Personal

I am recently married, proudly Italian, and adopted. I am a business woman, an equestrian, a tastemaker and a mentor among many other things.

I love to honor the legacy of my family and be the best version of myself in all things, but especially in hospitality. I love nothing more than being known for throwing great parties - because what client doesn't want their planner to be the kind of person they want to go to party with, right?

I have jumped out of planes, ridden in hot air balloons and have eight yes, EIGHT!) tattoos. I have lived in another country, driven in a stock car race, and I proudly own my very own motorhome. I am also food obsessed and driven by all things sparkly (like a big magpie essentially).

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This website is the 360 degree story of my life and what I have learned thus far (and continue to learn every day). I hope to share with you within these blogs what I accomplish, what I fail at, what matters to me and how in the end we are not all as far apart as we may seem. The human factor is truly a beautiful thing, and having humanity for the world around me is my mission.

My ethos, the very spirit of who I am manifests itself in my beliefs and aspirations and this is where I am going to share all of what develops that, drives that and shapes that.

My life, designed by me. Shaped by many factors. and lived honestly and with intention. My hope is to continue to live my life walking to the beat of my own drum while never judging anybody else's beat. So I welcome to this space all those souls who share these beliefs and revel in this kind of magic, created by love, kindness, education, tolerance, some sage burning, and a belief that faith - regardless of religion can carry us all through the storms that we will inevitably weather.

I look forward to sharing all of the facets of my life here; from my adventures in Wedding Planning (10 years strong owning my own business!), to my Managing Partner journey in my family’s hospitality business that is approaching 80 years in business. Throw in a dash of travel, a whole lot of amateur equestrian competitive goals and a smidge of Italian obsession and you have just scratched the surface. I am obsessed with the pursuit of excellence in life. I love to create events, weddings, restaurants and moments that make people FEEL things.

The Importance Of Family

The Importance Of Family

In my life, I move in a lot of directions on a daily basis, and something that I find so important is always having an idea of where my center is. Knowing what grounds me, what makes me feel whole and good and confident is so crucial to having the courage to make...
Allow me to introduce myself….

Allow me to introduce myself….

So I should probably introduce myself, officially. My name is Michelle Durpetti. I am a Chicago resident, a third generation restauranteur, a wedding planner and an equestrian among other things. I am married for about a year, and I recently turned 40. I My life is...
Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day however contrite and cheesy you may be, I do love you so! Taking a moment to recognize all who bring love in to my life is a day I will gladly get behind! I am a really blessed person because I have a few grand loves in my life. Actually more than a...
Turning 40

Turning 40

So, 40 years old has officially happened..  And you know what? I welcomed it, even if it kind of freaked me out a bit. Mainly because yesterday I was 22 with all if it in front of me, and boom. Here we are. With a sliver of life behind me, and ten lifetimes worth of...

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