Shelly Kretchmar began Special Occasions in June 1982. Over the years, Shelly has been a member of both the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and the International Special Events Society (ISES) and regularly attends workshops and various conventions to keep up with the latest trends in the industry.  In addition, Shelly is also a member of Who's Who in American Executives. Shelly is proud to have been a certified elementary and high school teacher. She also studied textile design for many years at Mount Mary College. Shelly stays up-to-date with current trends by making frequent trips to Europe where she attends special events, visits florists and bakeries. Shelly and her staff attend regular monthly meetings of these organizations, as well as annual conventions and workshops to keep abreast of the latest fashions, entertainment, etiquette, and trends in the special events industry.