MEET the

TEAM

We certainly don’t claim to be the creative mind behind your event; in fact, we’d say we’re just the opposite. Instead of creative design, we’re all about logistics—the nitty gritty details that all culminate together in a seamless event, pulled off without a hitch.

We focus on organization, teamwork, and logistics to flawlessly execute your creative vision. Five Grain is meticulous, professional, and obsessed with details; no matter what you’re dreaming up, we’re the team that makes it happen! Whether you’re working with an event designer, or just have a creative vision of your own, we take care of all the logistics. Hand all the tricky planning and minute details over to us—it’s what we love. We’ll monitor precise spreadsheets and timelines, handle vendor negotiations and contracts, and set up every last detail of your creative design. Communication is a top-priority throughout the process, so you’ll be in the loop every step of the way.

Our job is to seamlessly bring your inspiration to life, so you can enjoy the occasion without worrying about a single thing. Allow us to handle the planning and coordination, while you handle the enjoyment and celebration. Let’s plan a party!

To me, there is nothing more fulfilling than a client’s expression at the end of an event—relaxed, enjoying the party, and completely stress-free.
— joan

joan
Cinquegrani

owner • lead consultant

Joan Cinquegrani (she/her/hers) grew up with “Type A” tendencies. She planned her family vacations starting from age 13, she color-coordinated her closet (despite her mother’s eye rolls), and she continues to be the one to organize get-togethers for friends and family. Her background in non-profit events gives Joan a unique perspective on event execution and design within a budget. Her eye for detail ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Five Grain Events (derived from Joan’s married last name… in Italian, cinque = five and grani = grains) is determined to deliver the event you’ve always imagined, without the stress of wondering who is going to handle it all!

In 2011 Joan began co-hosting a monthly wedding and event industry networking event called Thursday Therapy. Mingling with hundreds of new and well-known event professionals each month has been an enormous asset. With ample industry connections, Five Grain Events is well-equipped to connect each client to the ideal vendor in every category. Whether you are a newly engaged couple who needs a helping hand, or the host of a one-of-a-kind corporate function, Five Grain would love to craft an event strategy perfectly tailored to you.

Emily
Rodecker

Senior Event Consultant • Director of New Business

Emily (she/her/hers) loves bringing people together to celebrate—for almost any reason. Events encompass many aspects of her favorite traits about herself: her ability to stay cool under pressure, foresee issues before they arise, and make people happy. Oh, and her obsessive list-making. Emily has dual degrees in English and Journalism from Loyola University Chicago and a background in nonprofit arts management and events. She currently resides in Chicago with her husband and two children.

Jennifer
Duczak

Event Coordinator

From the day she was tall enough to hang clothes in her closet, Jennifer (she/her/hers) began to showcase her organizational skills. At the tender age of five she was already color-coordinating her entire wardrobe along with every single one of her Barbies. It is no surprise that 25 years later she has truly embraced all of her organizational skills and put them to use in the name of party planning!

As a native to Chicago, Jennifer has been immersed in Chicago’s hospitality scene for nearly 9 years. Graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management laid the foundation for her successful career in Chicago’s luxury hotel market. Throughout Jennifer’s career she has showcased her expertise in planning, managing, and executing corporate and social events with a specialization in weddings. Her passion for weddings, combined with the highest level of professionalism, account for countless successful events over the years.

Jennifer makes a promise to herself as well as to her clients to provide personalized attention throughout the planning process and create a truly memorable experience.

Kelly
DeMarino

Event Coordinator

The only thing Kelly (she/her/hers) loves more than a well organized spreadsheet or a completed to-do list, is a good party. After spending 8 years at a small accounting firm in Chicago, she developed an incredible attention to detail and knack for managing various projects at once. But the one thing missing was the thrill and satisfaction she receives when bringing people together and making their imagined event a reality.

Kelly truly understands and appreciates the energy and emotion invested in one’s wedding day or big event. And while she strives to make that day as perfect as possible, her other greatest focus is ensuring that each person involved enjoys the special moments of the planning process that become long-lasting memories all their own.

Christina
Reis

Event Coordinator

For as long as she can remember, Christina (she/her/hers) has been the go-to for throwing a party, given her hyper organization and love of socializing. After working in the non-profit arts world for some time, this duality is what ultimately led Christina to a career in event planning, and she couldn’t be happier. Her balance between organization and creativity is reflected in her multifaceted background in communications and dance, and she loves using her skills to make others happy and stress-free. Christina values getting to know her clients on an individual basis, and working with them every step of the way to ensure their event is a success.

Theresa
Carter

Office Manager and Lead Event Assistant

Theresa (she/her/hers) is a proud native of Blacksburg, Virginia who found her knack for organization at an early age. She comes from a large Irish Catholic family where having organizational skills was necessary for survival. Theresa honed her meticulous record-keeping skills at her parents’ landscaping company filing paperwork for her mom as soon as she had a full grasp of alphabetical order. Her organization skills helped her excel in high school and college; she graduated from Virginia Tech in 2010 with a degree in Human Development with honors. She worked in the service industry to put herself through college; and after graduating she organized a monthly event in Blacksburg that brought musicians, djs, and local vendors together to throw an unforgettable party. Shortly after moving to Chicago, she met the notorious eventeur Emily Rodecker from Five Grain Events through her endless web of family connections and joined the team. She has not looked back since!