Photo Credit: Collin Pierson Photography
About Michelle Durpetti
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’s 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 Restauranteurs List.” The restaurant (and family behind it) believe strongly in fostering relationships with non profit organizations and is proud to partner with 75 charitable organizations globally each year.
Locally, Nationally & Globally Recognized as an Italian, Hospitality & Planning Expert
Michelle’s influence extends well beyond her businesses. She is a proud member of the Board of Trustees for the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, a board member of the Illinois Restaurant Association, and a Development Board member for PAWS Chicago, one of the country’s leading no-kill animal shelters. She also proudly serves on the Sister Cities International program as a committee member of the Milan Sister City Committee, fostering cultural and business connections between Chicago and Milan.
Stella d’Italia Recipient
An avid equestrian, Michelle competes as an amateur rider, balancing her professional endeavors with her passion for horses. In June 2025, she was awarded the Stella d’Italia, one of Italy’s highest civilian honors, bestowed by the President of Italy to individuals who have significantly promoted Italian culture, heritage, and goodwill abroad.
Through her work in event planning, hospitality, and philanthropy, Michelle continues to make a lasting impact, bringing passion, expertise, and excellence to every project she undertakes.
