The People Behind the Details

More than planners, we're trusted partners throughout the entire journey. From the first design conversation to the final farewell, our team is dedicated to creating an experience that allows you to be fully present while we bring your vision to life.

Ella Jackson

Senior Wedding Planner & Designer

Courtney Stone

Founder & Creative Director

Ella’s approach to wedding planning is rooted in thoughtful design, intentional details, and creating celebrations that feel as meaningful as they are beautiful. With years of experience in planning, design, and production, she brings a balance of creative vision and meticulous organization to every wedding, ensuring each element feels cohesive and thoughtfully executed.

A Wilmington native with a love for coastal living and timeless design, Ella believes a wedding is more than a single day, it’s a collection of moments shared with the people you love most. She is passionate about creating an experience where couples can be fully present, knowing every detail has been thoughtfully considered and beautifully brought to life.

As the founder of Kickstand Events, Courtney has spent years creating thoughtfully designed celebrations that blend timeless elegance with deeply personal details. Her approach is rooted in the belief that exceptional weddings are built through intentional planning, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to creating an experience that feels effortless from beginning to end.

With a wealth of experience in event design, production, and planning, Courtney brings both artistry and expertise to every celebration. Her ability to see the big picture while caring for the smallest details has shaped Kickstand into the trusted planning studio it is today, creating coastal celebrations that feel refined, personal, and unforgettable.

my passion

Is to make the world a little more beautiful — whether by capturing the magic of a wedding day or telling stories that truly matter. It’s work I’m grateful to do.

Your words mean the world to me. Hearing your thoughts and experiences inspires me to keep creating with passion and purpose. 

kind words

  • Karly & Brock

    “Courtney helped us create the most beautiful wedding, and truly brought our vision to life in a way that felt even better than we imagined. The entire day was perfect!! She made the planning process so smooth, organized, and stress-free. We are so grateful for Courtney and cannot recommend her enough. If you are looking for a planner who is talented, kind, detail-oriented, and truly invested in making your day special, she is the one!!”

    -Karly Fitzgerald (Fall 2025 Bride)

  • ELLA & LEE

    “Working with Kickstand Events in Wilmington, NC has always felt like collaborating with a team that genuinely cares about every detail. Having partnered with them on several occasions, I’ve witnessed firsthand their remarkable ability to transform ideas into unforgettable experiences, all while maintaining a personal touch that makes you feel like more than just a client. Their blend of creativity, meticulous planning, and heartfelt commitment consistently elevates every event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved. I can’t recommend Kickstand Events enough for anyone seeking a partner who turns visions into reality with passion and expertise!”

    -Lee Jackson (Spring 2026 Groom)

Our Vision

Our vision is to create timeless celebrations where thoughtful design, genuine hospitality, and meaningful moments come together effortlessly.