Elegant Events, Lasting Memories
Since 2006, Carolyn Jones has made each event an experience to be remembered through her business, Elegant Events.
Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter
Carolyn Jones has dedicated much of her life to helping others feel beautiful.
With a successful career as a legal assistant at the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and as a hairdresser, she seamlessly balanced her professional life with her passion for event planning. For years, she spent her free time organizing and coordinating events for friends and family. In 2006, she transformed her side hustle into a full-time career.
"In 2005, while my husband was deployed to Iraq, I decided to take a course to be a Professional Bridal Consultant. I completed that course in April of 2006. I started Elegant Events from my home in Carbon Hill and, a few years later, purchased a small building in Carbon Hill. I eventually moved Elegant Events to Jasper, and we were on the road all the time putting on events for clients. I did some pageants occasionally, but mostly did proms and weddings. It was interesting to see it go from doing events free for friends and family to this. But I am proud of what my career has become," Carolyn says.
After a tornado damaged her first Carbon Hill location, Carolyn sold it and, in 2020, purchased her current building. Formerly a church, Elegant Events' facility now hosts various events, including weddings, proms, birthday parties, funerals, and reunions. It's a one-stop shop, offering event space, planning, and coordination. Carolyn works with all budgets and visions, handling every detail.
Elegant Events features a chapel, two event rooms, and bride and groom suites. The largest event room accommodates 400 guests, while a smaller room serves more intimate gatherings.
On wedding days, brides and bridesmaids can bring hair, makeup, and nail stylists to the facility and enjoy pampering in a private suite. Groomsmen have a separate house on the property with a barbershop to keep them looking fresh. With Carolyn coordinating every detail, each event becomes a memorable experience.
"I take a lot of stress away from my clients because I not only decorate for them but also help them organize and manage their events.
I create relaxing, memorable experiences for them," Carolyn says. "For weddings, I'll bring in a chef to make a special breakfast and arrange massages for the bride and groom. I want every event to be special."
Carolyn stays busy but says there is no "busy season" when it comes to event planning. "This past year, I think I did three proms in the same week. I like that my calendar varies," she says.
As a business owner, Carolyn can balance work with her personal life, which is one of many reasons she truly feels that work doesn't feel like work. Her passion for her job and helping others keeps her motivated.
"I feel good, especially when people see what 1 have done with their budgets, and they are very appreciative. They go out of their way to thank me with a card or a gift, and it is wonderful to see that my kindness is reciprocated," Carolyn says.
"I have had other careers, but I feel more fulfilled doing this. Helping people put events together and seeing their reactions when it is more than what they expected is so special. That this can be my main job is a blessing," she continues.
No matter the occasion, Carolyn Jones works hard to make each client's big day special. By combining her passion with a driven attitude, Carolyn has built a career that fulfills her, serves others, and creates memorable experiences — one event at a time. 78