The Events Extraordinaire Team

Meet Carin, Owner

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

- Michael Jordan

After graduating from Penn State with a degree in Political Science, Carin moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue work in politics and law. She took a job working in a law firm. After a few months, she started dating one of the lawyers (gasp!) and realized she could no longer stay at the firm. She enrolled in George Washington University’s event planning program. Within the first hour of the very first seminar, she knew she found her place. Two years later, in 2002, Events Extraordinaire was born. With 20 years in the event planning industry, and 18 years as the founder and creator of Events Extraordinaire, Carin Lomax has built relationships with top-notch professionals in the industry. Although her background was in meeting planning, she loved the creative side of special events. With the creation of Events Extraordinaire, she could combine her detail oriented meeting planning skills with her passion for creating fun and memorable special experiences. Carin is often told that her ability to listen to her clients and her calmness in stressful situations sets her apart.

Carin resides in Falls Church, Virginia with her husband Jason, her two sons, Justin and Bennett, and their beloved yellow lab Luna.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday, after an event?

Binge watch Law and Order SVU reruns, while sitting on my couch

What’s your drink of choice?

Basically anything with Tequila

What’s your ideal occupation, if you weren’t an event planner?

A prosecutor (putting away bad guys)

What’s something you like to do the old fashioned way?

Hand written thank you notes

What is your claim to fame?

I was a NCAA All American Fencer and Women’s National Champion

Where is your happy place?

Sitting in a beach chair in Duck, North Carolina ( the Outer Banks)

“Beginnings are scary, endings are sad, but it’s the middle that counts. You have to remember this when you find yourself at the beginning.”

— Hope Floats

Meet Jillian, Event Planner

Jillian grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, where she studied fashion merchandising. Throughout college, Jillian found a love for event planning, organizing, and managing events for her sorority. In particular, philanthropy, social, and community events. After graduating, she continued to gain experience in event planning working at companies such as Diageo- promoting alcohol brands at on and off-premise marketing events. She also worked at a boutique in Charlottesville organizing and managing charity & vendor fairs, and promotional business events. She has recently moved to Alexandria, VA to join the Events Extraordinaire team!

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday, after an event?

Going to a farmers market with friends.

What’s your drink of choice?

White wine - specifically sauvignon blanc!

What’s your ideal occupation, if you weren’t an event planner?

A travel influencer! Traveling the world while posting fun vlogs and pictures.

What’s something you like to do the old fashioned way?

Using a notebook agenda, to keep myself organized.

What is your claim to fame?

I have a fashion Instagram where I love to make fun outfit videos and showcase my second hand shopping finds!

Where is your happy place?

A beach. Any beach.

Meet Sami, Event Planner

Sami is originally from Annapolis, Maryland, and has been planning events of all sizes for years. Although she has a degree in paralegal studies, she decided to transition into events full time after working as a paralegal, since planning is truly her passion. She has planned birthday parties, mitzvahs, weddings, and corporate events, and enjoys researching theme and decor ideas to make a bespoke event for each client. When she is not planning an event, Sami enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, trying out new recipes, and traveling.