Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.
Haley Pivnick orchestrates unforgettable gatherings with her legendary “get shit done” mentality. A former attorney and the founder of Detailed Events by Haley, her boundless energy and tactical execution skills shine through in every event she plans, whether it’s a mitzvah, wedding, or milestone celebration. Originally from Wilmette, Haley now calls Highland Park home, drawn to its charm and abundant opportunities. Her journey from law to event planning was serendipitous, fueled by a lifelong knack for organization and a passion for creating memorable experiences. Through her meticulous planning process and unwavering dedication, Haley ensures her clients can fully immerse themselves in their special moments. Connect with her on Instagram @detailedeventsbyhaley or via email at [email protected] to bring your vision to life. Welcome, Haley!
Hi Haley! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hi! I’m Haley Pivnick of Detailed Events by Haley. I plan events of all sizes including mitzvahs, weddings and milestone events. I am originally from Wilmette and went to The University of Illinois for college and law school. I now live in Highland Park. My husband and I were drawn to Highland Park because it’s a charming town full of amazing resources and opportunities. Plus the proximity to the lake, the train line and the highway can’t be beat!
I have two boys and a girl ages 12, 9 and 6. They are the best combination of fierce and loving. We spend our time running from one activity to the next (they are admittedly overscheduled) but we always make time to try the newest ramen joint and venture out to PuttShack for a family game of electronic mini golf. The best part of being their mom is seeing the world through their eyes – both the big and the small moments. There is never a dull moment.
Share a random childhood memory – go!
This is one of my most vivid childhood memories – One winter vacation when I was in second grade, we traveled to Fort Lauderdale with our huge extended family. My aunt and uncle saved a handful of lounge chairs by the pool. I laid down on one of those chairs and began sunbathing. A couple minutes later, a large hairy man in his fifties flipped over the chair I was laying in and dumped me off causing me to hit the concrete. He claimed it was “his lounge chair” that I had unwittingly poached. Resort pool politics is real.
Your mantra?
Be your own detective. You will find the answer.
For me personally, this often means searching ’till I reach the end of the internet, typically on Etsy or Instagram, as I search for inspiration for the perfect party favor or bouquet style.
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent?
Nothing beats the Detroit Greek salad at Hometown or the Bright Balls from Bright Bowls. I eat both in my car constantly. My favorite date night spots are Pomeroy and Le Colonial. Both have lush patios that make you feel like you’ve been whisked out of town for the evening. For family outings, we love trips to “the secret rock beach” (ie. the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan). My kids go nuts for the popcorn and chicken fingers at Norton’s.
What gets you through a tough day?
I rely heavily on my girl friends to get me through a tough day. They are my sounding board, lifeline and advisors. Many of my friendships stem back to elementary school and summers at overnight camp so my crew has truly been a part of life for as long as I can remember. My “mom friends” also provide me with an incredible support system. There is something so powerful in the way that we are all “in the trenches” together with our young kids.
Skinny spicy margaritas are my drink of choice made with jalapeno infused tequila and a Tajin rim. Always Tajin. On everything. Especially jicama and cucumbers.
Love both of those answers! Time with girlfriends whilst drinking a margarita with tajin, can’t go wrong there!
Let’s get down to business. Please introduce your business, Detailed Events by Haley. How did you go from attorney to event planner extraordinaire?
Detailed Events by Haley is a full service event planning firm. I assist my clients in selecting their venue, music and decor as well as creating the perfect menu and personalized items. I attend all meetings to assure I am aware of my clients needs and vision. On the day of the event, I coordinate with their vendors to facilitate set-up and take down and create a timeline to ensure their event runs smoothly.
My business was built quite accidentally. I grew up in a family of lawyers and based on exposure, I followed the same path. I had a strong writing background from studying journalism in college and I was good at debate so I went to law school and practiced law for 12 years.
At the same time, I always had an innate talent for planning and organizing every detail. I was the resident planner in every group. Organizing girls trips, concerts and bachelorette parties was always my responsibility. This “hobby” followed me throughout my life. At law school, I became known for planning the formal dances and making them memorable affairs. As a new mom I was that parent creating Pinterest-worthy themed snacks and decor for every playgroup. I even ended up planning my kid’s elementary school graduation party – a mini mitzvah of course!
After years of my friends and family insisting that I turn my natural talents into a business, I was ready to take the leap from attorney to event planner. What had started as a penchant for event planning was shaping into a real skill and passion. I left the law and began working at a corporate event planning firm and loved it. Before I knew it, friends began hiring me for their own events. My passion project blossomed into Detailed Events by Haley.
Step outside of yourself for a moment – why are you the best person to hire as an event planner?
I am a mother, a wife and an attorney by trade who possesses a legendary “get shit done” mentality. I am fueled by boundless energy and tactical execution skills. As my friends can attest “I accomplish more in a day than most do in a week.”
Haley, in a nutshell, what is your event planning process?
Attentive listening and seamless organization are the cornerstones of my planning process. From the get go, it’s important to establish a sense of trust and communication between the client and myself. While doing so, I can then gauge their desired level of involvement. Some prefer a hands-on partnership with weekly check-ins. Others are content to pass full control to me and trust my discerning eye.
I stay organized by using a variety of tools. I love digital spreadsheets, itemized to-do checklists and budget trackers. I might even be a little compulsive with them! These tools allow me to juggle every last detail across multiple events. The ability to then share lists in real time with my clients is invaluable.
You mentioned that you spent the majority of your career life as an attorney. Tell us more about that.
Before I became an event planner, I was an Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County (think Jack McCoy on Law and Order). I prosecuted defendants for drunk driving, drug charges, possession of weapons and more. I meticulously built cases and passionately argued them before juries, judges and the appellate court. I thrived on the adrenaline of questioning witnesses, crafting strategic arguments and bringing home a guilty verdict. This trial-by-fire training taught me how to execute under immense pressure. I learned the art of negotiation, methodical brief writing and how to command an audience, all of which have been indispensable assets in my execution of seamless events.
May is traditionally a big month for event planners when it comes to Mitzvahs. What would you like our readers to know about this?
North Shore mitzvah dates for 2026/2027 are released next week. I’d love to discuss “Mitzvah 101” with you to help you seamlessly begin your child’s mitzvah planning process. Reach out to me to set up an introductory call.
What has been the hardest part of being a small business owner?
Life balance. As a small business owner and a mom, my life is a high wire act of logistics. I am juggling the dual role of entrepreneurship with the nurturing role as the family anchor. There are the constant mom duties – chauffeuring kids, keeping the household running smoothly and being a supportive partner. Simultaneously, I am managing timelines, logistics and coming up with a creative vision. These dual realms are both overwhelming and exciting all at once.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?
It is an exceedingly rewarding experience when a client sends a handwritten note thanking me for executing their party in a flawless manner. I am truly delighted that my clients are able to feel present at their own events. That is the highest validation.
What’s on the horizon for your line of work?
Mitzvah madness. Professionally, my life is about to go into overdrive. 2026/2027 Mitzvah Dates come out next week so this time of year is really crazy!
Give us your contact dets!
You can reach me at:
Instagram @detailedeventsbyhaley
Email [email protected]
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
