From the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean to the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of North, South, and Central America, the region’s top wedding planners are true masters of celebration. Known for blending cultural richness with contemporary flair, these creative visionaries transform love stories into unforgettable experiences—whether it’s an intimate beachfront ceremony, a glamorous city soirée, or a destination wedding steeped in local charm. With an eye for detail, a pulse on global trends, and an instinct for storytelling, these planners don’t just design weddings; they craft moments that linger long after the last dance.
Akeshi Akinseye, Kesh Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My passion is deeply rooted in the art of storytelling. Every couple’s journey is unique, and I find immense joy in transforming their stories into immersive, meaningful experiences that engage all the senses. Knowing that our work becomes part of a couple’s most cherished memories fuels me daily.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to renew my vows today, it would be in Tokyo, Japan — a city where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. There’s something incredibly captivating about its balance of serenity and vibrancy — from tranquil temples and artful gardens to sleek architecture and Michelin-starred dining.
Do everything with intention, grace, and excellence — because beauty lies in the details.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Trust the process and your wedding team. The beauty of a truly luxurious celebration lies in letting go of control and allowing your creative team to bring your vision to life with intention and expertise. Planning a wedding is emotional — but when you stay focused on what truly matters, the love you’re celebrating, everything else falls into place effortlessly.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? For me, creativity and business exist in perfect harmony. Vision fuels my artistry, but structure brings it to life. I approach leadership with the same intentionality I bring to design — rooted in clarity, excellence, and purpose. Surrounding myself with
Amy Abbott, Amy Abbott Events, Mexico
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I’m driven by a commitment to exceptional experiences, creating events that feel impeccably executed and unforgettable. Supporting my team and giving them the space to thrive is just as important as delivering a celebration that exceeds every expectation. There is nothing more inspiring than watching our clients experience a moment that is designed, orchestrated, and delivered perfectly for them.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? For me, the perfect destination would be somewhere I can be surrounded by my family and closest friends, spending the days laughing and the nights dancing, because that feeling matters more than any backdrop. A few places that come to mind right away are Luna Escondido in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Cuixmala in Jalisco, Mexico, and Villa Balbiano on Lake Como, Italy, each offering its own kind of magic.
Quality means doing it right when no one is looking. — Henry Ford
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Stay connected to what the wedding is truly about, the two of you. When you focus on the moments, the people, and the feeling of the day instead of the surrounding noise, everything becomes more meaningful. Slow down, breathe, and allow yourselves to truly soak it all in. You’ve got this.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Balancing bold creativity with strong business strategy comes from trusting a talented team, setting high standards, and creating the space to stay inspired while delivering exceptional results.
Barbara Diez, Barbara Diez Event Planners, Argentina
Beth Helmstetter-Boyer, Beth Helmstetter Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Creating memories that our clients will remember for the rest of their lives.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Sumba Island. It’s intimate, remote, relaxed yet luxurious.
The details are not the details. They make the design. — Charles Eames
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Decide you will be happy from day one. Decide that you will enjoy your engagement process and wedding day even if little things go wrong along the way. Otherwise, you risk missing one of the best moments of your lives by focusing on the wrong things.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Creativity fuels everything I do, but business gives it form. I see them as partners — imagination brings the vision to life, and strategy ensures it’s sustainable. The art is knowing when to dream and when to refine.
Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I’m driven by the belief that celebration should never stand still. Love evolves, culture evolves, and the way we gather should evolve with it. I’m passionate about pushing beyond what’s expected, challenging tradition when it no longer serves meaning, and reimagining it when it does.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Patagonia. Vast, raw, and humbling. A vow renewal here is about endurance, partnership, and shared journey; love measured against scale and silence, not spectacle.
You’re only as good as your last event.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Weddings are not performances; they are promises. When planning becomes overwhelming, return to the reason you are gathering: love, partnership, and a shared future. Choose meaning over perfection, emotion over expectation, and trust the people you’ve chosen to guide you. The most unforgettable celebrations are not flawless — they are honest.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I don’t separate creativity from business; I design them together. Structure, strategy, disruption, intention, and emerging tools like AI exist to support imagination, not limit it, allowing ideas to scale while keeping human connection at the center.
Colin Cowie, Colin Cowie Lifestyle, USA
David Beahm, David Beahm Experiences, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? There’s nothing quite like seeing the faces of the bride and groom.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? My 1834 farm is nestled in the mountains of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. – Ian MacLaren
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Stop and Breathe
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Surround yourself with good people who excel at what they do — it’s the surest way to excel at what I do.
David Stark, David Stark Design & Production, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Elevating event production into the realm of installation art is our passion and goal.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? The Greek Island of Hydra holds a special place in my husband’s and my heart. There are no fancy hotels, but it’s a completely magical place that is artsy, sophisticated, and SIMPLE all at the same time. We were first introduced to it when we were guests at a friend’s wedding and were immediately smitten. Since then, we have returned to visit every summer.
Break the rules as long as you do it fabulously.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Your wedding will be six hours and fabulous, but the journey to get there will be much longer — sometimes even a year and two months. Pick a planning and design team that you will enjoy spending time with along that journey; that is where most of your time will be spent. Enjoy the process!
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? We invest a lot of energy and focus on our team, developing leaders, mentoring talent, and fostering a culture of ownership and responsibility. With 30+ years of experience in running a business, I now recognize the responsibility I shoulder in creating that dynamic.
David Tutera Luxury Events, USA
Eddie Zaratsian, Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle & Design, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Nature, architecture, and colors the client’s vision
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Italy —there is culture and history
Ideas are great but it the execution that makes it a reality
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Bring your personality to the wedding and make it memorable for your guests
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Rest
Edgar Hayrapetyan, Edgar Hay Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? God, My Dreams, Nature, Art, Universe, Music, Love.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Edinburgh – Scotland.
I am just personally obsessed with that city.
If you can dream it, you can do it.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Hire a professional event planner and trust the process.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? It’s truly one of the hardest things to balance. I guess it’s something you learn during the process and from your mistakes. But I also believe it’s a natural gift that you also get from nature as a leader, and you just tailor it to perfection over time.
Erik De Abreu, Erik De Abreu Events, Mexico
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What drives me is the power of storytelling through celebration. Each couple, culture, and destination offers a new opportunity to weave emotion into design and meaning into every detail. My passion lies in transforming spaces and moments into living love stories that transcend borders, where every production becomes a reflection of art, culture, and human connection.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I would choose somewhere in Latin America, perhaps a hidden gem along the Riviera Maya, the Andes(Chile), or the coasts of Colombia. There’s something special about Latin America; it’s where paradise meets passion. The fusion of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, diverse climates, and aesthetics creates the perfect backdrop for any couple to find exactly what their story needs.
Go with the flow, and take it one day at a time, because the best things in life unfold naturally when you trust the process.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Enjoy every moment of the planning process, but when the big day finally arrives, just go with the flow and savor every second. Whatever is meant to happen will happen — whether you plan it or not — so don’t let small details steal your joy.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Every event I create has purpose and aligns with my well-being. Balance means putting myself first while merging creativity with strategy. Success isn’t about quantity but authenticity. I prefer crafting weddings that reflect my values and let me pour out my soul.
Evaristo De Los Santos, Evaristo De Los Santos Lifestyle, Dominican Republic
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What drives my dedication is the thrill of transforming a couple’s dreams into an experience that transcends time. Every wedding is a unique love story, and I’m passionate about capturing its essence through art, detail, and elegance.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Without a doubt, I would choose the Dominican Republic, because it’s my homeland — the place where everything began. Its natural beauty, vibrant energy, and the warmth of its people make every corner breathe love and celebration. There’s no setting more authentic or inspiring to seal a love story than the paradise I carry in my heart.
The art of dreaming lies in daring to believe in ourselves, and within every risk blooms the seed of our greatness.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Enjoy every moment of the process, and remember that the wedding is just a reflection of your love. Don’t get lost in the details; trusting the professionals and communicating clearly will turn stress into joy and anticipation.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I maintain balance by blending passion with planning. My creative spirit drives every detail and experience, while strategy and organization allow me to transform those ideas into flawless luxury weddings.
Jaime & Alfonso, González + Helfon, México
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Consistency and hard work.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Somewhere intimate and romantic. Exclusive.
Chasing perfection is how we learn to create.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Trust. At the end, you need to solve a lot of things, but if you have the right team, it’s easier.
Jeff Leatham, USA
Jennifer Zabinski, JZ Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My passion is fuelled by the quiet, electric moment when a couple sees their vision brought to life. When a feeling becomes a place, and a story becomes an experience. That transformation is what keeps me inspired day after day.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I would choose the South of France, where elegance feels effortless and every moment is bathed in golden light. From cliffside villas to lavender fields and seaside towns, it offers a perfect balance of romance, culture, and beauty.
Creativity is intelligence having fun. — Albert Einstein
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Enjoy your engagement! Remember that perfection isn’t about everything going exactly as planned; it’s about feeling fully present in the moments that matter. Trust your team, protect your joy, and let the day unfold with grace.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I balance creativity and business by approaching both with clarity and intention. Creativity drives the vision; strategy shapes the execution. I surround myself with talented partners and stay anchored in an unwavering standard of excellence.
Joann Gregoli, Elegant Occasions by Joann Gregoli, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I am driven by a genuine desire to create moments that matter — not just beautiful scenes, but experiences that stir emotion, foster connection, and remind people what love, family, and celebration truly mean. For you, an event isn’t about logistics; it’s about legacy — capturing a feeling that will live long after the last candle burns out.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Anywhere in the world where love meets culture and beauty tells a story — but if I had to choose, it would always be Italy, under the Tuscan sun.
Create with purpose, give with heart,
and leave beauty wherever you go.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Stay present — the day will fly by, but the moments you truly feel will last a lifetime.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Lead with heart, structure with strategy, and let my creativity be the compass that guides my business.
Josh Spiegel, Birch Event Design, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Seeing people’s joy is like a drug. You just want to feel that every day.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Japan – and I think the reason it speaks to my soul is that it’s so authentic. There’s nothing curated about it. Everything just feels as it’s supposed to be, with a deep-rooted sense of tradition and history that grounds you.
Everything you want lives on the other side of discomfort.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? No one leaves your wedding talking about the napkin shade. They remember how it felt. Focus on creating moments, not perfection.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Know what you’re not great at and hire people who are. That’s how you grow. I believe in building a team of people who are the best at what they do and trusting them to run with it. That’s where real leadership and real creativity live.
Jung Lee, Fete, USA
Kevin Lee, Luxury Events By Kevin Lee, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Endless power of creation taken to the next level of events.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Lake Como, Italy
Endless journey of creation.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Hiring the perfect planner for their wedding.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Balance yourself with everyday routines
Lindsay Landman, Lindsay Landman Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The hopefulness, optimism, and joyful anticipation that clients bring to the process never stops inspiring me.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? It’s a tie… between the Amalfi Coast and Paris. I’m a city girl and love the buzz, excitement, and beauty of so many cities (Paris at the top of the list!), but the warmth, magic, and intimacy of the Italian coast is always a dream.
It always seems impossible until it’s done. — Nelson Mandela
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? If you go into the process with the intention to trust the process and trust the pros, your stress will be diminished
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? The balance needs to be maintained at all times, in all ways… no task is without both logistics and aesthetics, form and function, mind and matter.
Lisa Vorce, Lisa Vorce Co, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What drives me is the privilege of translating love into atmosphere. I am always inspired by human connection – by listening to a couple’s story and crafting an experience that feels unmistakably theirs. Creating beauty is meaningful, but creating moments that people feel forever is what keeps me passionate.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? This may sound unexpected coming from a destination wedding planner, but my dream destination would be my own backyard. Surrounded by my fruit trees, my garden, and a view that grounds me, it represents everything that truly speaks to my soul.
Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. — Coco Chanel
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Make decisions from intention, not noise or pressure. When you stay anchored to why you’re celebrating, everything else becomes clearer and calmer.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I balance creativity and business by treating both with equal respect. Structure gives me creative freedom, and creativity gives my business soul.
Lynn Easton, Easton Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The driving force behind my work is thoughtful hospitality with a dash of surprise and delight. The smallest details, layered with intention, are what ultimately create a feeling of true luxury in every celebration.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I was married in Portofino at Splendido, and I would go right back! The views, the food, and the soul of the Ligurian Coast are the best!
If standing up for yourself burns bridges.
I have the matches. We ride at dawn!
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember that the details that you think are important are most likely only critical to you, and no one will truly notice them on the day of ~ it’s all about how you made
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business?
Marcy Blum, Marcy Blum Associates, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What else is important in life?
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Probably Paris, in a place you feel will always be there, just as it is.
Perfect is the enemy of good
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Spend more money!
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I work with people who have less creative talent and more pragmatism
Mauricio Kirschner, House of Kirschner, Mexico
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I believe every love story we create already exists somewhere, written in light, waiting to be remembered. For me, creating is an act of connection. It’s about translating emotion into architecture, design, and rhythm. When everything aligns, light, music, people, there’s a moment when time seems to pause. That’s where the magic lives, and that’s what keeps me doing this every day.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to get married or renew my vows today, I would choose a place where nature speaks louder than any human creation, somewhere so majestic that you feel completely immersed in its divine design. Maybe a cliff overlooking the ocean, a desert at sunset, or a hidden forest where silence feels alive. Those are the places that remind me that no architecture, no art, can ever surpass what already exists in the purest form of creation.
We are here in this timeline for a reason,
creating what our soul once chose
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember why you’re doing this. Every decision, every detail, should reflect the essence of your story. When couples stay connected to that truth, everything begins to flow more naturally. Let yourself enjoy the process. Trust that every element has purpose. When you do, the stress fades, and what remains is joy, connection, and that quiet kind of magic that lives forever in memory.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? For me, creativity and strategy move to the same rhythm — one dreams, the other grounds. Intention keeps me balanced. I trust the timing, embrace chaos, and let it reveal what’s meant to be created.
Mindy Weiss, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, USA
Matthew Robbins, Matthew Robbins Designs, USA
Nikki Khan, Exquisite Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? A large part comes through my travels, reading, nature, people, and different cultures.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? It would have to be Paris. That is one city that spoke to me when I first visited it at age 14, and it still gives me the same goosebumps. Everything about that city is so dreamy and magical!
Believe. Become.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Hire the best planner who is a good listener and holds your heart before, during, and after the wedding. Who shows up at every meeting with mindfulness and someone who can completely immerse themselves in your vision.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Creativity and business move in harmony. My artistic vision gives life to unforgettable experiences, while sound business judgment ensures they are executed with grace and precision. True mastery comes from honoring both.
Preston Bailey, Preston Bailey Designs, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Bringing my clients’ dreams to life.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Big Sir in California. Because of its heavenly nature.
Sometimes it takes a wrong turn to bring you to the right place.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Hire the vendors you trust and allow them to guide you.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Exercise and meditation.
Roberto Cohen, Roberto Cohen International, Brazil
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Recreate The Classic, always keeping in mind that the obvious never surprises me. If the “trens” is looking left. I’ll be looking right!
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Italy! It unites everything that praises every guest! Culture, Fashion, History, Gastronomy, Sea, Country & City!
The obvious never surprises me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Parties are not problems…They are Solutions! So… If you can hire professionals to take care of it for you… Relax and call your wedding planner!
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? My past does not protect me! My best wedding will be the next one! I am always looking forward, trying to surpass myself!
Shade Fatusin, A Conceal Affair LLC, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I’m driven by transformation — turning blank spaces into beauty, emotions into experiences, and ideas into art. Love stories are my muse; each one reminds me why I create. Seeing people step into a space I designed and feel seen, celebrated, and transported — that’s my greatest reward.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Lake Como, Italy. It’s the embodiment of timeless romance — a place where the mountains kiss the water and every villa whispers history. I imagine vows exchanged under Italian light, boats gliding across mirrored blue, and dinners set beneath lemon trees. It’s soulful, cinematic, and eternal — everything love should be.
Create with purpose, lead with grace, and leave beauty wherever you go.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember: the heart of your wedding isn’t in the schedule — it’s in the still moments. Pause, breathe, and take it in together. The joy of the day comes not from perfection, but from connection. Trust your team, release control, and focus on the feeling — that’s the memory that lasts forever.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? For me, creativity and strategy are twin flames. I treat my imagination as the heartbeat of my business — it fuels innovation, storytelling, and connection — but I anchor every idea in structure, systems, and measurable goals.
Sharon Sacks, Sacks Productions, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My work is driven by the desire to create experiences that feel deeply personal, beautifully composed, and emotionally unforgettable. At the highest level of what we do, it’s about intention, and delivering a sense of wonder with complete ease so the client feels held, and the guests feel something they cannot quite put into words.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to renew my vows today, I would choose Lake Como. There is a quiet glamour there that feels timeless – the water, the gardens, the old-world architecture, the soft rhythm of the day. It has an elegance that does not need to announce itself. I love destinations that feel cinematic without trying. A place where the surroundings already carry atmosphere, and the design can be elevated through artistry and detail.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do. — Steve Jobs
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Protect the joy! Make decisions early, put them in writing, and then let your team carry the weight. When you trust the right professionals, you stop managing the process and start enjoying the experience. The goal is presence.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I balance creativity and business by treating both with the same discipline. Inspiration is essential, but structure is what allows it to become real. I make space to dream, then I execute with clarity: budgets, timelines, contracts, and communication.
Sonal J. Shah, SJS Events, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My passion is driven by the deep belief that love deserves to be celebrated with intention, beauty, and authenticity. Every couple has a story that’s uniquely theirs, and I’m inspired by the privilege of being trusted to translate that story into an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I would choose a secluded villa or an intimate luxury hotel in the South of France. There’s something incredibly soulful about that region—the quaint villages, sun-washed landscapes, effortless elegance, and some of the best food and wine in the world.
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. — Henry Miller
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? My most valuable advice is to stay grounded in the “why.” Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but when decisions are guided by what truly matters to you as a couple, your values, your story, and how you want the day to feel, the stress naturally fades. Trust your team, let go of perfection, and remember that the most meaningful moments are often the unplanned ones.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? My creativity sets the vision, and my business acumen builds the structure, together they allow SJS Events to deliver memorable experiences with measurable impact.
Tara Guérard, Tara Guérard Soirée, USA
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Making dreams come true for our brides and grooms!! And their parents. It gets me every time.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Italy. Anywhere there.
Day by day.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Let it go! Have fun! It only happens once.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Be a crazy person. Always running, never slowing down, and having too much on your plate every day. Most importantly, having the BEST team with you every step of the way!
Disclaimer:
Please note that the DWP Congress and DWP Insider, while both part of QnA International, are independent entities with no dependency on one another.
The DWP Powerlist is curated through industry nominations and recommendations, assessed against defined criteria set by the DWP Insider Executive Committee. Final selections are made after careful scrutiny and are purely merit-based.
Inclusion on the Powerlist is not linked to participation in the DWP Congress. It is an annual recognition of exceptional work demonstrated within a specific year, which is why names may be repeated or newly introduced based on that year’s scope of work.
All responses and selections are subject to editorial discretion.