Event planner shares her love of all things Tahoe

After almost two years, Kerry Hawk has come to realize her business, Blue Sky Events, is based on the red carpet treatment for a variety of adventure seekers.

Hawk organizes corporate retreats, special events, weddings, honeymoons and even wedding proposals. One such proposal planned for next month represents the biggest venture to date. A Florida client plans to spend $20,000 for a day-long videotaped wedding proposal involving champagne, hot chocolate and a sleigh ride to a tree where an engagement ring will be attached. Candles are expected to line the path to their cabin at the Black Bear Inn later that night.

"He's spending as much as some people do for weddings," Hawk said. "It will be a spectacular event."

Hawk, 30, knows the specialty art of event planning, having logged 10 years in the business. She worked as an event and sales manager for Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Cruises. Before that four-year gig, she also booked entertainment for Woodwind Sailing Cruises.

Moving here in 1997, the South Lake Tahoe woman started 2004 with bold plans, kicking off the year by opening Blue Sky Events. She had the contacts, experience and desire to move forward with her idea.

"I always wanted to have my own business," Hawk said, adding she was surprised more competition didn't exist in town.

There are motives beyond making a living in a pretty place.

"I just love showing Tahoe to people for the first time. It was a personal interest and flowed into my own business. My goal is to give people that top-notch Tahoe experience," the Pennsylvania native said.

For her first year in business, Hawk has forced herself to separate the personal from the professional because it was easy to work around the clock. But during her second year, she realized downtime was necessary.

With the help of her husband Jason, Hawk has established a growing business including a Heavenly Village account.

Blue Sky Events can be reached at (530) 545-9429 or (530) 543-1109.