Meet Your Team

Our team of dedicated and talented professionals share a vision of creating a unique experience for each and every couple. Uncompromisable standards and an atmosphere filled with creative momentum is our recipe for outstanding customer service and exceptional events.

Kate Crowle

OWNER & EXECUTIVE DESIGNER

Welcome! My name is Kate, and I am the Owner and Founder at St James 1868. I’m honored to share our newly renovated property with you and create the wedding day you have dreamed of. St James is owned and operated by a team of female entrepreneurs and we are dedicated to creating an experience for you and your guests that will last a lifetime.

I have a passion for renovating historic buildings and creating St James has been a dream come true. My design is inspired from the bride's perspective, creating photography moments throughout the property focused on all the details. My love for traveling across Europe influenced many of the décor decisions, especially the Luxury ABBEY Bridal Suite. My talented team and I look forward to meeting you and touring you through our little piece of Europe!

Kelsey Hock

VENUE MANAGER

Drawn to the fast paced and detail oriented aspects of the events industry, Kelsey enjoys bringing all of the elements of your day together to make a truly unforgettable celebration. Whether it’s planning discussions, venue management, event execution, décor arrangement or providing a listening ear, she is here for every aspect of your day to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for you and your guests.

With experience in catering, bridal styling and day of coordination, Kelsey enjoys many aspects of what the events industry has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at home with her fur babies (Axle, Lily and Griffin), ballroom dancing lessons and embracing her inner foodie with her husband Jason.

Jo Young

VENUE ENGAGEMENT

My name is Jo, and I am focused on Venue Engagement! I absolutely love beautiful, well thought out events. For 20 years, I was responsible for all the runway shows and fashion productions for Marshall Field’s Department Stores.

Creating an experience that delights the senses as well as the heart, is my true passion... anything that involves mood-setting music, pretty lighting, seasonal flowers, awe-inspiring aesthetics, yummy food, and sparkly drinks....Mixed with love, is my absolute favorite. I look forward to working alongside of you as we plan and execute your wedding!

Tom Sadowski

EVENT OPERATIONS

Hello, I'm Tom and I'm all things Event Operations at St. James 1868! I have worked over 40 years collectively in the Visual Merchandising Department for Marshall Field's, Boston Store, and Macy's. I first met Kate while we were both working at Marshall Field’s and I am so honored she brought me on as a St. James 1868 team member!

When I'm not at St. James 1868 I enjoy working in my garden/yard, exploring our great trails in our parks and along the lakefront, checking out antique shops, and of course checking out all the great micro brews the city has to offer!

Grace Bautch

VISUAL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Hello! I’m Grace, the St. James 1868 Marketing Specialist and Associate Planner. I am currently in my final year studying Recreation and Event Management at Central Michigan University. I am so honored to be working and learning alongside such an amazing team of people here at St. James 1868! I have always had a passion for events, pretty aesthetics, and working with people. My favorite wedding day moment is either the first look or vow exchange. What can I say - I am a complete hopeless romantic!

If I’m not at St. James 1868, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, boating on Lake Michigan, and traveling. I look forward to being apart of your magical day.

YOUR EVENT TEAM IN ACTION!

team work pic - david outisde tables.jpg

Here is a BEHIND THE SCENES glimpse of our team focused on making your event a day to remember. A common question from our Royal Couples is . . . What does the St. James 1868 Team help us with on our wedding day? and our reply . . . What a great question! For every event our team personally greets each of your guests at the entrance to St. James 1868 with a warm welcome and available to answer any parking and handicap entrance questions upon arrival. During our cocktail hour our team jumps into action to get the floor plan set with precision. Making sure each table is set with symmetrical balance, the correct number of chairs, each chair kissing each table so that your linens hang perfectly straight to the floor. Any luxury rental items such as our black and white checkered dance floor, luxury lounge sets, pillar lighting package are set once the tables are in place for the florists, planners and catering teams to layer on all your design details. Once the room is set we partner with the DJ/ Band to create the perfect ambience by dimming the lights and recommending the complimentary pillar up-lighting that creates depth, elegance and warmth to the room as your guests enter to experience the magical transformation. We look forward to being a part of your Royal Wedding Day!

Your Event Team

Julie Hornak

EVENT MANAGER

Hello! My name is Julie and I am an Event manager at St. James 1868. My mission here is to ensure your event is everything you've ever dreamed of and more. Leave the details up to me so you can focus on making lasting memories with family and friends. My past years of experience coordinating and working with special events allows me to handle all situations that may arise. I truly enjoy assisting with all the small details that go into making your special day absolutely perfect. Lastly, the motto I believe in is “an event lasts a day, memories last forever.”

When I’m not at St.James 1868 I love spending time with family and friends. Staying active and traveling are some of my many passions. I enjoy walking my dog Magoo and exploring the wonderful state trails in Wisconsin.

Kathryn Kutz

EVENT MANAGER

My name is Kathryn and I am an Event Manager at St. James 1868. I am dedicated to making you and your guests comfortable while making sure your special day runs smoothly. Ensuring your event is as memorable as possible is my main priority. I know you will find that the St. James's team is prepared to provide service that exceeds your expectations. Our team does great work because we love what we do.

Outside of St. James I enjoy spending time outdoors and gardening. I'm grateful for any free time that I can spend with family and friends.

Matt Voell

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER

Ceadile Failte, which is gaelic for "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes!" My name is Matt and I am here to serve as your charismatic and down to earth Bar Manager for your special event hosted here at St. James 1868. From serving the masses at Summerfest to some of the most pristine dinner parties around, my experience has led me here to the amazing team at St. James where I can't wait to help craft some amazing cocktails for you and your guests.

Coming from a background in Events, Nonprofit, Music Performance, Irish Culture, and Theater, I've enjoyed helping make every grand vision become a reality. With the additional assistance of some of the best and experienced bartenders in town, the bar team and I are ecstatic to be part of your special day! No matter your background, a drink is frequently used to raise up high and toast in celebration. We look forward to creating that perfect drink for you and your guests to raise up and toast. Cheers!