Countries in the North, Latin & South America and the Caribbean Islands have witnessed the work of some of the best wedding professionals. From United States to Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica and many other exotic destinations are quite popular among couples for their big day. So to assist you in planning the biggest day of your life, let’s take a look at some of the best wedding planners and designers from the Americas who made it to the DWP Planner Powerlist 2023-24. The below are listed in alphabetical order, so let’s get started!
Adrian Pavia, Adrian Pavia – Creating Unique Events, Argentina
Adrian Pavia is a well known name in the wedding industry. Alongside being a wedding planner & designer, he is also a fashion designer and stylist with work experience all around the world.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: Passione, Creatif, Inspire, Avant Gardiste, Anticomformiste. I define myself as a dream worker. Fashion, etiquette and good manners really fascinates me. I love good service. I’m obsessive and a tireless creator of new things
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Latin America
Favourite motivational quote: “Dreams come true”
Akeshi Akinseye, Kesh Events, USA
Akeshi Akinseye specializes in creating extraordinary celebrations across the globe. She has transformed Kesh Events into a beacon of elegance and sophistication in the world of luxury weddings and events, with a harmonious blend of opulent florals, exquisite design, and seamless execution.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: Beyond my work in the wedding planning and design industry, I define myself as a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for celebrating life in all its forms. I see myself as an entrepreneur, author, and a creative soul who finds joy in curating meaningful celebrations and living elegantly. My identity is shaped by my commitment to encouraging others to celebrate life with sophistication, style, and courage, bringing joy not only to their lives but also to the lives of those around them
Favourite destination for planning weddings: France, Italy, UK & USA
Favourite motivational quote: “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt
Amy Abbott, Amy Abbott Events, Mexico
Amy is a planner-powerhouse, with a passion for entertaining and creating paralleled experiences and exceeds client expectations at every turn. She is the owner of the premier wedding & social and corporate event planning design team in Los Cabos and in the Punta Mita area where she is known for creating exclusive events.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: Someone who loves to travel, experience new things, is a lifelong learner and believes that family and friendships should always come first. Lastly, someone who loves a good party!!
Favourite destination for planning weddings: San Miguel Allende, San Jose Del Cabo, Cartagena, Cabo San Lucas & Punta Mita
Favourite motivational quote: “Be exceptional every day and don’t settle for mediocracy”
Barbara Diez, Barbara Diez Events, Argentina
With over 20 years of experience, Bárbara Diez is considered one of the most exclusive and innovative Wedding and Event Planners in Latin America. She has organized more than 980 weddings and events, including national and international celebrity weddings, such as Michael Bublé & Luisana Lopilato among others.
Beth Helmstetter, Beth Helmstetter Events, USA
With over 15+ years of experience, Beth Helmstetter and her team are sought after for creating memorable multi-day events that are filled with meaning. Beth’s discerning clients have hosted friends and family in some of the most beautiful places throughout the world including Italy, Paris, Bali, Philippines, Costa Rica, Mexico, Korea and all over the United States.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: Wife, Hostess, Serial Entrepreneur, Athlete, Mentor, Angel Investor
Favourite destination for planning weddings: France, Italy, Bali, Mexico
Favourite motivational quote: “Competition happens at the bottom. People at the top are collaborating”
Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events, USA
Bryan Rafanelli is renowned name in the industry with over two decades of experience. His clients include Fortune 500 families, public figures, and successful entrepreneurs as well as some of the most prominent institutions and brands in the world. With a stellar reputation and a focus on creating extraordinary experiences, Rafanelli Events has become a leading name in the industry producing events across the globe.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: Beyond work does not really exist in my life as I have been part of this inspiring industry for over 27 years. I approach everything with a “do good first” view, whether it is my philanthropic pursuits, my friendships, and my family. This guiding principle underscores my belief that positive intentions and actions can create a ripple effect, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world. In philanthropy, I seek opportunities to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the betterment of communities. Within the realm of friendship and family, I value authenticity, kindness, and support and want enrich the lives of those around me
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Europe, The Caribbean, United States
Favourite motivational quote: “Every great business is built on a foundation of continual challenge, perpetual improvement, and a dash of creative genius”
Colin Cowie, Colin Cowie Lifestyle, USA
With experience of more than 20 years, Colin Cowie has created a well-known brand name in the wedding industry. He is rated as one of the top wedding planners in the business. Colin has worked internationally in beautiful destinations orchestrating magical experiences for some of the most discerning clients including celebrities, heads of state and foreign dignitaries and
HNWIs from across the globe.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I’m a world-traveler and a philanthropist – those are my passions beyond bringing the ultimate in luxury to clients in my professional life. I’ve traveled 16.5 million miles around the earth, discovering the best of the best, which makes it even more rewarding to give back to the charities I’m involved with, particularly those from South Africa
Favourite destination for planning weddings: South Africa
Favourite motivational quote: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou
David Beahm, David Beahm Experiences, USA
David has designed countless weddings for society, high profile and discerning clients, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as a host of celebrity and Fortune 500 corporate events. He is among the popular names in the industry.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: Not everyone knows that flowers extended to my personal life. Digging in the dirt and growing flowers and trees and being able to share them with other to enjoy by visiting my farm, means all the world to me. I believe we define ourselves by what we share and the people we surround ourselves with
Favourite destination for planning weddings: No matter what the location, I have to create the magic!
Favourite motivational quote: “Be kind, for everyone you meet are fighting their own battles”
David Tutera, David Tutera Luxury Events, USA
Hailed as an artistic visionary, a renowned celebrity wedding planner, bridal fashion designer, and author, David Tutera is a name that needs no introduction. Having completed more than 30 successful years in the industry, David has designed and planned some of the most extravagant weddings and celebrations, and is truly a planner extraordinaire! His client roster boasts some famous names such as such as Jennifer Lopez, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and others.
Eddie Zaratsian, Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle & Design, USA
Uncompromising and unparalleled, Eddie Zaratsian works with a who’s who list of celebrity clients including Kim Kardashian, Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, and Sting along with prestigious brands such as Hermes, Louboutin, and Christian Dior.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: Generous and thoughtful
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Italy & Dubai
Favourite motivational quote: “Believe, become!”
Edgar Hayrapetyan, Edgar Hay Events, USA
Edgar Hay is a wedding planner & designer based in US but has worked across the globe for discerning clients including royalties, celebrities & HNWIs. His style exudes luxury and opulence, and is the name to consider for your glamorous big day!
How do you define yourself outside of your work: A dreamer
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Middle East
Favourite motivational quote: “Everything is possible”
Fallon Carter, Fallon Carter Events, USA
Fallon is the Founder + Creative Director of Fallon Carter Events. Named one of the Top Wedding Planners in the World by Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and BRIDES magazine, Fallon connects southern hospitality with international luxury. She has worked across the globe from Americas to Europe working with multicultural couples who wish to have a luxurious experience for their big day.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I am a dreamer
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Any place that can accommodate al fresco dining
Favourite motivational quote: “Lean not unto your own understanding”
Guerdy Abraira, Guerdy Design, USA
Guerdy Abraira is not only a wedding & events planner but is also a well known TV personality. Through her company she not only plans events but also fully conceptually designs in-house which creates an exceptionally smooth experience for her globe-trotting clients.
Jamie & Alfonso, Gonzalez + Helfon, Mexico
Together, with over 20 years of experience, Jamie & Alfonos’s expertise and commitment makes every affair magical. Their client list includes top celebrities as well as the most renowned socialites and businessmen worldwide.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: We love to transform Spaces and make ipur style so recognizable that when people walk in to one of our events they say “this is a Gonzalez Helfon event!”
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Mexico City, Riviera Maya , Punta Mita, France, Spain and Italy
Favourite motivational quote: “Keep transforming spaces non stop!”
Jennifer Zabinski, JZ Events, USA
Jennifer brings over two decades’ worth of tight-knit vendor relationships, including award-winning caterers, floral designers and photographers. Her work has graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Brides, Glamour and The Knot. She is best known for executing events for high-profile clientele, including Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s New Orleans nuptials.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I love fostering genuine connections and bringing people together in my personal life and through the wonderful network of the industry. I live with a vision of creativity, attention to detail and for beauty in my relationships, style, and goals
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Mexico, Italy and anywhere unexpected
Favourite motivational quote: “Elegance doesn’t mean being noticed, it means being remembered” – Giorgio Armani
JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, USA
JoAnn is considered an industry veteran and is a well-known wedding planner. She has worked extensively in the Americas and Europe turning her clients’ dreams into reality. She also holds a strong grasp of the industry and shares her expertise and knowledge extensively.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I am a very nurturing individual who is extremely dedicated to my family and my craft. I love being an innovator and have a very strong work ethic that allows me to build and grow a business. My greatest strength is balancing the role of a working mom and entrepreneur which involves managing my time efficiently and being very organized
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Europe and the Caribbean
Favourite motivational quote: “Failure is not an option”
Jung Lee, Fete, USA
Jung Lee is one of the most sought-after event designers in the world, having created spectacular celebrations for a discerning roster of clients, corporate and private, since 2002. In the years since, her business acumen and passion have brought FÊTE to the forefront of the event industry.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I love having and creating unique experiences- it can be simple to grand, just needs to be well curated
Favourite destination for planning weddings: I love the world and unique locations- Kenya, Italy, France, Spain, Mexico, and all of America!
Favourite motivational quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou
Karen Tran, Karen Tran Inc, USA
Karen Tran, a celebrated floral designer, has etched her name in the world of opulent events and weddings. Renowned for her lavish and intricate floral creations, Karen Tran brings a touch of sophistication to every arrangement. With an eye for detail and a passion for design, she has become a sought-after figure in the industry.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: A passionate gardener and adventurous traveler. I am also dangerous creative in my kitchen
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Italy
Favourite motivational quote: “Life is a mountain. Your goal is to find your path, not to reach the top”
Kevin Lee, Luxury Events by Kevin Lee, USA
Having been the creative force involved in many exclusive Hollywood events and fabulous celebrity weddings, Kevin Lee is the most sought-after planner in the industry. rom grand awards shows such as the Oscar’s, Grammy’s and Emmy’s, to over the top weddings, Kevin Lee finesses each event to create a one of a kind experience. He has designed weddings and events for A-list celebrities such as Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Kim Kardashian and many more.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: As a Philanthropist
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Mexico
Favourite motivational quote: “Challenging new elements of event designs”
Lindsay Landman, Lindsay Landman Events, USA
Lindsay Landman has been producing innovative weddings and special events in New York and around the globe since 2001. She is also an experienced event industry educator and sought-after speaker, and has been named as one of the best wedding planners in the world by numerous renowned publications.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I define myself as a mother to two incredible humans, an advocate for educational equity and a wannabe author
Favourite destination for planning weddings: UK
Favourite motivational quote: “If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done”
Lisa Vorce, Lisa Vorce Co, USA
Lisa Vorce is a world-renowned celebrity event planner, receiving accolades from Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, BizBash, Martha Stewart and more. She founded her company in 2001 and since has produced luxury weddings & events from Italy to St. Barts to Vietnam and many more.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I define myself by my relationships and activities. I cherish friends, family and animals. I love to garden, bake, host dinner parties, and take walks in nature
Favourite destination for planning weddings: American West, Argentina, Portugal, Greece and Iceland
Favourite motivational quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy”
Lynn Easton, Easton Events, USA
Lynn Easton has been the force behind Easton Events, known to curate high end events. She has worked with discerning clients including individuals listed on Forbes 100, Grammy winners, Oscar winners and an array of lifestyle influencers. She has also been featured as the best planners by Vogue, Martha Stewart and others.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: We are waiting for our 11th grandchild to arrive…so I am an extremely proud grandmother
Favourite destination for planning weddings: France
Favourite motivational quote: “Work hard. Have fun. Fight nice. Hire well”
Marcy Blum, Marcy Blum Associates, USA
Marcy Blum is an internationally sought-after event planner & entertaining expert, with over 35 years of experience. She is also an author and industry speaker & educator, and has also been featured in countless publications.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: As an activist, partner, friend, fairy godmother, and eater
Favourite destination for planning weddings: France
Favourite motivational quote: “Being angry at someone is like drinking poison and hoping it kills them”
Matthew Robbins & Luis Otoya, Matthew Robbins Designs, USA
Matthew Robbins is a well known name in the wedding & event design sphere. His designs and work are a class apart, and he is also an author, speaker and contributes regularly to various publications including InStyle, New York Weddings, Martha Stewart Living and many more.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I’m an artist at heart. My first passion was making art and I went to school to study Painting alongside Art History. I still see the world through the eyes of someone who makes art
Favourite destination for planning weddings: France, Spain & Italy
Favourite motivational quote: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we will find it not” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mauricio Kirschner, House of Kirschner, Mexico
Mauricio is one of Mexico’s most sought-after wedding planners. His innate talent and unique artistic approach have earned him the reputation of a visionary trendsetter in the luxury wedding industry. He is also an excellent interior designer. With some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations located south of the border, it’s no surprise that Mauricio and his team have planned exuberant weddings in Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Punta Mita, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca, to name a few.
Mindy Weiss, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, USA
Mindy Weiss is known around the world as one of the industry’s most creative minds. Mindy produces weddings and destination weddings, corporate and celebrity events, social celebrations, and non-profit galas. She’s had the immense honor of working with some of the world’s most notable couples and clients, including Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, Russell and Nina Westbrook, and the Kardashian family.
Nikki Khan, Exquisite Events, USA
Nikki Khan has been a leading figure in the event planning industry for 20 years. From sophisticated soirees to culturally infused celebrations, Nikki ensures that all of her events are executed with the utmost professionalism, quality & unique style.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: An avid traveler, voracious reader, learning languages, gardening enthusiast and most importantly a doting Mama and Grandma of seven adorable grandchildren
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Italy, France, Spain & Greece
Favourite motivational quote: “If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down”
Roberto Cohen, Roberto Cohen Ceremonial, Brazil
Roberto Cohen is a well known wedding planner not only in Brazil but world wide. An industry veteran in The Americas, Roberto Cohen has been planning bespoke weddings across the world including several exotic destinations such as; Brazil, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, Miami, amongst others.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I define myself as someone who makes the best to make the wedding industry grow better and stronger, someone who shares my expertise and keep looking for to learn always
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Rio de Janeiro & Tuscany
Favourite motivational quote: “The ordinary never surprises me. Challenges are welcome”
Shade Fatusin, A Conceal Affair, USA
Shade has carved her niche in the wedding planning sector and is known for curating luxurious weddings. She has had the honor of working with distinguished guests, including the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, along with various dignitaries and renowned clients.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: A devoted wife and mother. A passionate creative who loves what she does and strives to redefine perfection
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Mexico, Italy, France & Dubai
Favourite motivational quote: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
Sharon Sacks, Sacks Productions, USA
Sharon is yet another industry veteran who has decades of experience creating tasteful & opulent events for a discerning and elite clientele across the globe including President Clinton, President Bush, Al Gore, Prince Andrew, Norman Lear, Alan Horn, the Kardashian family, the Olsen twins, Madonna, Ben Affleck, Pierce Brosnan, Denzel Washington, Rob Thomas, Rebecca Romijn, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Jennifer Lopez, in addition to many other luminaries.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I consider myself to be a multifaceted person that embraces life’s adventures, fosters meaningful connections, expresses creativity, and works towards both personal and professional improvement
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Italy, France, Mexico, England & British Overseas Territories
Favourite motivational quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Simone Tostes, Aonde Casar, Brazil
Simone Tostes, the director of Aonde Casar has over 15 years of experience, conducting unforgettable weddings and large scaled events. She and her team have planned destination weddings in some of the most exotic locations across the globe such as France, Italy, Chile, Portugal, Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, USA and many others.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I define myself as a creative individual who is passionate about art, literature, and lifelong learning. I also prioritize my relationships with family and friends, seeking to foster meaningful connections and contribute positively to the community around me. Additionally, I value personal growth, self-reflection, and finding balance in all aspects of life
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Italy & Portugal
Favourite motivational quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill
Sonal J Shah, Sonal J Shah Event Consultants, USA
Known as the leading South Asian planners in America, Sonal is an extremely passionate individual. She is also an author and speaks at various conferences across the globe sharing her knowledge and expertise. From the states to Bahamas to Dubai to Italy, she has planned weddings in various exotic locations across the globe.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: I define myself as a creative individual who is passionate about making unforgettable and trendsetting experiences come to life. Overall, my goal is to create exceptional and unforgettable experiences for my clients that will leave a lasting impression on them and their guests.
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Santorini, Tuscany, Paris, Amalfi Coast & Ibiza
Favourite motivational quote: “Embrace the challenges, embrace the chaos, and remember that no matter how difficult it may seem at times, you are creating moments that will be cherished forever!”
Tara Guerard, Soiree, USA
Tara Guerard has 20 years of experience in the industry. She is recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, and has earned a widespread reputation for her exceptional ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions.
How do you define yourself outside of your work: A hard-working girl who loves life, her family, and learning!
Favourite destination for planning weddings: Italy & everywhere else!
Favourite motivational quote: “Day by day!”
Please Note: The DWP Congress & DWP Insider although belong to QnA International, they are two separate entities with no dependency on one another.The DWP Powerlist is curated based on recommendations & nominations received from industry professionals coupled with certain set criterias in place laid down by the DWP Insider Executive Committee. After thorough scrutiny is when planners are listed as part of the Powerlist.
The list includes planners that may or may not have been a part of the Congress in the past because that does not form a basis for the listing criteria.The list is purely a recognition for the exceptional work of wedding planners in one particular year, not over a couple of years. Which is why the list is released annually with names that might either be repeated from the previous year or with new names making entry to the list, completely depending on what their wedding scope looked like in the given year.
Email us at powerlist@dwp-insider.com if you have suggestions to be included in the list!
