Who We Are

Four women standing outdoors around a small table with drinks and a beverage dispenser, smiling at the camera.

At Crowded Table Events, we’re a team of women with over 40 years of combined experience in planning everything from corporate retreats, conferences, and fundraisers to weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and holiday celebrations. Our story is deeply rooted in friendship, collaboration, and a shared passion for bringing people together. We love the big moments, but we’re just as excited to help you celebrate life’s smaller, meaningful ones too.

Meet the Team

A woman sitting on a wooden chair in a grassy outdoor area, smiling, with a large leafy tree in the background.
  • Jessica “Bird” Brown is an event planner, educator, and connector who brings vision to life through Crowded Table Events, the company she co-founded to celebrate people’s stories and best days. With 15 years of experience leading student leadership programs at the University of North Georgia, and now serving as Director of Innovation and Operations at ConnectAbility, Inc., Bird combines heart and expertise to create moments worth remembering.

    She chose a mid-century modern chair for its clean lines, simplicity, and comfort—qualities that mirror her own style. Just as her chair reflects intentional design, Bird strives to craft events that are welcoming, reliable, and deeply personal. To her, true celebration is about people and connection, a truth she first felt on her own wedding day and now brings to life for every guest she serves.

A woman with short dark hair, wearing glasses, a white blouse, and rust-colored pants, smiling outdoors with greenery and trees in the background. She is resting her hand on a black chair.
  • Melissa Walton is passionate about people and creating unforgettable events that bring them together, resulting in memories to last a lifetime. Deeply committed to her community, she serves on the Board of Directors for the award-winning Gold Rush Days Festival and often works behind the scenes at her church, perfecting sound, visuals, and media. With degrees from Young Harris College and the University of North Georgia (UNG), Melissa has built a 20-year career at UNG, where she currently serves as the Director of Academic Business Operations in the Office of Academic Affairs. A founding partner of Crowded Table Events, she brings her eye for detail and her mantra—“It’s a good day to have a good day”—to everything she does.

    Melissa chose a simple, comfortable blue chair from her office—the place she loves working and serving. For her, it reflects the welcoming spirit she strives to share with others. She believes celebration is all about bringing people together to be part of something special, a joy she carries into every event she helps design.

A woman in a long, patterned dress standing on grass beside an antique armchair, with a large leafy tree in the background.
  • Anna Brown is a founding member of Crowded Table Events and has spent more than fifteen years bringing people together through meaningful gatherings. Raised in Dahlonega, GA, she has built both her career and her family in the North Georgia mountains, drawing inspiration from the warmth and beauty of her community. In addition to her work with Crowded Table, Anna serves as Director of Programs for the TRUIST Center for Ethical Leadership at the University of North Georgia, where she focuses on building connection and purpose through leadership. Known for designing events that feel seamless and thoughtfully executed, she is passionate about ensuring every guest feels valued and every celebration leaves lasting memories.

    Anna chose a deep green velvet chair with carved details—unique, unexpected, and full of history. Once belonging to a dear friend, it represents the power of relationships and the beauty found in life’s little details. Much like her chair, Anna’s events are designed to feel welcoming, a little special, and filled with comfort, joy, and connection.

A woman sitting on a wooden chair outdoors on a grassy field, smiling and looking to the side with trees in the background.
  • Danielle Kane grew up in Blairsville, GA, where family gatherings sparked her love for adding special touches—whether picking the perfect plates for pizza night at Mammaw’s or baking cakes for Easter lunch. After moving to Dahlonega for college, the town gave her lasting roots, close friends who became business partners, and a place to call home. Danielle’s favorite part of event planning is the decorative details, from choosing themes to creating flower arrangements, always fueled by Diet Coke and a good playlist.

    She chose a vintage-inspired chair that reminds her of the simple pleasures in life and the family gatherings she grew up with. Though not the fanciest, it carries years of memories and connections—qualities she strives to bring into every event. For Danielle, celebration is about bringing people together in ways that feel thoughtful and unforgettable, whether it’s a surprise Steel Magnolias–themed 30th birthday or the retro dream party she planned for her 35th.

Group of five women sitting around a coffee table, engaged in conversation in a cozy room with wooden walls, one woman animatedly gesturing, and a large flat-screen TV on the wall.

Our Mission

We deliver seamless event planning experiences rooted in trust, precision, and connection – turning our clients’ visions into unforgettable moments. Our work not only celebrates individuals – it strengthens the fabric of our community.

Our Vision

To enrich our community by being the trusted partner in heartfelt, exceptional event design and coordination.

Our Core Values

Built on Trust

Trust is the foundation of every great celebration. We lead with integrity, deliver on our promises, and communicate with transparency every step of the way.

Authentic Connection

People are at the heart of what we do. We listen closely, build relationships, and design events that feel like a true reflection of you.

Excellence in Every Detail

Small things make a big difference. From your first inquiry to the final farewell, we approach every event with preparation, creativity, and a relentless commitment to quality.

Come Sit with Us!