Heart Events by EDÉM: A New Beginning for Heart Events in St. Charles  

Heart Events and its two venues, Old Stone Chapel and Le Belle Coeur, have been a staple in St. Charles for years. After the former owner of Heart Events retired, the company entered a new chapter as Heart Events by EDÉM, under the new ownership of Romney Rice-Dunn. 

Romney has been in the wedding and event industry for more than a decade, successfully executing world-class events of all kinds with her keen eye for detail and sophistication. She excels in providing premier services that exude elegance, catering to her clients’ unique needs and tastes. With her, she brings long-standing relationships with trusted vendors, as well as an unwavering commitment to helping clients bring their dream events to life no matter their budget.

July 2023 marked the one year anniversary of Romney’s tenure as owner, which she views as “only the beginning” of an exciting new adventure. Get to know more about the new ownership behind Heart Events by EDÉM in this interview with Romney Rice-Dunn: from a recap of the first year, and the challenges of taking on difficult past experiences, to the many amazing changes to come in the future.    

Q&A: Meet Romney Rice-Dunn

• How did you come to own Heart Events?
  I have been working in the events industry for nearly 14 years, and for as long as I can remember my family has been involved in the service industry in some capacity. In 2015, our parents opened their own full-service catering business, seeing one of my mother’s dreams finally fulfilled. Sadly, she passed away in 2019 before she was able to truly take their business to the next level, which was something she had always dreamed of doing. Some of our last conversations together were about how I could achieve her dream and continue to grow the family business. At this point, I was already working in the events industry, so incorporating my mom’s catering business with the event services I was already offering felt like a perfect continuation of my career and the next phase of her business.
  
  It was in 2017 that I met the previous owner of Heart Events at Old Stone Chapel while I was on an assignment and helping her with an event. Over the next few years, she and I worked together on a variety of projects, where I grew deeply familiar with her brand, services, and clients. When she decided to retire, taking ownership of Heart Events felt like a natural next step, and I was thrilled to begin elevating the business and our offerings.

• What excites you most about this new position?
  I have always loved getting to witness the joy on our clients’ faces when their big day finally arrives, and being in event services means we get to experience that joy every single day. Even during stressful moments, it’s our silver lining. I think that’s what excites me most about this new position: being an even larger part of those happy memories we are helping our clients create. When you see all the details come to life and the smiles and laughter fill the room, the long days and nights are instantly worth it.

• What changes have you made or plan to make?
  There are many developments underway at Heart Events by EDÉM, and we are continuing to elevate our offerings. Our clients can rest assured they are getting the best possible event-planning services in the St. Charles area. In the past, Heart Events was strictly focused on weddings. While we still offer an array of exceptional wedding services, we want people to know we do so much more, including luncheons, corporate event planning, and concerts, just to name a few. We have also been actively renovating both of our intimate wedding venues — the Old Stone Chapel and Le Belle Coeur — to ensure they are up to modern standards and bring a real “wow” factor to each and every occasion.
  
  We pride ourselves on our 100% individualized experiences. We are constantly looking for ways to increase customization such as browsing alternate venues and wedding locations that will allow us to serve our clients better. We are also currently working on offering our very own bridal suite that clients can rent for the day which will offer privacy and comfort, located a short two-minute drive away from the wedding venue. The renovated house will have a modern kitchen, a lounge area, a dedicated space for hair and makeup, massage tables, and more, ensuring the bridal party and guests have their own designated area to get pampered and polished before their big day.

• What might you say to someone who is hesitant to book Heart Events by EDÉM given past reviews?
  We have had to address clients being dissatisfied with previous service under a different team, and it is not something we plan to overlook or ignore. Our clients are our top priority, and we will do what it takes to make sure that they walk away satisfied and happy at the end of their experience with us.
  
  Clients who book with us can rest assured they will receive honest, transparent, two-way communication throughout the entire process of our partnership. No one will ever feel forgotten or left out of the planning process, whether they’re hands-off clients who prefer to leave everything in our capable hands or the type who want to be heavily involved every step of the way. Through candid communication and face-to-face interactions, we are hoping that those who may not have previously received the experience they wanted can continue a new path forward, with our new team.

• Why should people consider Heart Events by EDÉM for their next event?
  Our customer service is next to none. We’re not a wedding or reception “factory” where each event is the same, cookie-cutter experience, pumped out multiple times a day. Being a small business allows us to execute a highly customized, unique experience, no matter the event. We work with you to understand your needs, your budget, and your personal taste. No matter the occasion, you deserve the time and space to enjoy it. We are in the business of creating memories, and we truly love what we do and I think that is reflected in our one-of-a-kind events and customer service experience.
  
  Being in the St. Charles community also allows us to partner with other small businesses in the area that you simply can’t find anywhere else, and we are honored to be able to offer some of their exceptional services and products to our clients.

• What types of events can be hosted with Heart Events by EDÉM?
  While many think of weddings when they hear our name, we offer event services for a full array of occasions, including bridal showers, baby showers, luncheons, brunches, concerts, conferences, rehearsal dinners, and more. Our two venues, Old Stone Chapel and Le Belle Coeur, can be completely customized to fit your unique needs and comfortably accommodate your guests. Have an event you’re dreaming of but not sure where to start? We can make it happen.

• What services do you offer?
  It’s important to us that our clients have whatever they might need right at their fingertips. That’s why we offer a variety of services, such as catering (including wedding menu planning), full-service event planning, decor services, sound and lighting, personalized favors, dessert bars, and makeup and styling. We also work one-on-one with an awesome DJ company to create the perfect setlist for your event. In fact, every vendor and company we partner with we know and can personally vouch for. Clients who book services with us can rest assured they are receiving first-class services from highly rated, trusted companies.

• How would you describe Heart Events by EDÉM in three words?
  Fun. When you book with us, not only will your event be filled with joy, but the planning process will be, too!
  
  Energetic. We like to keep things upbeat and positive. Even on the hard days, we’re always finding something to laugh about.
  
  Happy. Not many businesses can say they play a pivotal part in what is often the happiest day of someone’s life. Because we know how much this day means to you, you are treated like family when you book with us.

• What’s your number one tip for people looking to plan their next big event?
  When you’re looking for the perfect venue, it’s important to weigh your options. Do your research and shop around, noting everything the company offers in comparison to their prices and fees. It is equally important to pay attention to how you’re treated. After all, planning a wedding or event can take many weeks, so it’s important that the company you select treats you with the care and attention you deserve.
  
  Look for a company that will give you a highly personalized, customized experience that feels uniquely you. How much involvement you would like may also impact your decision. Are you looking for a hands-on experience, or would you rather leave the majority of the planning process in someone else’s hands? Every person has a unique preference, and at Heart Events by EDÉM, we see and recognize this and will never pressure you to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for you.

• What do you want people to know about the future of weddings and events at Heart Events by EDÉM?
  This is just the beginning of the changes we plan to bring, and we are incredibly excited for the future. However, we are nothing without our clients, and we want to hear from them about what’s working and what could use improvement. As we grow and evolve, it’s important to us that we continue to uphold our commitment to putting our clients first, offering personalized services that are free of gimmicks and hidden fees. As a small business, we are able to offer a level of service and intentionality that is unmatched and we plan to continue to set that industry standard with each new endeavor we embark on. 

Contact Heart Events by EDÉM
Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding or event? Book with Heart Events by EDÉM today!