Since 1983, Blue Plate has served as the go-to catering and hospitality company in Chicago. Offering innovative cuisine, customized menus, and personalized service, the Weddings by Blue Plate team makes bridal dreams a reality.

About the Blue Plate Team

Ken Severin, Sales Manager

Cupcakes and candy buffets? Absolutely. For, Ken Severin the perfect wedding comes together when all elements align seamlessly to fit the exact personality of the bride and groom. With over a thousand weddings under his belt, Ken has applied a modern twist to some of Blue Plate’s most recognizable venue clients, including the River East Art Center, Ivy Room and New Leaf.

After graduating with a Grand Diploma in French Cuisine from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu de Paris and serving as Director of Catering for the Omni Orrignton, the InterContinental Chicago and Westin Michigan Avenue it comes as no surprise that weddings would be the perfect fit for this natural entertainer. When it comes to his clients, Ken is out to please; getting the greatest satisfaction from knowing he has helped to build an unforgettable day for his client.

Ken loves to dish out high-energy events to all his clients, focusing on show stopping hors d’ oeuvres and signature sweet tables. Having seen it all, Ken’s greatest tip to brides is to make sure they create a memorable wedding by making in their own, its your wedding after all! 

Melissa Samek, Sales Producer

With a firm belief in the use of vintage accessories and a penchant for old Hollywood glamour, Melissa joined the Blue Plate team in (2007) fulfilling a life-long desire to create memorable events.

Pulling from experiences gained in both the advertising and media field, Melissa guides each of her events as a production, with a keen attention to detail and a complete dedication to her bride and groom. Not willing to take a back seat when it comes to planning, she is involved in all steps of the process. From drafting proposals to venue selection and food tastings, Melissa always goes the extra mile to make sure each wedding has its own unique touch.

Melissa’s wedding tips? No stranger to thinking outside the box, she loves when a couple wants to incorporate fresh, personal touches into a traditional ceremony. Bold pops of color, fuchsias and corals are a favorite, or an after-dancing cheeseburger buffet, Melissa is ready to make her clients dreams a reality. While she enjoys all parts of the planning process, her greatest reward is seeing a client ecstatic with the final result.

Haley Hartner, Event Producer

Haley references her education in Apparel and Textile Design from Michigan State University on a daily basis as she manages every aspect of event production. From providing expert advice on linen and equipment rentals to overseeing menu development and staffing placement, Haley has a hand in all elements of every Wedding success.

Prior to joining the Blue Plate team, Haley served as an Event Assistant at the Chicago Cultural Center and worked for LOLA Event Productions. Attention to detail and dedication to her sales associates have propelled Haley’s numerous notable accomplishments.