Elegant by Design
"Trusted event and wedding planner in Athens, GA with 28+ years of experience. "
At Elegant by Design, we believe that every event is a sacred moment in time, and it should feel just as extraordinary as it is.
Founded with a heart for service and a love for beauty, we specialize in creating elegant, unforgettable experiences for weddings, celebrations, and events. Whether you're walking down the aisle or hosting a milestone moment, we’re here to bring your vision to life with excellence, peace, and purpose.
Elegance in Every Detail
Meet Shontorial
We believe in elegance, authenticity, and intention.
Meet Shontorial, Founder & Creative Director
Spirit-led. Detail-driven. Budget-conscious.
Turning your vision into elegant reality with excellence and care.
“Rooted in Elegance. Driven by Purpose.”
Our Story
Elegant by Design is more than an event planning company — it's a vision brought to life through faith, excellence, and a calling to create beauty with purpose, with over 33 years of combined experience in set-up and event planning.
What began as a family passion quickly blossomed into a God-ordained assignment: to help others celebrate life's sacred moments with grace and intentionality. From weddings and celebrations to elegant setups and decor, we serve with both skill and Spirit — because every detail matters.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, our expert planners work tirelessly to bring your vision to life. From conferences to personal celebrations, we specialize in creating extraordinary experiences that reflect your style and preferences.
Our Philosophy
We believe:
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Elegance is timeless, not trendy.
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Excellence is not optional — it’s foundational.
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Every event is a divine appointment to serve with honor.
Whether you’re planning your dream wedding, hosting a milestone celebration, or launching something new — we bring vision, peace, and creative precision to every step.
Elegance Doesn’t Require Debt
At Elegant by Design, we believe your special day should leave lasting memories — not lingering bills.
That’s why we specialize in creating stunning, high-impact events that honor your budget. Whether you’re working with a modest amount or something more, we design with creativity, resourcefulness, and purpose to ensure your day is both beautiful and financially wise.
You don’t have to break the bank to experience excellence.
We believe in debt-free elegance — and we make it possible.
About Shontorial
Shontorial Gilbert is the visionary founder behind Elegant by Design, an event planning and design company built on faith, excellence, and intentional beauty. Known for her ability to transform ordinary spaces into elegant atmospheres, Shontorial brings a Spirit-led approach to every celebration she curates — whether a wedding, milestone event, or sacred gathering.
With years of leadership experience and a lifelong passion for hosting, coordinating, and elevating meaningful moments, she has a unique gift for making people feel seen, celebrated, and at peace. Her mission is simple: to design stunning events that reflect your vision — without breaking your budget.
As a wife, executive coach, and ordained officiant, Shontorial infuses spiritual grounding, excellence, and care into every aspect of her work. Whether she’s setting the table, creating a timeline, or speaking a blessing over a couple, she leads with grace and detail.
When she’s not planning events, you’ll find her encouraging leaders, mentoring women of faith, or spending quiet time with God. For Shontorial, event planning isn’t just work — it’s a calling.
