Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Wempe.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Along Came Abby really started very organically — I love solving problems, and honestly, I’m much better at a party when I have a job to do than just making small talk. More than once, someone would laugh and say, “Everything was a mess until Abby came along,” and that phrase eventually became the name and the heart of the business.
At first, it was just me taking on smaller events and learning as I went. As word spread, I realized there was a real need in our area for someone who could not only make events look beautiful, but also handle the logistics so hosts could actually enjoy their own gatherings. That’s when Along Came Abby began to grow into something more intentional and better equipped to serve both companies and individuals throughout the Kansas City area.
Over the years, the business has grown steadily through referrals and relationships. We expanded our offerings, built a team, and eventually added a warehouse and showroom so we could better support the types of events our clients were asking for — events that take away the stress of the day-to-day for their employees, clients, and donors. It gives them a simple but, brief moment to step away from reality.
Today, Along Came Abby still operates with the same mindset it did in the beginning: work hard behind the scenes, stay calm under pressure, and take great care of the people who trust us with their events. I’m grateful that so much of our growth has come from people telling others, “You should call Abby,” and it’s something I don’t take lightly.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — and I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something meaningful! Events are fast-paced and people-focused, which means you’re constantly adapting to changing timelines, client expectations, budgets, and circumstances.
I think anyone would tell you that COVID was an extremely hard time to be an event planner — but honestly, the first three years of owning a business were even harder. Being an entrepreneur takes a level of grit you can really only understand if you’ve trudged through those waters yourself. Add growing a business alongside a marriage and now three sons, and you can imagine that things aren’t always smooth.
That said, while my to-do list stays full, my joy does too. We’ve built a truly amazing team, identified our strengths, and I’ve learned when to lean on others and what I need to handle personally — through a mix of strategy and trial and error. Thirteen years into a career in hospitality, I can honestly say I’ve never been bored.
We’ve been impressed with Along Came Abby, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Along Came Abby is a full-service event planning, design, and event rental company serving Kansas City and the surrounding Midwest. We work across corporate events and private celebrations, with a focus on creating experiences that feel thoughtful, seamless, and genuinely enjoyable for both the people hosting and the people attending.
What we’re best known for is our ability to handle both the creative and logistical sides of an event. We love beautiful designs, but we’re equally focused on timelines, flow, guest experience, and problem-solving behind the scenes. Every event starts with understanding the why — why it’s being hosted, who it’s for, and what the client wants guests to feel. That clarity guides every design and logistical decision we make. Our clients often tell us they feel calmer the moment we step in, because they know the details are being handled and they don’t have to manage the day themselves.
What really sets us apart are the relationships we’ve built over the years. We’re grateful to work closely with an incredible network of private chefs, pilots, event spaces, drivers, and trusted partners — along with our own full line of décor — which allows us to bring events together efficiently and thoughtfully. For our clients, that often means one phone call instead of days spent sourcing vendors just to get things started. Without these relationships, our success wouldn’t be possible.
What I want readers to know is that Along Came Abby isn’t just about making events look beautiful — it’s about taking care of people. A small, Napa-inspired dinner at a private residence is just as meaningful to us as a 1,000-plus-guest event at a convention center. The goal is always the same: to help our clients be exceptional hosts and to create moments their guests will remember long after the event ends.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that I’m only as strong as the village around me. Early on, I thought being a good business owner meant doing everything myself. Over time, I’ve learned that real growth comes from building trust — in your team and in the community you get to work alongside.
Along Came Abby wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible business owners and creatives that we collaborate with. These relationships have shaped how we work and what we’re able to offer our clients. Being surrounded by people who care deeply about their craft raises the standard for everyone involved
I’ve also learned the importance of understanding the why behind every event. When you’re clear on the purpose — who it’s for and what it’s meant to represent — the decisions become easier and the experience becomes more meaningful. That perspective has guided not only our events, but how I lead, collaborate, and grow the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alongcameabby.com
- Instagram: @along_came_abby
