About Us
First Class Event Services began over 14 years ago as a passionate, one-person DJ operation in Fredonia, NY. This early dedication to top-tier entertainment quickly built a sterling reputation, which remains the foundation of our success.
Today, while our roots and main hub remain strong in Upstate New York, we have proudly expanded our reach and established two additional main hubs in Raleigh/Durham, NC and Tampa, FL.
We have evolved into a premier full-service event planning and coordination company, serving clients nationwide and forging robust vendor relationships around the globe. Our suite of services is comprehensive, including custom liquor and bar packages, state-of-the-art equipment rentals, and specialized corporate and wedding planning.
Crucially, our team includes highly skilled professionals, some of whom are aviation specialists. Their expertise has enabled us to forge unique, special relationships and logistics networks, allowing us to seamlessly coordinate complex operations and deliver exceptional results anywhere.
From major corporations and high-profile celebrities across the country to unforgettable events as far away as Paris, France, and Sydney, Australia, First Class Event Services is your trusted partner. We bring our legacy of excellence and a commitment to delivering "first class" results to every event, no matter the scale or location.
Chris Rivera
CEO & Owner of First Class Event Services
Chris Rivera's unforgettable journey into the world of events began at the age of 15. What started as a simple love for music and a passion for DJing quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to crafting extraordinary experiences. While pursuing a college degree in teaching, Chris kept the decks spinning, moving from local parties to larger events and naturally building a powerful network.
By the age of 21, the lure of adventure led Chris to a dynamic career as a flight attendant with Spirit Airlines. In 2024, that love for travel took him higher still when he joined Delta Air Lines, turning the sky into his second office. Now 29 years old, Chris has expertly balanced a globetrotting lifestyle, visiting countless countries, with a thriving events business back on the ground.
Born and raised in Western New York, but now calls Raleigh, NC home. Chris is currently based in Detroit, Michigan with his Delta career, and his events business operates across the country. What began with local gigs has soared into First Class Event Services, a dynamic company specializing in weddings, corporate events, and everything in between.
Chris isn't just running the show, he's formally educated in making it perfect! Chris is also a Certified Wedding Planner, ensuring every detail of your dream day is handled with the precision of a perfectly timed flight plan. Chris thrives on networking, collaborating with people, and curating experiences that leave a lasting impression. From managing a growing team to staying connected to the music, every part of the business reflects that original passion that sparked in high school.
Chris's dedication and talent have taken him to some of the most exciting stages and venues in the nation. Along the way, he has collaborated with music producers, performed at major events, and worked with high-profile organizations including the NBA, NFL and BET. His client list includes celebrities like Ariana Grande, Blxst, Tyga, and more.
Whether it's orchestrating a flawless dream wedding or producing a large-scale corporate event, Chris brings the same high energy and meticulous attention to detail that started it all. Through it all, Chris Rivera remains passionate about making every event feel truly special and loves the opportunity to bring people together through music and cherished memories. With a commitment to excellence and a drive to keep pushing boundaries, Chris Rivera and First Class Event Services are just getting started.
Emily Dorman
Director of Planning & Events
Emily Dorman brings heart, creativity, and unmatched expertise to First Class Event Services as the Director of Planning & Events. With a background as the founder and owner of Vintage Blooms Events, a thriving wedding planning company she built and led for five successful years, Emily knows what it takes to bring meaningful events to life from the ground up. Her decision to sell her business and join First Class was rooted in her desire to grow, collaborate, and make an even greater impact within a dynamic, fast-paced team.
Emily leads our entire planning team across all locations, building systems that keep our weddings and major events flawlessly organized and beautifully executed. She’s known for her meticulous attention to detail, calm presence under pressure, and the creative spark she brings to every celebration.
Outside of work, Emily is a high school English teacher and a dedicated wrestling coach alongside her husband, Pete Dorman. Together, they share a love for shaping young lives, whether in the classroom, on the mat, or at home. Their greatest joy comes from spending time with their children, and Emily’s passion for family shines through in every wedding she helps plan. She genuinely understands how important these moments are for couples and their loved ones.
Emily’s creativity, leadership, and warm, down-to-earth personality make her a guiding light within our company. Whether she's designing a timeline, managing a team of planners, or simply being there for a couple on their big day, Emily brings the kind of care and excellence that defines First Class.