Michelle Durpetti Events is a small but mighty group of intelligent, hardworking and qualified professionals who believe in focus. Volume is not what we do, so you will never hear us talking about 70 weddings in a year or a team of 10+ people. The services we offer are specific, targeted and finely tuned. For us, each client begins a journey with us and we work very hard to be with them and present every step of the way.
It is our belief that everyone is entitled to a beautifully planned and executed wedding or special event, regardless of race, religion, creed, or sexual orientation. We work very hard to create lovely events that are well celebrated for our clients and their guests.
The line of services we offer are far from limited. Our foundation is built on a few beliefs; the key principle is that our event planners must have logistical knowledge. In a nut, this means that we know it is our job to be taskmasters as well as create the “to-do” list. We manage the turnaround time, deadlines, and expectations, all while checking these items off one by one.
The second belief, that is fundamental here at MDE, is that we have passion for and believe in what we are doing. When we are working with a not-for-profit organization, it is our responsibility to manage tasks on their behalf so that they can focus their efforts on raising funds and executing the programs and initiatives that are the foundation of that particular charity. When we work with our wedding, private and social clients, it is our responsibility to be a resource, a sounding board, and a problem solver. We experience this with our corporate clients when we dedicate ourselves to building an event through which they can sell to, educate or motivate their audiences about their brand. We have come to learn that without passion, none of this works.
The MDE Belief System
about us
gallery photos: collin pierson photography
passionately
meet the founder
Michelle Durpetti is a distinguished event planner, hospitality expert, and equestrian, celebrated for her multifaceted contributions across industries. As the founder and creative director of Michelle Durpetti Events (MDE), established in 2008, she has orchestrated over 400 weddings and events globally, specializing in luxury destination weddings in Italy.
Michelle Durpetti
Her expertise in curating elegant, detail-driven celebrations has earned her features in People Magazine, Travel & Leisure, FOX Business, Yahoo!, Loverly, ABC news, WGN-9 Chicago, Partyslate, Perfete, Eater, Forbes, Better Homes & Gardens, USA Today, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, Grace Ormonde, Crain’s Chicago Business, Carats & Cake, Inside Weddings, Brides, The New York Times, MSN and Munaluchi Magazine.
Beyond event planning, Michelle is the Managing Partner of Gene & Georgetti, Chicago’s legendary Tuscan steakhouse, established in 1941. The restaurant is a proud recipient of the Ospitalità Italiana designation, an honor awarded by the Italian government recognizing establishments that uphold the highest standards of Italian hospitality, cuisine, and tradition. Under Michelle’s leadership, Gene & Georgetti continues to be an institution in Chicago’s dining scene, earning accolades such as the Jean Banchet ‘Chicago Classic’ Lifetime Achievement Award, The Chicago Tribune 2024 Food Awards, and inclusion on NewCity’s “Big 2023 Restaurateurs List.”
Michelle’s influence extends beyond her businesses. She is an active board member of the Illinois Restaurant Association, advocating for the restaurant and hospitality industry. She also serves on the PAWS Chicago Development Board, supporting one of the country’s leading no-kill animal shelters. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Sister Cities International program as a committee member of the Milan Sister City Committee, fostering cultural and business exchanges between Chicago and Milan.
An avid equestrian, Michelle competes as an amateur rider, balancing her professional endeavors with her passion for horses. She also holds the distinguished title of Knight of Alba, an honor recognizing her commitment to preserving Italian heritage and traditions.
Through her work in event planning, hospitality, and philanthropy, Michelle Durpetti continues to make a lasting impact, bringing passion, expertise, and excellence to every project she undertakes.
Dedicated
photo: collin pierson photography
photo: collin pierson photography
With a shared commitment to excellence and personalized service, the team collaborates seamlessly to bring each client’s vision to life. Whether managing intricate logistics or crafting stunning designs, the MDE team ensures every detail is executed flawlessly, delivering unforgettable experiences with warmth, professionalism, and creativity.
The Michelle Durpetti Events team is a group of passionate, detail-driven professionals dedicated to creating extraordinary celebrations.
event consultant
Chris Rebollo joined the Turnkey Hospitality team in November of 2015. A graduate of DePaul University and fluent in three languages, Chris brings his international studies degree, his contagious humor, and his beautiful joy for life to our events and weddings on a daily basis. With experience within his own family business, as well as within the non-profit field, Chris has learned how to build events ranging from weddings to charitable events and galas for our clients that are organized, energized and unforgettable.
Chris has been a member of NACE, WIPA, and also served on the auction committee for the Wish Upon A Wedding Gala in Chicago. He has grown an extensive network of vendors and creative partners through his event work, as well as his participation in the events community.
A few years ago, Chris and Michelle decided to combine their mutual love of travel and beautiful events together by creating a destination wedding division of MDE, which Chris is an integral part of. When he is not planning destination weddings with MDE, he is traveling the globe, including his second home in Mexico City.
A piece of his heart has always lived in Mexico along with much of his Father’s family. Chris is incredibly proud of his Mexican heritage and celebrates it whenever he can. He is an expert on Mexican culture, tradition and diplomacy and is such a joy for our clients to have on the team for the Spanish-speaking destinations!
Also fluent in Italian (he studied in his Mom’s family’s hometown of Lucca), Chris is solutions-oriented, easy-going, and as organized as it gets. He loves a beautiful plate of pasta, and can never say no to prosciutto. His language skills are especially valuable to our destination clients, with a specialty of Chris’ being family communication on the day of the wedding. Our clients love the energy he brings to a wedding day. Our vendors love the communication and happiness that he brings to each project. We can’t wait for you to meet him, because we know you will love him too!
Chris Rebollo
event consultant
We are thrilled to introduce Brigit McDonnell as the newest member of the MDE team! A proud alum of Indiana University, Brigit brings valuable industry experience in planning and decor design. Throughout her career, she has orchestrated a range of large-scale luxury events, including corporate functions, social gatherings, and weddings at some of Chicago’s most prestigious venues. Notable projects include a lavish wedding adorned with 20,000 red roses and a creative Harry Potter-themed holiday party. When she’s not busy crafting design decks or scheduling event timelines, Brigit enjoys cheering on Chicago’s sports teams, exploring new destinations, and diving into a good book.
Brigit McDonnell
photo: collin pierson photography
We can’t wait to work with you to create a celebration as unique and unforgettable as your story. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair, the Michelle Durpetti Events team is here to ensure every detail is seamless and every moment is extraordinary. Ready to get started? Contact us today to begin designing your dream event!
