Ribbon Sports
I’m Colette Willard, founder of Ribbon Sports, a Chicago-based wedding planning studio for people who care about how their wedding feels just as much as how it looks.
I have over a decade of experience leading high-volume events for organizations like the Chicago Reader and Chicago Public Media, where coordination across teams, vendors, and timelines was critical.
My background in cultural programming shapes how I plan. I’m not just thinking about timelines, but how the day actually unfolds, how decisions connect, how vendors align, and how each part of the event moves from one moment to the next.
I started Ribbon Sports to work with couples who want something personal and design-forward, but don’t want to piece it together themselves. I’ll give you honest recommendations, help you navigate tradeoffs, and keep things moving without making the experience feel rigid or overwhelming.
On the day itself, I make sure everything runs the way it should so you don’t have to think about it. I pay attention to how people feel in the room, and adjusting in real time. You get to be present, your guests feel taken care of, and the whole thing unfolds naturally.
Based in Chicago and available for travel. I take on a limited number of weddings each year.
Now booking 2026 and 2027.
What People Are Saying
Colette is an absolute dream to work with. My partner and I were so overwhelmed by the process of wedding planning, but as soon as we sat down with Colette, the stress melted away. She made us feel so relaxed — it was the first time we’d felt like we actually COULD pull off what we wanted for our day and still enjoy the process. She had great ideas, asked really helpful questions, and was a go-getter the whole way through.
— Molly + Dominick
As someone who is easily stressed with events, I never thought I'd be so relaxed on my own wedding day! Ribbon Sports was able to take on the most stressful aspects of the day with an efficiency that did not sacrifice precision. Colette felt super organized without making the day feel rigid or losing some of the spontaneous magic that makes. She took my vision and made them come to reality. Forever grateful.
— Gus + JoeColette makes you feel like you’re just having a good time with a friend. She’s finds ways to help you express yourself creatively and realistically. She also has a great eye for style and aesthetic. I cannot recommend Colette enough. She’s a friend for life! Will work with her again and again if we have the opportunity!!
— Gabby + David
