Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Custom Wedding & Event Planning
Joseph Leigh Designs has been redefining event experiences for over two decades through meticulous attention to detail and creative excellence. Founded in 1992 by Toni Hanrahan, our firm began as a boutique operation responding to growing demand for personalized event coordination. With 20 years of hands-on experience in corporate and social event management, Toni established a reputation for transforming client visions into unforgettable celebrations. In 2004, Patrick Hanrahan joined the team, bringing 15 years of nonprofit management expertise that strengthened our capacity to handle complex charity events and galas. Our Chicago-based team specializes in weddings, corporate functions, and fundraising events, combining artistic design with operational precision.We distinguish ourselves through a client-centric approach that prioritizes individual needs over standardized solutions. Our comprehensive services span from initial concept development to on-site execution, ensuring seamless experiences for every client. With a proven track record in managing high-profile events for Chicago's leading organizations, we maintain our commitment to innovation while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Our philosophy remains simple: every event should reflect its hosts' unique personality while exceeding expectations through flawless execution.
Services
Wedding Planning
Event Design
Vendor Coordination
Budget Management
On-site Management
Corporate Events
Charity Galas
Golf Outings
Transportation Arrangements
Linen Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized event planning experience
- Our boutique approach ensures personalized attention to every detail
- We provide comprehensive services from concept to event execution
- Our team combines creative design with proven operational expertise
- We specialize in both social celebrations and corporate functions
What people say
Impeccable work
Stress-free planning
Creative vision
Attention to detail
Highly recommend
Services
Wedding Planning
Our wedding planning service creates personalized celebrations that reflect each couple's unique vision. We handle all aspects from initial concept development to day-of coordination, ensuring stress-free experiences. Our boutique approach limits client numbers to maintain focused attention on every detail, while our Chicago-based team combines creative design with operational expertise to deliver flawless results.
Event Design
We develop custom event concepts that transform venues into immersive experiences. Our design process begins with client consultations to understand personal preferences and budget parameters. From floral arrangements to lighting schemes, we create cohesive visual narratives that enhance each event's purpose while maintaining practical considerations for guest comfort and flow.
Vendor Coordination
Our comprehensive vendor sourcing and management service ensures seamless collaboration between all service providers. We maintain extensive networks of trusted professionals while handling contract negotiations and scheduling logistics. This service guarantees consistent quality standards across catering, entertainment, and technical production elements for both social and corporate events.
Budget Management
We develop detailed budget frameworks tailored to each client's financial parameters. Our tracking system monitors expenditures across all event components while identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality. This service includes transparent reporting mechanisms and contingency planning to prevent unexpected expenses during the planning process.
On-site Management
Our team provides comprehensive day-of coordination to ensure flawless event execution. We manage timelines, vendor arrivals, and guest logistics while addressing any unexpected issues that may arise. This service includes staff supervision and real-time decision-making to maintain the planned schedule and uphold the event's intended atmosphere.
People
Toni Hanrahan
Founder
Toni established Joseph Leigh Designs in 1992 after developing expertise in corporate event coordination. With 20 years of experience creating memorable weddings and social celebrations, she focuses on translating client visions into reality while maintaining creative oversight of all projects.
Patrick Hanrahan
Co-owner
Patrick joined the company in 2004, bringing 15 years of nonprofit management experience. He specializes in expanding business operations and managing complex charity events, including black-tie galas and fundraising golf outings. His background in nonprofit development enhances our corporate event management capabilities.
Questions
What types of events do you specialize in?
We specialize in weddings, corporate events, and charity fundraisers including black-tie galas and golf outings.
How do you personalize events?
We begin with detailed consultations to understand client preferences, creating custom designs rather than standardized templates.
What experience do you have?
Toni has 20+ years in event planning, while Patrick brings 15 years of nonprofit management experience to our team.
How do you handle budget constraints?
We develop customized budget frameworks and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality standards.
What's included in your planning service?
Full-service planning covering vendor coordination, budget management, timeline creation, and on-site execution support.
Do you work with other vendors?
Yes, we coordinate all vendor relationships while maintaining quality control across catering, floral, and technical services.
