This is kind of an embarrassing story, considering that I’m an award-winning wedding planner, but I’m going to tell it anyway:
I used to hate going to weddings.
A wedding invitation would land in my mailbox, and I would audibly groan. Dana Allison, party of one; It’s hard being
the single girl invited to a celebration of love! I would arrive at the party feeling awkward and couldn’t help but try and
make myself useful. I’d notice the groom’s glass was empty and get him another old fashioned, help find missing Uncle Ted
when it was time for the toasts, or bustle the bride’s dress before she stepped on the dance floor.
Knowing myself, I shouldn’t have been surprised. I’d built a successful career as a project manager, office manager, and
retail manager. I thrive on chaos, multitasking has always been my thing, and I love making people happy.
When it came time to consider a career change, I knew wedding planning would be a natural fit. And I guess the rest of
the Twin Cities did, too, because I doubled my business in the first two years. That started in 2013, and Keyed Up Events
has been thriving ever since.
So, why am I telling you my embarrassing story? Because hating being a wedding guest has molded me into an exceptional
wedding planner: the kind of planner who knows that it isn’t enough just to make you and your partner happy, but that my
real job is to create joyful wedding day memories for every single person on your guest list. Want a guest-focused wedding day?
Dana Allison
Owner, Keyed Up Events
I’m Dana Allison (she/her), the owner and driving force behind Keyed Up Events. I’ll be there on your big day to manage all the details with a smile, can-do attitude, and calm demeanor. After running the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair for years, there’s nothing I can’t handle on your wedding day. Get ready to relax, sip some champagne, and soak in your special moments!
WHO I AM
Hi there, I’m Dana Allison, the driving force behind Keyed Up Events. I started this business in 2013 after working in project management and helping close friends plan their weddings.
WHAT I DO
On your big day, I will be there to manage all the details with a can-do attitude so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your special moments.
WHY I DO IT
Running the perfect wedding day that reflects you as a couple, ensuring no small detail is missed, giving you the time to enjoy the lead-up to your wedding – that is why I love what I do!
I’m Calisto Houmas-Schulte (she/her). Whether I’m helping out on your wedding day, managing our rental inventory, or working behind the scenes on our social media, I totally love what I do. Think about it: life has so many special moments that deserve celebrating, and your wedding is one of the most significant. Talk about a dream job!
WHO I AM
Hi there, I’m Dana Allison, the driving force behind Keyed Up Events. I started this business in 2013 after working in project management and helping close friends plan their weddings.
WHAT I DO
On your big day, I will be there to manage all the details with a can-do attitude so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your special moments.
WHY I DO IT
Running the perfect wedding day that reflects you as a couple, ensuring no small detail is missed, giving you the time to enjoy the lead-up to your wedding – that is why I love what I do!
I'm Hope Konkol (she/her). Most of my time is kept busy with behind the scenes work, but you may see me on your wedding day as well! With my degrees in Hospitality Management and Marketing I am able to manage an event and create more effective business practices with ease. But most of all, I am excited to help bring your dream wedding experience to life!
WHO I AM
Hi there, I’m Dana Allison, the driving force behind Keyed Up Events. I started this business in 2013 after working in project management and helping close friends plan their weddings.
WHAT I DO
On your big day, I will be there to manage all the details with a can-do attitude so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your special moments.
WHY I DO IT
Running the perfect wedding day that reflects you as a couple, ensuring no small detail is missed, giving you the time to enjoy the lead-up to your wedding – that is why I love what I do!
I'm Alexis Bessermin (she/her) and I am helping with rentals and weddings. Having left my real estate career to turn my attention to my passion for creative event planning, I am excited to be part of KUE. I have 2 younger sisters, 4 dogs, 2 cats, and the best mom in the world (she told me to write that ;-) ) and a great step father, too! I enjoy traveling, golfing, the beach, shopping and new adventures.
WHO I AM
Hi there, I’m Dana Allison, the driving force behind Keyed Up Events. I started this business in 2013 after working in project management and helping close friends plan their weddings.
WHAT I DO
On your big day, I will be there to manage all the details with a can-do attitude so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your special moments.
WHY I DO IT
Running the perfect wedding day that reflects you as a couple, ensuring no small detail is missed, giving you the time to enjoy the lead-up to your wedding – that is why I love what I do!