Welcome to the Keaton Events & Design Blog! This post is dedicated to introducing ourselves to you all and how my sister and I got started in the event planning industry. The attached picture is of my sister, Kara and I at my wedding back in November at Hotel ZaZa! She's the beautiful brunette! :)

Kristi Varela is head coordinator and owner with 7 years experience in event planning. Prior to establishing Keaton Events, Kristi garnered her event planning experience while working in Public Relations assisting in the planning and production of various galas such as the American Heart Association Gala, Houston Astros Wives Gala, the Sunshine Kids Gala, and Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) Gala. She has a passion for philanthrophy, co-chairing the 2009 Northwest Houston Heart Ball, raising $500k for the American Heart Association. In addition, Kristi planned her sorority alumni reunion (Go Chi-o!) for Texas State, bringing together over 60 sisters throughout the nation for the event. Kristi attended Texas State University in San Marcos, TX majoring in English. Kristi loves the work she does with event planning and the relationships she gains with her clients. Kristi recently got married in Houston and she and her husband now reside in the Heights.   

Kara DiCarlo is owner and coordinator at Keaton Events & Design. Kara has 14 years experience in sales and marketing working in the wine and spirits industry as well as the executive recruiting industry. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree from the McCombs school of Business. While Kara is at the helm of our business she also assists the coordinators on the day of the events. Kara handles the majority of our blog and facebook posts.  Kara lives in the Houston metro area with her wonderful husband and two adorable sons.