A Florida native, Kelly McWilliams, a destination wedding planner-designer has been producing weddings, social events and celebrations since 2002. In 2018, her business expanded beyond Florida to formally include Nevis & St. Kitts to her roster of islands and Waterfront cities which already included Sanibel, Captiva, Marco, Boca Grande, Naples & the Florida Keys. Her company, Kelly McWilliams Celebrations, Weddings & Parties, has been a leader in the destination wedding industry in SW Florida by keeping the local industry community based and fostering over 40 college student internships. She helped to put the not so metropolitan area on the map for destination weddings. through media press & publish and by bringing what was “big and happening” in the major metropolitan areas back to this small region on the Florida Gulf Coast. In 2016 Kelly also began consulting with venues to help them “up their game” and obtain appeal for more luxury wedding clientele.

When it comes to creating weddings, Kelly’s most known for her designs which are subtle with statements. Her goal is that the events are as equal in beauty as they are an outstanding experience no guest will ever forget; and that they are as personalized as they are traditionally elegant. Her weddings have graced the pages of The knot, Inside Weddings, Brides, Destination I Do, Modern Luxury, Destination Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Celebration Society, Bridal Guide and countless others. She has been quoted on CNN, NBC, Fox and spoken at countless industry conferences around the globe.

Kelly has been married to her husband also named Kelly for over 20 years and is a mom to daughters Madeline & Emily and her dog Monreau Gray. In the upcoming year Kelly will be expanding her commitment to sharing her expertise with her IGTV channel for engaged couples and small group 1 day intensives for wedding professionals.

• Kelly's background and how she went from actress to accountant to wedding planner
• What you should do to connect with other attendees and conference organizers before you attend
• Why Kelly suggests having a conference roommate
• The benefits of adding on a day before or after the conference
• Kelly's thoughts on international conferences
• Post-event follow up