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About
How It All Started — From California to Cincinnati
My journey into event planning began in California, when I started throwing elaborate, budget-friendly birthday parties for my daughter. I poured my creativity into every detail—transforming everyday items into something magical—and those parties quickly got attention. Soon, other moms were asking me to help with their events too.
At the same time, I was organizing fundraisers through my business, which gave me hands-on experience managing larger events, logistics, and tight budgets. Everything grew organically through word of mouth—one event turned into another, and before long, what started as a passion project turned into a full-fledged business.
Now, Grace Celebrations is a multi-state company, and I still work personally with every client to capture the exact feeling and look they want—whether it’s a cozy dinner party or a 500-person wedding. I love every part of the process: brainstorming, designing, coordinating, and finally watching it all come together like a perfect puzzle.
When I expanded into Cincinnati—my third city—I immediately felt the warmth and excitement from clients here. There’s something special about the Queen City’s blend of tradition and creativity, and I’m honored to be part of the celebrations that make it shine.
I like to call myself the “planner for people who think they can’t afford a planner.” Whatever your budget is, I’ll help you make the most of it—and create something unforgettable.
Overview
Hired 7 times
Background checked
3 employees
22 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Venmo and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2023
Services offered
Event type
Wedding
Birthday
School event
Corporate event
Types of candy
Chocolates
Confectionery
Gummy
Color themed
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.
4.5
4 reviews
5
75%
4
0%
3
25%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Lauren S.
Aug 25, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Kris was very friendly and personable. She came out to the venue on short notice, walked through with us, and took notes. She was good about checking in regarding pricing, which we appreciated since we were working with a smaller budget, and she was responsive to texts in a timely manner.
That said, I often felt that my wedding was not a top priority. We only met one additional time before the wedding, and our scheduled meeting times were repeatedly pushed back due to her other non-wedding-related job. The day before the wedding, we had planned to meet at the venue for set-up, but again the time kept getting delayed. She did eventually make it out, but very late in the evening when it was already dark, which made things more stressful.
There were also issues with catering logistics. At first, the food delivery was scheduled for much too early, which would have left it sitting out for hours. Although Kris explained she preferred not to have setup during the ceremony, I ultimately had to call the caterer myself the day before the wedding to correct the timing. On the wedding day, while the appetizer table looked nice, it was placed in the sun, and much of the food had melted or spoiled by the time the ceremony ended.
Another moment that stood out was when Kris told me I should begin the ceremony even though not all of my guests had arrived. When I said I wanted to wait, her response was, “Well, Joe has an appointment.” I have no idea who Joe is, but on the day of my wedding, my guests and my plans should have been the priority — not Joe’s schedule.
During the ceremony itself, Kris also began recording on her phone. Unfortunately, she blocked my photographer, who told me this prevented her from capturing several important shots. I never received the video Chris recorded, and fortunately my sister had filmed the ceremony as a backup.
I was also told that Kris offered the catered food to her workers, which would have been fine had she asked first. In addition, I believe I purchased the centerpiece vases myself, but I never got them back after the wedding.
Overall, while Kris was personable and did make an effort in some areas, there were multiple miscommunications, moments of unprofessionalism and lapses in planning that caused unnecessary stress at a time when things should have been smooth and organized. For those reasons, I cannot give more than three stars.
Details: 50 guests or fewer • Florist • Decorator
grace celebrations - Cincinnati's reply
Hi Lauren,
Thank you again for sharing your feedback and for your kind words about my responsiveness, budget awareness, and time spent walking through the venue with you. I truly value hearing from my couples, as it helps me reflect and improve.
I also want to clarify a few points. Your wedding was absolutely a top priority for me. While some of our meetings were rescheduled due to conflicts, the reason we did not meet more often earlier on was because most of the details were already in place, and there was very little left to finalize until the last couple of days. My goal was always to keep things efficient and organized so that everything came together smoothly when it mattered most.
Regarding the catering delivery, the original time was actually very close to the start of the event. Because there was a lot of setup to complete beforehand, I had requested delivery earlier to avoid last-minute complications. I wasn’t aware that the timing had later been changed directly with the caterer.
As for the appetizer table, its placement in the sun was unfortunate, but that was part of the layout we had discussed during the venue walk-through. I followed the table placement plan we had agreed on together.
On the matter of the ceremony timing, I do want to clarify that I am not aware of referencing a “Joe.” I don’t know anyone by that name, and my plan was for the ceremony to begin on time. At the time, you had asked to hold off briefly until more seats were filled, and I supported that decision.
In reference to recording, I was not filming the ceremony. I took a few photos, couple quick shots but was mostly watching through the zoom lens from the very back of the venue, sitting against the door. I don't believe I was near your photographer, so I do not believe my actions interfered with her work. There was one time at the end , where I stumbled by the stairs, but I had heard anything from her all day or night. If I was in the way, she should have told me. But I don't really remember seeing her that much.
As for the catered food, my staff was long gone by the time it was brought out. When I was cleaning up at the end of the evening, your dad told me to make sure I took something for Paul since he had to leave early. I did take one piece of food at that point, but nothing more.
Finally, regarding the centerpieces, all of them were rentals — as was everything else at the wedding. That was the most economical route we agreed upon. The only item purchased outright was the bridal bouquet, which was left for you after the event.
Overall, I am truly sorry that you feel your day did not go as planned. I genuinely wish you had spoken to me about these concerns before or during the wedding, so I could have adjusted my approach to better meet your expectations. In over 20 years, I have never had an unhappy bride, as reflected in my reviews. It saddens me to know that you did not feel fully supported on your day, because I truly wanted the best for you. Once again , I am truly sorry that you were not completely happy with grace celebrations.
Sincerely,
grace celebrations
Wedding Coordination
Lisa D.
Oct 17, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We secured Kris for a Day-Of-Event Organizer for our September wedding.
“Magical,” "The Best Ever,” “Never experienced an event like this..,”
These were only a few of the comments we received from guests during and after our event. One guest commented several weeks after the event that Kris and her team made an effort to work the event checking on them throughout the evening.
Additionally, her team spontaneously greeted all of our guests upon arrival with our wedding programs which added a personal touch to the occasion.
Our event was far from simple. It was a 225-guest outdoor venue at our home complete with tent, neon theme, valet service, two meal options, a live band and a DJ. There were many details to organize for the day.
We could not have asked for a more dedicated and creative visionary working to make everything happen behind the scenes.
Although Kris is advertised as the day-of event coordinator, she was available several months prior for planning and was assisting in all aspects leading up to the big day.
While the bride and groom did almost all of the actual planning leading up to the event, she worked very closely with their vision. The execution of how the day turned out was beyond expectations!
Kris was great!!!!! She was very easy to work with from the beginning and incredibly professional. She was very proactive about getting in touch about anything we needed at every step of the way, and she made sure our wedding day went off without a hitch!!!! We were touched by the very sweet personal note she sent us after the wedding ceremony was over and also she did double duty making sure we had some pictures right after the wedding!!! We would without a doubt recommend her. Thank you so much, Kris!
Needed some (very) last minute help and they were able to come through with a day of planner. So helpful, reasonably priced, & I’m also just amazed and surprised they were able to help me out at such short notice. Will definitely be using them again! :)
Details: Adult birthday party • 26 - 50 guests • Partial planning (help in select areas) • Setup • Day-of coordination • Less than one month • My home, venue, etc.
Event Planning
Credentials
Background Check
Kris Zielinski Ghassemi
FAQs
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I love kids parties, its so much fun. I transformed a home into an Egyptian theme. It was beautiful. I also recently did a 50th Birthday Party with an 80's theme that was tons of fun.
