A Gala Affair—Bringing Dreams Into Focus

A Gala Affair Owner Deborah Dempsey embodies having it all: happy family, flourishing career, personal fulfillment. The Pennsylvania native turned Stonington enthusiast learned long ago to toss out that which does not work and to seize that which brings one’s dreams into focus. 

With a concentration on steadfast dedication and loyalty, this local business woman, mother, wife, coach and friend knew she had arrived when she stepped foot in Mystic.

Dempsey left Pennsylvania to attend University of Massachusetts Amherst in anticipation of a degree in Hotel Restaurant Travel Management and a semester in Switzerland. Once in Switzerland, she took the opportunity to backpack across Europe followed by a return, a graduation and like most college grads, the inevitable immersion into corporate America. 

After hired at the Marriott in the Hartford area as a corporate Sales Manager, Dempsey stumbled upon Mystic and describes it as love at first sight.

”It was a full moon on the Mystic river at a friend’s house and I realized—this is it, I wanted to live here and raise a family in Mystic,” Dempsey said.

Lulled by the vineyards, restaurants, beautiful beaches, love of the local culture and art, she relocated to Stonington.

“A few years later, one of my closest friends passed away in a plane crash and it was a heart wrenching but pivotal moment for me,” Dempsey said. “I realized that life was precious.” 

Although Dempsey was thankful for her Marriott experience, with a lot of introspection and a bit of courage, she said goodbye to the corporate word and hello to her life. She began her own marketing business, branding and promoting resort destinations which split her time between Florida and Stonington. 

“I wanted to be a part of helping small business owners grow their business—I wanted to make a difference locally,” Dempsey said.

Eventually, Dempsey chose to redefine her business plan, pushing aside the clip board and emphasizing what she loved, hence the birth of . 

With a penchant for vintage and coastline rustic décor, she enjoys collecting her wares from antique stores and adding personal handmade touches on every event. From decorating and floral to lighting, props and design, Dempsey has created events at Mystic Aquarium, Harkness Park, Connecticut College and Branford House. 

“As my clients share their visions and inspirations with me, I am able to build every design into something unique,” Dempsey continued, “I live for that first moment when the client sees the space I’ve created and I’ve captured their vision.” 

One of her most memorable events was on Church Island on Squam Lake where On Golden Pond was filmed. 

With a crew, Dempsey brought supplies by pontoon and converted the island into a French themed wedding destination, complete with chapel. Hand painted signs, outdoor chandeliers and trees dripping with floral were all part of the design plan.

The full time mother of two and wife works arduously but leaves precious time for family and recreation. On days off the Dempsey four are often found beaching it, hiking or hosting close friends for a barbeque around the poolside. Dempsey feels fortunate to be a part of such a dynamic, family oriented community.

“I’m able to raise my children in a beautiful place and have an amazing and rewarding career—I feel so very lucky.” Dempsey said.