore/nelliesparkman